Field of Study for Associate Degree Recipients
The largest share of all associate degrees earned in 2021 were awarded in general studies and other fields (39.2 percent), followed by health care fields (17.5 percent). Over one-fifth of Black or African American students (21.8 percent) earned an associate degree in health care fields, compared with 11.7 percent of Hispanic or Latino students. About 16 percent of American Indian or Alaska Native students earned an associate degree in manufacturing, military technology, and other applied fields. In contrast, around 8 percent of international (8.2 percent) and Asian (7.5 percent) students did so. More than one in five Asian associate degree recipients (21.1 percent) majored in STEM, whereas 8.4 percent of Black or African American associate degree recipients did so. More than one in 10 Hispanic or Latino associate degree recipients (11.3 percent) studied social sciences and humanities.
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Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education: 2024 Status Report
Chapter Four: Undergraduate Completion
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Source
Source: U.S. Department of Education, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2021
Notes:
Data reflect associate degrees earned at all Title IV eligible, degree-granting institutions.
STEM fields include computer and information sciences, engineering and engineering technology, biological and physical sciences, science technology, math, and agriculture.
General studies and other programs include fields such as liberal arts and sciences, interpersonal and social skills, personal awareness and self-improvement, and multi- or interdisciplinary studies, among others.
Other applied fields in this table include the following fields of study: manufacturing, construction, repair and transportation; military technology and protective services; education; architecture; communications; public administration and human services; design and applied arts; law and legal studies; library sciences; and theology and religious vocations.
