Influences on the career accomplishments of Ph.D.'s

Six samples of Ph.D. recipients 3, 5, and 13 years after receiving the doctorate are examined for academic and personal characteristics associated with the career accomplishments of professional productivity and income. Both academic and nonacademic careers are included; the samples are professionals in chemistry, history, psychology, and the physical, biological, and social sciences. In general, the results suggest that academic ability and quality of the Ph.D. program influence job settings and responsibilities, which in turn directly influence both productivity and income. Number of years since the degree also is consistently related to both outcome measures.