According to a recent study by bio convergence company CYTENA, there has been a significant shift in higher education over the past two decades, with a particular focus on science and engineering (S&E) degrees. The research reveals that Washington state experienced the largest increase in S&E degrees, with a 40.68% rise between 2000 and 2021.
Based on the latest U.S. National Science Foundation data, the analysis 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.
The study also found that other states such as California and Texas saw an increase in STEM education but not at the same pace as Washington.
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