CGS Releases Comprehensive Report on PhD Career Pathways Project

CGS has released its final publication on the PhD Career Pathways project, providing the most comprehensive summary to date on findings from the project’s large, multi-institutional dataset that offers deep insights into where PhDs work, what skills they use, and how satisfied they are in their career preparation.

Initially launched in 2014, PhD Career Pathways Project has collected over 25,000 alumni responses from 75 universities, resulting in a series of research briefs and a data dashboard that explore specific issues in doctoral education and careers. The project challenges long-held myths about doctoral education—particularly the idea that most PhD graduates pursue academic careers or that non-academic paths are somehow less valuable. In reality, data show that only about a third of PhDs work in academia, with the majority contributing meaningfully to sectors like industry, government, and nonprofits.

This publication is designed to help universities better support their doctoral students through improved advising, professional development, and data-driven program enhancements. Ultimately, the project aims to inspire cross-campus collaboration that prepares PhDs for leadership across all sectors, aligning graduate education more closely with the evolving demands of today’s workforce.