Survey of Doctorate Recipients

The Survey of Doctorate Recipients (SDR) is a longitudinal dataset created by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) under the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), with support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Conducted biennially since 1973, it tracks individuals who earned research doctorates in science, engineering, or health (SEH) fields from U.S. institutions. The dataset contains detailed demographic, educational, and career history information, including employment status, field of study, earnings, and professional achievements, collected through fixed-panel surveys that follow recipients until age 76. Its primary purpose is to analyze trends in the SEH doctorate workforce, such as employment patterns, career progression, and demographic shifts, to inform policy and research on STEM workforce dynamics. Key features include its longitudinal design, which captures career trajectories over decades, and its comprehensive coverage of both employed and non-employed recipients (e.g., retirees or those seeking work). The SDR is unique for its biennial updates, detailed field-of-study categorizations, and public accessibility, making it a critical resource for understanding the roles of U.S.-trained doctorates in academia, industry, and government. The dataset supports analyses of workforce diversity, economic contributions, and educational outcomes, serving researchers, policymakers, and institutional planners.