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

Figure G. Actual and middle alternative projected numbers for degrees conferred, by level and sex of recipient: Selected years, 1990–91 to 2015–16

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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 27 through 31.)

Between 1990–91 and 2003–04, the number and proportion of degrees awarded to women rose at all levels. In 2003–04, women earned the majority of associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees; 48 percent of doctor’s degrees; and 49 percent of first-professional degrees. Between 2003–04 and 2015–16, continued increases are expected in the number of degrees awarded to women at all levels (figure G; reference figures 24–28 and tables 27–31).

Associate’s degrees

Between 2003–04 and 2015–16, in the middle alternative projections, the number of associate’s degrees is projected to

• increase 12 percent overall;
• increase 5 percent for men; and
• increase 16 percent for women.

Bachelor’s degrees

Between 2003–04 and 2015–16, in the middle alternative projections, the number of bachelor’s degrees is projected to

• increase 22 percent overall;
• increase 14 percent for men; and
• increase 28 percent for women.

Master’s degrees

Between 2003–04 and 2015–16, in the middle alternative projections, the number of master’s degrees is projected to

• increase 35 percent overall;
• increase 28 percent for men; and
• increase 41 percent for women.

Doctor’s degrees

Between 2003–04 and 2015–16, in the middle alternative projections, the number of doctor’s degrees is projected to

• increase 21 percent overall;
• increase 12 percent for men; and
• increase 31 percent for women.

Beginning in 2013–14, women are projected to receive more doctor’s degrees than men in each set of alternative projections.

First-professional degrees

Between 2003–04 and 2015–16, in the middle alternative projections, the number of first-professional degrees is projected to

• increase 25 percent overall;
• increase 12 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.

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