Asian-American students were concentrated in the physical and life sciences and engineering, whereas members of other minority groups tended to be concentrated in education and the social sciences. In fields where the percentages of women or minorities are small, such as engineering and physics, doctorate awards are declining due to a decrease in recipients from Asian countries. China was the leading country of origin for foreign students with 2,408 doctorates. The typical Ph.D. recipient is 33 years old and has spent about seven years seeking the degree. About half of U.S. citizens with Ph.D.s planned to enter academic employment after graduation.
People also seek a Ph.D. for other reasons, simply because of a love of learning.