A new study conducted by bio convergence company CYTENA has revealed significant shifts in higher education over the past two decades, with a particular focus on science and engineering (S&E) degrees. According to the research, Washington state experienced the largest increase in S&E degrees, with a 40.68% rise between 2000 and 2021.
The latest U.S. National Science Foundation data highlights Washington’s impressive commitment to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. In 2000, S&E degrees accounted for 32.2% of the state’s conferred degrees, slightly exceeding the national average of 31.2%. By 2021, this percentage had jumped to 45.3%, significantly surpassing the national average of 35.5%. This substantial increase of 40.7% firmly establishes Washington as a leader in S&E education in the United States.
Following Washington’s example, Nevada and Michigan secured the second and third positions with proportional increases of 40.0% and 30.0%, respectively. Interestingly, only seven states experienced a decrease in the percentage of S&E degrees conferred since 2000. This data not only indicates a growing emphasis on STEM education but also suggests a potential link between educational focus and future workforce demands.
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Overall, it appears that there is an increasing emphasis on STEM education across many states in America