NSF pilots 4-year PhDs with industry research placements

The National Science Foundation announced a $47 million, five-year pilot program to create four-year Ph.D. degrees that include hands-on industry research placements for over 250 doctoral students nationwide. The initiative addresses a significant gap in American doctoral education, where most STEM Ph.D. graduates pursue careers in industry rather than academia, yet doctoral programs remain primarily structured for academic careers. The pilot, supported by nearly three dozen universities and private companies, aims to better prepare students for diverse career paths and strengthen U.S. science and technology leadership.