Press Release 04-104
Science and Engineering Jobs – Not Just for Those with Four-Year Degrees

August 13, 2004

Arlington, VA—The science and engineering (S&E) workforce of the United States depends heavily on graduates with at least a four-year college education. However, individuals employed in S&E occupations with less than a bachelor’s degree account for more than one-fifth of those employed in S&E occupations.

These S&E workers, more than 1 million people, hold high school diplomas (5 percent of the S&E workforce) or associate’s degrees (17 percent). These data, from the April 2003 "Current Population Survey," are available in a new report issued by the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Division of Science Resources Statistics.

The proportions of individuals with less than bachelor’s degrees vary by occupational groups. High school diploma and associate’s degree holders comprise approximately 40 percent of those employed in computer and math science and 20 percent of those employed in engineering. The proportions are much smaller (10 percent or less) for occupations in the life, physical and social sciences.

Demographic characteristics provide yet another view of the S&E workforce with high school diplomas or associate’s degrees. Men and women are represented in about the same proportions – slightly more than one-fifth each of the men and women employed in S&E have less than a bachelor’s degree.

However, proportions of racial or ethnic groups with less than a bachelor’s degree range from 6 percent for Asian-Pacific Islanders to 34 percent for blacks and 37 percent for Hispanics.

-NSF-

Media Contacts
Elizabeth Malone, NSF (703) 292-7732 emalone@nsf.gov

Program Contacts
John Tsapogas, NSF (703) 292-7799 jtsapoga@nsf.gov

Related Websites
The new NSF report is available at: http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/srs/infbrief/nsf04333/
More than One-fifth of All Individuals Employed in Science and Engineering Occupations Have Less than a Bachelor's Degree Education: http://www.nsf.gov/sbe/srs/infbrief/nsf04333/

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2009, its budget is $9.5 billion, which includes $3.0 billion provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to over 1,900 universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives about 44,400 competitive requests for funding, and makes over 11,500 new funding awards. NSF also awards over $400 million in professional and service contracts yearly.

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