About the Bridge Program

Creating pathways to physics Ph.D.s for students from backgrounds traditionally not well-represented in the field

Bridge Program goals

The Bridge Program's goals are to:

  • Increase physics Ph.D. attainment for students from all backgrounds to ensure the field benefits from varied perspectives and talents
  • Foster widespread adoption of inclusive practices in physics graduate programs to benefit all students
  • Build knowledge of inclusive practices and institutional change strategies
  • Ensure all students receive support from educational careers to professional employment through partnerships with aligned programs and organizations

Statistics on underrepresented groups in physics

APS tracks statistics on physics education, including degrees earned by students from various backgrounds. The Bridge Program and other APS initiatives seek to broaden participation in physics and related fields.

Bachelor's degrees awarded to underrepresented groups

Underrepresented groups now make up about a third of the college-age U.S. citizens, yet physics graduates less than 12% of bachelor physics degrees to all of these groups combined.

Master's degrees awarded to underrepresented groups

There are opportunities to assist physics students from all backgrounds in furthering their education to Master's degrees.

Doctorate degrees awarded to underrepresented groups

Only about 6% of Ph.D.s in physics are granted to underrepresented groups.

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