National data on graduate enrollment in sociology and other disciplines are collected in the joint National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) Survey of Graduate Students and Postdoctorates in Science and Engineering (GSS). These data are available to the public; data between 1972 – 1993 is obtained from WebCASPAR, and 1994 and beyond from Table Builder. Values updated May 2026.
Note: Academic Discipline, Detailed (survey-specific): Sociology (1972 – 2016). Academic Discipline, Detailed (survey-specific): Sociology and population studies (2017 – ). Includes all students enrolled for a master’s or doctoral degree at a US institution, full- or part-time.
Note: Includes all students enrolled for a master’s or doctoral degree at a US institution, full- or part-time. Academic Discipline, Detailed (survey-specific): Sociology (1972 – 2016). Academic Discipline, Detailed (survey-specific): Sociology and population studies (2017 – ).
“Criminology” and “Criminal Justice and Safety Studies” are combined in this chart. To maintain historical consistency, “Political Science and Government” in this chart includes “International Relations and National Security Studies” and “Public Policy Analysis,” but excludes “Public Administration” starting from 2017, which has been eliminated as a field.
Note: Academic Discipline, Detailed (survey-specific): Sociology (1972 – 2016). Academic Discipline, Detailed (survey-specific): Sociology and population studies (2017 – ). Includes all students enrolled for a master’s or doctoral degree at a US institution, full- or part-time.