EDITORIALLY S P E A K I N G
Two recent publications by the NSF provide data on scientific manpower of interest to those who counsel students on careers. The summary data in "Scientific Manpower-1962," NSF63-31, (Government Printing Office $0.35) supply answers to often-asked questions. For example: Job openings reported for scientists, engineers, and technicians by the Ikpartment of Labor increased during 1962.. .for ehemist,~and other natural scientista, 60% or more; for engineers, 40%; and for technicihns in these fields, the demand nearly tripled. The projections indicate an increase in requirements for more than 700,000 new engineers (including replacement of losses) by 1970 in addition to the more than 800,000 engineers employed in early 1960. This rate indicates a need far about 70,000 new engineers entering the field annually, compared with projected gr;tduat,ing classes in engineering averaging about 34,000. The demand for new scientists is expected to total about 300,000 (including replacements) more than the 335,000 employed in early 1960 to meet expected needs for nearly 600,000 natural scientists by 1970. This rate indicates a need for nearly 30,000 new scientists annually, a figure which approximates the number of new science baccalaureates expected to become svailablefor such workearh year. Among fields of science, largest proportionate growth in requirements is expected for mathematicians, which may more than double in the decade. Needs far physicists, medical scientista, and biological scientists are expected to nearly double. Largest absolute growth is expected for chemists, although the projected rate of growth is slower than the over-all average.
The prospects for meeting these demands of society for trained personnel "appear generally good." The only data a t hand, of course, are numbers telling how many stndents are doing what a t present. Trends can be seen, and factors recognized, if not evaluated.
--,. I n the natural sciences (including mathematics), doctoral degrees rose 9% ta over 4300; master's degrees increased 11 yoto 11,300; bachelor-level degrees increased 7% to about 55,700. The totals of all college degrees awarded in 1961-62 increased over those for the previous year: doctorates rose 10Yo; master's ,--
8%; bachelor's and first-professional degrees ahout 5%. I n engineering, there was a 17V0 rise in doctoral candidate (9200); 8% increase in master's degree students (35,400); the total undergraduate enrollment decreased slightly, but the number of freshmen dropped by 4% to 64,700. Total graduate student enrollments in all natural sciences increased by about 6% to 60,700. Enrollments in physioal science increased less, 3% to 26,600. The NSF channeled $84 million during fiscal year 1962 into education and training programs in scientific and engineering fields. This represents an inrrease of about one third more than the amount dlorated for these purposes in the previous year.
The other publication, a formidable volume of numerical data in tables and graphs, is "Two Years After the College Degree" KSF63-26 (Government Printing Office$1.75). This report deals with the post college careers of about 40,000 students who graduated in June 1958. Over one third of the college graduates had attended graduate or professional school by 1960. The proportion of those seeking graduate degrees was highest among pre-med, philosophy, biological sciences, physics, history, and chemistry bachelor's degree holders. . .Of the degree candidates, close to 60% sought the master's degree, 12% the PhD, and 10% each law and medicine degrees. 87% of the master's degree candidates m r e women. High concentration of credits in the major field was a eharacteristic of graduates who obtained their degrees in fields where the bachelor's degree can be a professional degree (e.g., engineering). There seems to be little "waste" of those trained in fields for which there is much demand. By and large, those who majored in engineering, mathematics, the sciences, foreign languages, and health fields found employment in these areas.. . A feeling of being "overeducated" for the jab was expressed by only 20% of the resoondents, much less often bv teachers than hv ~~-~ ~" respondents in' other &mqmtions. Also "those working as scientists and research assistants in all fields least often felt "underutilized."
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The data speak clearly: scientists and engineers can feel a security based on the demands of modern life. Although there are jobs a t all levels, ample educational opportunities suggest the obligation to base a career on the highest possible degree of training and competence. The reward will he a life work both significant and satisfying.
Volume 40, Number 10, October 1963
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