Physics Majors in the US: Trends and Implications

The number of undergraduate physics majors has doubled over the last 15 years, with more growth in sight. In that same time period the total number of PhDs awarded as well as those earned by domestic students has seen a similar rise. The picture is not so rosy when we look at underrepresented groups including women, and minority students. Nevertheless, we are now educating record numbers of physics students. This talk will explore some of the underlying issues, and present evidence for why some of these trends are present. Part of the discussion will include implications for physics programs. How big can programs become? What changes might be needed? What do we sacrifice, and what do we gain as a discipline? Will our new graduates get jobs? Bring your questions and thoughts to the discussion.