Current Trends in Physics Enrollment

TL;DR

This paper examines how COVID-19 and related social-economic factors have influenced physics enrollment trends in US higher education, highlighting key challenges and proposing recommendations based on APS data.

Contribution

It provides an analysis of recent social and economic impacts on physics enrollment and offers data-driven insights and recommendations for addressing current challenges.

Findings

COVID-19 significantly affected academic culture and enrollment.

Economic and health concerns shifted educational preferences.

Data from APS highlights key trends and challenges.

Abstract

We analyze the current trends in higher education and discuss its impact on physics enrollment in US institutions. The pandemic, lockdowns, unemployment, and healthcare problems have led to unique social and economic conditions. These conditions have modified the latest trends in education. COVID-19 has had great impact on the academic culture due to online teaching and learning methods. We identify some of the key factors including economic problems, changes in job market, modifications in family obligations, physical and mental health conditions, and overall insecurity and uncertainty in life. These key factors are causing a shift in educational preferences. A few recommendations are made to get out of the current dilemma. We use all the data collected by the American Physical Society statistics department [1].