Section 4. Degrees Conferred: Degrees, by Level of Degree and Sex of Recipient

Between 1988–89 and 2002–03, the number and proportion of degrees awarded to women rose at all levels. In 2002–03, women earned the majority of associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees; 47 percent of doctor’s degrees; and 48 percent of first-professional degrees. Between 2002–03 and 2013–14, continued increases are expected in the number of degrees awarded to women at all levels (figure G; reference figures 24–28 and tables 26–30).

Figure G. Actual and middle alternative projected numbers for degrees conferred, by level and sex of recipient: Selected years, 1988–89 to 2013–14

NOTE: Detail may not sum to totals because of rounding.
SOURCE: U.S. Dept. of Education, NCES: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), “Completions Survey,” various years; and Degrees Conferred Model. (See reference tables 26 through 30.)

Associate’s degrees

Between 2002–03 and 2013–14, in the middle alternative projections, the number of associate’s degrees is projected to

• increase 16 percent overall;
• increase 9 percent for men; and
• increase 21 percent for women.

Bachelor’s degrees

Between 2002–03 and 2013–14, in the middle alternative projections, the number of bachelor’s degrees is projected to

• increase 17 percent overall;
• increase 10 percent for men; and
• increase 22 percent for women.

Master’s degrees

Between 2002–03 and 2013–14, in the middle alternative projections, the number of master’s degrees is projected to

• increase 35 percent overall;
• increase 30 percent for men; and
• increase 39 percent for women.

Doctor’s degrees

Between 2002–03 and 2013–14, in the middle alternative projections, the number of doctor’s degrees is projected to

• increase 19 percent overall;
• increase 12 percent for men; and
• increase 28 percent for women.

In each set of alternative projections, women are projected to receive at least as many doctor’s degrees as men in 2012–13, and are projected to receive more doctor’s degrees than men in the following year.

First-professional degrees

Between 2002–03 and 2013–14, in the middle alternative projections, the number of first-professional degrees is projected to

• increase 25 percent overall;
• increase 13 percent for men; and
• increase 38 percent for women.

Beginning in 2004–05, women are projected to receive more first professional degrees than men in each set of alternative projections.