2019 acs graduate Student Survey Report

5. Future Directions
The 2019 ACS Graduate Student Survey provided a snapshot of what is working and what is not
in graduate education in the chemical sciences in 2019. The results encourage more in-depth
exploration of several topic areas. Between 2013 and 2018, on average, 45% of all graduate
students in chemistry were masters’ degree students.
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However, only 9% of survey respondents
were from this group. Thus, further research is needed to develop a better understanding of the
state of the master’s degree students in the chemical sciences. Although graduate students rated
themselves highly for all core competencies, it is unclear what salient standard (if any) they are
measuring themselves against, as well as whether the definition and meaning of each competen-
cy are well understood. Future studies that could help elucidate this issue would include factor-
ing in the perspectives of research advisors and other mentors; in addition, they would probe
the new perspectives gained by students who have recently joined the workforce along with, if
possible, the views of their first employers. To help develop appropriate support mechanisms
for funders, departments, universities, and the American Chemical Society, additional research
ought to examine the motivation for, expected impact of, and perceived barriers to professional
development experiences that would enhance graduate education, such as internships or re-
search, teaching, or service experiences abroad.
One concerning trend among doctoral degree students is that, in comparison to 2013 survey 
data, 10% fewer indicated that they would “definitely complete” their degree. It is critical to under-
stand the factors that impact doctoral degree completion.
A concerted effort needs to be made by stakeholders (including faculty advisors, graduate stu-
dent leaders, ca reer practitioners, administrators, staff, and associations) to change from the 
current and limited culture of disseminating career and professional development information to 
graduate students. The current culture embodies an environment where research advisors are 
the main conduit of career information and mentorship and where academic careers are often 
viewed as the main route for graduate students to lead successful and productive lives. A cultural 
shift is needed where different career areas for STEM Ph.D.s are valued and where graduate 
students have the chance to explore them through a variety of mentors and methods and so gain 
agency over their career. The objective would be to prioritize the needs of the next generation of 
graduate students and their ability to meet the demands of the ever-changing environment which 
they now face.
The data gathered through this survey should serve as a catalyst for conversations among 
the numerous stakeholders that impact and are impacted by graduate education in the United 
States. Listening to the voices of the graduate students is essential if we are to attract and retain 
talented colleagues in the chemical sciences.

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