Field of Study for Bachelor’s Degree Recipients
In 2021, nearly one-quarter of all bachelor’s degrees were awarded in STEM fields (23.9 percent), followed by business (19.0 percent) and other applied fields (14.6 percent). Nearly four in 10 Asian (39.4 percent) and international (37.7 percent) bachelor’s degree recipients majored in STEM fields. In contrast, fewer than 20 percent of Hispanic or Latino (19.9 percent), American Indian or Alaska Native (17.8 percent), Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander (17.1 percent), and Black or African American (15.8 percent) bachelor’s degree recipients studied in STEM fields. Nearly every student group, with the exception of international students (3.4 percent), earned more than 10 percent of its total degrees awarded in health care fields.
Report Links
Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education: 2024 Status Report
Chapter Four: Undergraduate Completion
Chapter Four Report Download (PDF) 1.9 MB
Chapter Four Data Tables Download (XLSX) 144 KB
Source
U.S. Department of Education, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, 2021
Data Notes
Data reflect bachelor’s 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 personal and consumer services; manufacturing, construction, repair and transportation; military technology and protective services; architecture; communications; public administration and human services; design and applied arts; law and legal studies; library sciences; and theology and religious vocations.
