Figure 7.7. Percentage of master's and doctoral degrees conferred in total and to American Indians/Alaska Natives by degree-granting institutions in the most popular fields of study: 2002-03

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, Digest of Education Statistics, 2004 (forthcoming), based on Integrated Postsecondary Data System (IPEDS), Fall 2003.

In the 2002-03 school year, 34 percent of American Indian/Alaska Native master's degree recipients studied education and 19 percent studied business. These two fields were also the most frequently studied for the general population, with 29 percent of the master's degrees being awarded for education and 25 percent for business in the general population.

In 2002-03, American Indians/Alaska Natives earning doctoral degrees were most likely to earn their degrees in education, psychology, and social sciences and history. Twenty-five percent earned their degrees in education, 20 percent in psychology, and 13 percent in social sciences and history. As compared with graduates in general, American Indians/Alaska Natives were more likely to earn degrees in education, psychology, and social science and history. Doctoral degree earners in the general population were more likely than American Indian/Alaska Native doctoral degree earners to study engineering, physical sciences, or biological and biomedical sciences.

View Table 7.7