In 2021, U.S. institutions awarded 134,407 bachelor’s degrees, 32,270 master’s degrees, and 6,969 doctoral degrees in psychology.1
In the decade between 2012 and 2021, trends showed increases in the number of psychology degrees awarded at all degree levels that mirrored increases in all degrees awarded in all fields.2 During this decade, psychology bachelor’s degrees increased by 16%, master’s degrees increased by 17%, and doctoral degrees increased by 14%. The growth was not consistent throughout the decade for psychology degrees; year-to-year trends in the middle of the decade generally showed little to no growth.
This growth in degrees awarded will not hold if the current enrollment numbers continue: In spring 2023, higher education enrollment was lower than pre-pandemic levels.3 Anticipated future drops in higher education enrollment may result in fewer students pursuing psychology degrees. It remains to be seen how this trend will evolve and whether it represents a long-term decline or a temporary slowing, like the flat trend in the middle of the last decade.
Number of psychology degrees awarded by degree level
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