Sociology Degrees Awarded by Degree Level

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Note: 

Calculations of degrees awarded are based on the Higher Education General Information Survey (HEGIS) and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics. Data for PhDs awarded between 2008 and 2010 are derived from the National Science Foundation's Survey of Earned Doctorates for those years. (See Source)

The above graph shows the fluctuations in the number of Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate degrees awarded between 1966 and 2009. Across degree levels, there was a period of high growth in the number of sociology degrees awarded between the late 1960s and early 1970s. and again by the late 1980s. Bachelors degrees experienced the most dramatic fluctuations. In contrast, Masters degrees have remained fairly stable since 1966. Although the number of PhDs awarded in sociology were at their lowest in 1966 and peaked in the late 1970s, they have remained fairly stable during this time period. Despite fluctuations, the number of sociologists receiving degrees has grown substantially since 1966.

National Center for Education Statistics. 2012. The Higher Education General Information Survey (HEGIS) and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Washington, DC: Department of Education. Retrieved: February 15, 2012 (https://webcaspar.nsf.gov).

Data for PhDs awarded between 2008 and 2010: National Science Foundation. 2012. Survey of Earned Doctorates, 2008 - 2010. Arlington, VA: National Science Foundation. Retrieved: February 15, 2012 (https://webcaspar.nsf.gov).