Chapter 2. Higher Education in Science and Engineering

This chapter focuses on the development of human capital in Science and Engineering (S&E) through higher education. Postsecondary education provides the advanced skills needed for an educated citizenry, a competitive workforce, and—in the case of graduate-level S&E education—the research capability necessary for innovation. Indicators presented in this chapter are discussed in the context of national and global developments, including changing demographics, increasing international student mobility, and increasing global competition in higher education. The composition of the U.S. college-age population is becoming more diverse as the Asian and Hispanic shares of the population increase.