A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is often considered the pinnacle of academic achievement, representing years of rigorous study, research, and contribution to a particular discipline. But how many people have PhDs actually?
You may assume less than 2% of world’s population have PhDs. Countries like the United States and Germany lead in the sheer number of PhDs awarded annually. Other regions like China and India are quickly catching up too.
This article delves into how many people have PhDs, examining not only the numbers but also the trends, facts and implications.
How Many People Have PhDs?
| Country | Annual PhDs Awarded | Percentage of Population with PhD |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 71,000 | 2% |
| China | 56,000 | – |
| Germany | 28,000 | 1.4% |
| United Kingdom | 28,000 | 2% |
| Slovenia | 400+ | 5% |
| Switzerland | – | 3% |
When you dive into the numbers, you might be surprised at how many people have PhDs. In fact, very few people hold a PhD degree. Globally, the percentage of people with a doctoral degree is still relatively small, at less than 2%.
United States
Let’s start by looking into how many people have PhDs in the US.
In the U.S., about 2% of the adult population holds a PhD, which translates to around 71,000 new PhD graduates every year.
You might think that’s a lot, but when you consider the entire population of the US (333 million), it’s a fraction.
China
If you look at other countries, the picture changes. Let’s look at China, a rising giant in the academic work. How many people have PhDs in China?
The country currently produces about 56,000 PhDs annually, mostly in STEM fields.
Despite these impressive numbers, the percentage of the population holding a doctorate is lower than in Western countries. China’s sheer size means that, per capita, the number of PhD holders isn’t as high as you might expect.
Europe – Germany, UK, Slovenia, Switzerland etc.
If you look at how many people have PhDs in Europe, it tells a different story. Germany produces around 28,000 PhDs per year, focusing on engineering and natural sciences.
About 1.4% of the German population holds a doctoral degree, which is notable given the country’s emphasis on technical fields.
The UK is similar, with 28,000 PhDs awarded annually, though the focus is broader, including humanities and social sciences.
And then there are the smaller countries, which often have the highest percentage of PhD holders.
Slovenia stands out with a whopping 5% of its population holding a doctorate, with hundreds more added yearly. It’s an outlier in a way that makes you wonder about the country’s academic culture and emphasis on education.
Switzerland follows closely with 3% of its population holding PhDs, reflecting the country’s strong research and educational systems.
PhD Holders On The Rise Since The 2000s
If you zoom out and look at the broader trends, you see that the number of people with advanced degrees is increasing, especially since 2000.
The census shows a steady rise in PhD attainment across many countries, but it’s still a path taken by a minority. Whether in life sciences, humanities, or science and engineering, PhD holders represent a highly educated slice of the population.
What’s interesting is the contrast between the number of people who earn PhDs and those who hold other advanced degrees, like master’s or professional doctorates (e.g., MDs).
While the latter are more common, the prestige and specialization of a PhD still hold significant value across the world. Many employers see the discipline, focus and effort needed to complete a PhD, and enjoys having employees with such qualities.
Demography of PhD Holders
Now that we know how many people have PhDs, you may be keen to know about how the numbers break down. Here’s a couple of interesting ways to look at the total number of PhD holders:
Gender
If you’re looking at gender, you’ll find that women now slightly outnumber men in PhD attainment in the U.S.
In 2021, there were 108,690 female PhD holders compared to 85,370 male holders.
Yet, the story shifts dramatically when you break it down by field. Men still dominate STEM fields, particularly in:
- engineering,
- computer science, and
- physical sciences.
Women, on the other hand, have a stronger presence in life sciences and health-related fields.
This pattern isn’t unique to the U.S. Globally, men are more likely to hold PhDs in countries like
- Switzerland,
- Luxembourg, and
- Germany.
Switzerland, for instance, has 4% of men holding PhDs compared to 2.5% of women.
Age
Age is another factor that shapes the demographics of PhD holders. How old are Ph.D holders on average?
The typical PhD graduate in OECD countries is around 29 years old, but you’ll often see older students in fields like education and social sciences, where life experience is valued.
These older graduates contribute to a more diverse academic workforce, particularly in countries with a growing number of non-traditional students.
Ethnicity
Ethnicity is another layer of complexity, especially in the U.S.
In the US, 60% of PhD recipients are White, while Asian Americans make up a significant portion of STEM PhD holders.
Black and Hispanic Americans are underrepresented, though efforts are underway to address this disparity. Globally, the situation is similar, with minority groups often underrepresented in advanced degree attainment.
Geography
Geographically, there’s a stark contrast in access to PhD programs. While developed nations like the U.S. and Germany produce the most PhDs, countries like India and China are rapidly catching up.
You can see this reflected in the increasing number of PhD holders across the world, particularly in STEM fields. This global trend points to a more diversified and interconnected academic landscape.
Which PhD Degrees Are More Popular?
Looking into statistics from National Science Foundation in 2022, the fields with the highest number of PhD holders continue to be concentrated in Science and Engineering (S&E) disciplines.
Specifically, the largest number of PhDs were awarded in the following fields:
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences: This field consistently produces a significant portion of PhDs, reflecting the ongoing demand for expertise in areas such as genetics, biochemistry, and medical research.
- Engineering: Engineering disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering, also see a large number of doctoral recipients. This is due to the broad applicability of engineering skills in both academia and industry.
- Health Sciences: As healthcare becomes increasingly complex and research-intensive, the number of PhDs in health sciences has grown, especially in fields like public health, nursing, and clinical sciences.
- Computer and Information Sciences: With the rise of data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, PhDs in computer science and related fields have also seen a significant increase in universities.
These fields dominate the landscape of doctoral education, driven by both the demand for advanced research and the broad applicability of skills in these areas
Is Research Doctorates More Popular, Or Professional Doctorates?
Now that we know how many people have PhDs, you may wonder if there are more professional doctorates than PhD.
When you look at the numbers, research doctorates like PhDs still dominate over professional doctorates.
In the U.S., the number of PhDs awarded each year continues to rise, especially in fields like science and engineering.
PhDs are the go-to for those who want to contribute original research, whether in:
- academia,
- research institutions, or
- industries that need deep expertise.
You see this reflected in the sheer volume of PhDs conferred annually, compared to professional doctorates.
Academic Roles Usually Require A PhD
One reason for this is the traditional role of the PhD in academia. If you want to become a professor or a researcher, a PhD is usually non-negotiable.
The academic world values original research, and a PhD proves that you can push the boundaries of knowledge in your field of study. This expectation makes research doctorates more popular among those looking to build a career in universities or research labs.
Industrial Research Roles Prefer A PhD
Another reason is the growing demand for research-based expertise across industries. Companies in tech, pharmaceuticals, and even finance increasingly seek PhD holders for their analytical skills and ability to tackle complex problems.
The number of PhD graduates has been steadily climbing to meet this demand, particularly in science and engineering, where advanced research skills are highly valued.
Professional Doctorates Are For Professionals
Professional doctorates, while growing in popularity, cater to a different crowd. Degrees like the:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA),
- Doctor of Education (EdD), and
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) are designed for working professionals.
These are people who want to advance in their careers without the heavy research focus of a PhD. While these degrees offer flexibility and practical application, they still lag behind PhDs in terms of numbers conferred annually.
Despite this, professional doctorates are on the rise. They’re increasingly appealing for their ability to blend academic rigor with real-world application, especially in fields like:
- business,
- education, and
- healthcare.
If you’re a mid-career professional looking to climb the ladder, a professional doctorate might be more aligned with your goals. But if your sights are set on academia or cutting-edge research, the PhD remains the gold standard.
PhD Holders Are A Small Percentage Of The Population
This article explores how many people have PhDs by region, field, and demographics, providing insights into global trends and the growing importance of advanced education.
The number of people holding PhDs has been steadily increasing worldwide, particularly in science and engineering fields. While countries like the U.S. and Germany lead in awarding PhDs, other regions are catching up.
PhD holders contribute significantly to academia, research, and various industries, with the degree symbolizing a high level of expertise.
