Innovation Nation

The United States rose to become a global leader in scientific research in the early 20th Century. Matching the universe of ProQuest PhD recipients to the full count decennial US Censuses (1850-1940), this paper investigates how access to PhD training developed research manpower in the US during this critical period. The paper's authors use an event study design to study how the opening of PhD programs during the peak ages of graduate study affects degree receipt of people born in each state. Furthermore, they explore whether there are differential effects of the expansion of PhD programs on access for minority, immigrant, rural, and lower socioeconomic status families. The authors also study how the location and field of study of the PhD program openings affects the institution and research area of doctoral recipients.