Analysis of the Health Education Doctorate Cohort, 1983–1989

Abstract

Statistical files obtained from the National Research Council were analyzed for the purpose of developing demographic profiles of all new health education doctorates (N=639) who graduated from American colleges and universities over a seven-year period, 1983–89. The analysis yielded the following salient findings: (1) Graduation patterns of new doctorates have been relatively consistent during the past seven years. (2) In comparison with other academic disciplines, health education appears to be unique in that it attracted more females than males, a ratio of more than two to one. (3) The median age for new health education doctorates was 37, about four years older than their peers in other disciplines. (4) The majority of doctoral students were white, married, and U. S. citizens. (5) A large majority had received master's degrees prior to doctoral study. (6) Almost two-thirds of the doctorate cohort came through disciplinary tracts other than health education at the undergraduate level. (7) The median time from baccalaureate to completion of the doctorate was almost 13 years. (8) More than four-fifths of all new doctorates were produced by 20 universities. (9) The majority of new professionals planned to teach in a setting located somewhere between the eastern seaboard and the Mississippi River