Growth in STEM, but Chemistry Falls Behind
The landscape of higher education in the United States has shifted dramatically over the past two decades. More students than ever are pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). However, chemistry has not kept pace with the explosive growth seen in other disciplines. While the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded in biology and engineering nearly doubled between the late 1990s and today, chemistry registered only a modest increase of about 15%.
This trend reflects a concerning imbalance. In 1997, just over 400,000 students earned science-related bachelor’s degrees. By 2023, that figure had nearly doubled to 800,000. Yet, the portion of students choosing chemistry stagnated. Biology degrees rose from around 64,000 to nearly 131,000, while chemistry degrees climbed only from 10,891 to 12,573. The result is a decline in chemistry’s share of the growing student population.
Doctoral Studies Mirror the Undergraduate Decline
The same imbalance is visible at the doctoral level. In 2023, nearly 54,000 STEM PhDs were awarded across the United States, representing an 80% increase compared to the late 1990s. Growth was strongest in engineering and biological sciences, with doctoral awards rising 95% and 70% respectively. Physics doctorates also rose by about 45%. In contrast, chemistry PhDs increased only 40%, leaving the field with roughly 3,100 doctoral graduates in 2023.
For comparison, more than 11,900 engineering doctorates and nearly 9,000 in biological sciences were awarded that same year. The data highlights chemistry’s struggle to attract and retain students across multiple levels of higher education, even as interest in STEM more broadly continues to soar.
Factors Behind the Slow Uptake
Several explanations may help account for this trend. One factor is the perception that chemistry has fewer “frontier” discoveries compared to fields such as biology, which continues to captivate students with breakthroughs in genetics, medicine, and biotechnology. Engineering also benefits from its reputation as a more secure pathway to employment, particularly among international students who prioritize job stability.
At the same time, chemistry departments face cultural and structural challenges that may discourage potential students. Demanding lab work, lengthy experimental processes, and a perception of limited career diversity could be contributing factors. This perception contrasts with biology and engineering, which are often linked to high-profile industries such as pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and cutting-edge technology.
Another element is the broader expansion of the college population itself. While absolute numbers of chemistry graduates have remained steady or grown slightly, the rapid increase in overall enrollment means chemistry now accounts for a smaller share of all science degrees.
Implications for the Future of the Field
The stagnation in chemistry enrollment poses questions for the future of the discipline. Fewer graduates entering the field could affect the pace of innovation in industries that depend heavily on chemical expertise, from pharmaceuticals and agriculture to energy and advanced materials.
Chemistry has historically been central to some of the most transformative scientific advances, from developing modern medicines to creating new materials. If current trends continue, there may be fewer researchers to tackle future challenges such as sustainable energy, climate resilience, and the design of novel therapies.
Yet, opportunities remain. Universities and research institutions could strengthen chemistry’s appeal by linking programs more closely to contemporary issues like green chemistry, renewable energy, and materials science. Greater emphasis on interdisciplinary projects that tie chemistry to emerging fields such as nanotechnology, quantum computing, and biotechnology may also attract a new generation of students.
The data underscores a simple but urgent reality: while STEM education is expanding rapidly, chemistry risks losing ground in the competition for talent. Reversing this trend will require targeted efforts to highlight the field’s continuing relevance and its vital role in solving global challenges.