2015 AAAS Annual Meeting (12-16 February 2015)

February 12 - 16, 2015

Graduate Science Education in Flux: Alternate Pathways to Science Careers

The U.S. science and technology workforce reflects changing realities in research and graduate education:  constrained federal budgets, higher student debt, uncertain career prospects, and new ways to prepare science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workers. Post-baccalaureate professional degrees have joined the Ph.D. as a credential for entry into the workforce. Innovative degree programs integrate graduate science training with subjects such as management, finance, ethics, and regulatory affairs to prepare students for a wide range of nonacademic, science-based careers. Moving beyond the “overproduction” of doctoral scientists to “improved utilization,” this symposium asks: Are there too many research-oriented scientists? How does student debt deter pursuit of advanced STEM degrees? What programs have helped to develop alternate career pathways? How do degrees other than the Ph.D. increase science workforce participation? How do career opportunities differ by gender, race, ethnicity, and disability? Which sectors and STEM disciplines are in greatest demand and why?  What new policy options should be considered? This session examines the STEM workforce landscape, addressing the questions above, and focusing especially on degree programs (e.g., Science Master's) designed as alternatives to traditional doctoral and postdoctoral training.