US Doctoral Study to Early Career

Abstract

The US doctoral education systems are the most competitive systems in the world and attract global talents since WWII. This chapter provides an overview of the historial development of doctoral education in the US, the factors that have contributed to the strengths of the current system, demographic trends, as well as changes in the fields of study. However, US doctoral education is also challenged by many factors including reduced funding for doctoral students and political barriers for international students.