The landscape of higher education in the United States has seen significant shifts over the past few decades, particularly in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) versus Humanities. These shifts reflect broader societal trends, economic demands, and changing student interests. This article explores the enrolment trends between STEM and Humanities, backed by statistics and analysis of the factors influencing these trends.
A Historical Perspective
In the mid-20th century, Humanities fields such as English, History, and Philosophy were highly popular among college students. However, since the 1980s, there has been a noticeable shift towards STEM disciplines. This trend accelerated in the 21st century, driven by the increasing demand for tech-savvy professionals and the higher earning potential associated with STEM careers.
According to data from the National Centre for Education Statistics (NCES), the percentage of bachelor’s degrees awarded in STEM fields increased from approximately 24% in 2000 to nearly 32% in 2020. In contrast, the share of degrees awarded in Humanities fields decreased from around 20% in 2000 to about 15% in 2020.
Factors Driving STEM Enrolment Growth
Economic Incentives:
The primary driver of the shift towards STEM fields is the economic incentive. STEM graduates typically enjoy higher starting salaries and more robust job prospects compared to their Humanities counterparts. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual wage for STEM occupations was $89,780 in 2020, significantly higher than the median for all occupations, which was $41,950.
Technological Advancements:
The rapid pace of technological innovation has created a growing demand for professionals skilled in areas like data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. This demand has encouraged more students to pursue degrees in STEM, as these fields are seen as future-proof and essential to the modern economy.
Policy and Educational Initiatives:
Government and educational institutions have placed a strong emphasis on STEM education. Initiatives like the STEM Education Act of 2015 and various scholarship programs have made STEM fields more accessible and attractive to students. Additionally, the focus on STEM in K-12 education has created a pipeline of students with strong backgrounds in these areas, leading to increased enrolment in related college programs.
The Decline in Humanities Enrolment
While STEM fields have flourished, Humanities disciplines have faced a steady decline in enrolment. Several factors contribute to this trend:
Perceived Lack of Job Opportunities:
One of the key reasons students shy away from Humanities is the perception that these fields offer fewer job opportunities and lower salaries. Humanities graduates often find themselves in roles that are not directly tied to their degrees, leading to a sense of underemployment.
Cultural Shifts:
There has been a cultural shift towards valuing technical and practical skills over critical thinking and creativity, which are the hallmarks of a Humanities education. This shift has influenced student choices, with many opting for fields they believe will lead to more tangible career outcomes.
Institutional Support:
Many universities have reallocated resources from Humanities departments to STEM programs, further exacerbating the decline. This reallocation is often driven by the higher tuition revenue generated by popular STEM programs and the research funding these departments attract.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
To provide a clearer picture, let’s examine some specific data points:
- Computer Science: The number of computer science degrees awarded more than doubled from 44,000 in 2010 to over 103,000 in 2020.
- Engineering: Engineering saw a 50% increase in bachelor’s degrees awarded between 2010 and 2020, rising from 79,000 to 119,000.
- English and Literature: In contrast, English and Literature degrees awarded fell by 28%, from 55,000 in 2010 to 39,000 in 2020.
- History: History degrees experienced a 34% decline, with 37,000 degrees awarded in 2010 dropping to 24,000 in 2020.
The Value of Humanities in a STEM-Driven World
Despite the declining numbers, Humanities disciplines offer skills that are increasingly recognized as valuable even in STEM fields. Critical thinking, communication, and ethical reasoning are essential in addressing complex problems and ensuring that technological advancements benefit society as a whole.
Interdisciplinary studies combining STEM and Humanities are gaining traction, with programs focusing on areas like digital humanities, bioethics, and science communication. These programs highlight the importance of a well-rounded education that prepares students for the multifaceted challenges of the modern world.
Overall Enrolment Trends
STEM Growth:
According to the National Centre for Education Statistics (NCES), STEM degrees awarded at the bachelor’s level increased by 62% from 2010 to 2020. Specifically, in 2010, there were approximately 480,000 STEM degrees awarded, which surged to over 775,000 by 2020.
Among the STEM disciplines, computer and information sciences saw the most significant growth, with a 129% increase in degrees awarded between 2010 and 2020.
Humanities Decline:
In contrast, degrees in Humanities fields saw a notable decline. For example, degrees in English Language and Literature decreased by 35%, from 55,000 in 2010 to around 35,000 in 2020.
History degrees also declined by 37%, from 37,000 in 2010 to just under 23,000 in 2020.
Total Share of Degrees:
In 2010, STEM fields accounted for about 18% of all bachelor’s degrees awarded in the U.S., which grew to 27% by 2020.
Humanities, on the other hand, saw their share of total degrees decrease from 17% in 2010 to 11% in 2020.
STEM Enrolment by Gender:
While overall STEM enrolment has increased, there are significant gender disparities. As of 2020, men received approximately 65% of all STEM degrees, while women accounted for 35%.
Within STEM, fields like Engineering and Computer Science are particularly male-dominated. For instance, in 2020, women earned only 22% of Engineering degrees and 19% of Computer Science degrees.
Humanities Enrolment by Gender:
In contrast, Humanities fields tend to have higher female enrolment. In 2020, women accounted for around 60% of all degrees in Humanities disciplines such as English, History, and Foreign Languages.
Financial Impact
Median Earnings by Major:
According to the Georgetown University Centre on Education and the Workforce, the median earnings for STEM graduates ten years after graduation are around $76,000, compared to $55,000 for Humanities graduates.
However, the income gap varies significantly depending on the specific field. For instance, Engineering graduates earn a median of $90,000, while Philosophy graduates, a Humanities field, earn around $55,000.
Student Loan Debt:
STEM graduates tend to have lower student loan default rates compared to Humanities graduates, primarily due to higher earning potential and more stable employment opportunities. The U.S. Department of Education reports that the default rate for Humanities graduates is approximately 10%, compared to 6% for STEM graduates.
Institutional Shifts
Resource Allocation:
Universities have increasingly reallocated resources to STEM programs due to their popularity and the research funding they attract. In 2020, public universities spent about 33% more on STEM departments compared to Humanities departments.
STEM programs also receive more federal research funding. In 2020, STEM fields received approximately $40 billion in federal research funding, compared to $5 billion for the Humanities.
Program Closures:
Due to declining enrolment, several universities have closed or downsized Humanities programs. A 2020 report from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences noted that over 200 Humanities programs were closed or merged with other departments between 2010 and 2020.
Regional and Institutional Variations
Regional Trends:
States with strong tech industries, such as California, Texas, and Massachusetts, have seen the most significant growth in STEM enrolment. For example, California’s public universities reported a 70% increase in STEM degrees awarded between 2010 and 2020.
Humanities enrolment has declined most sharply in regions where traditional manufacturing and blue-collar jobs have been in decline, as students gravitate towards STEM fields that promise better job prospects.
Institutional Differences:
Elite institutions like MIT and Stanford have seen their STEM programs grow exponentially, with STEM now accounting for over 50% of all degrees awarded. Conversely, smaller liberal arts colleges have maintained stronger Humanities programs, though they too have seen some decline in enrolment.
Conclusion
The shift from Humanities to STEM in U.S. higher education reflects broader economic and cultural changes. While STEM fields continue to attract more students due to their perceived practicality and financial rewards, Humanities disciplines remain vital for fostering critical thinking and ethical awareness. As the world becomes more interconnected and complex, the integration of STEM and Humanities education may offer the best path forward, ensuring that technological progress is guided by humanistic values.
The future of higher education may not be a competition between STEM and Humanities but rather a fusion of the two, creating graduates who are both technically proficient and deeply aware of the human condition.
