Geoscience Currents #17 discusses the link between geoscience degree completion rates and current events. A common assertion is that the number of geoscience degrees granted is dependent on the price of oil. However, this metric requires a response lag greater than oil price change velocity. A more responsive mechanism would likely be the rate of degree completion – that students would be incentivized to complete their geoscience degree by improved economic prospects. Degree completion rates do show sensitivity to current events. Read more about this geoscience data snapshot on the Geoscience Currents page.