The expansion of stricto sensu graduate studies in education in Brazil

Abstract

Abstract It examines the quantitative expansion of stricto sensu graduate studies in the area of education in Brazil, based on the student dimension of its programs, considering their regional differences, type of course, and legal status. The quantitative approach and the documentary research method composed the methodological design of the investigation. The sample consisted of the total number of students in the course, admitted students, and graduated students in Graduate Programs in Education (GPEs), from 2004 to 2020. The data sets referring to the students were collected in the open data repository of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES, in Portuguese). Data analysis used descriptive statistics techniques, through the R language. There was an increase in the number of students in the courses, admitted students, and graduated students in GPEs in Brazil during the investigated period. The asymmetries, although still existing, were mitigated. The North and Northeast regions are still underrepresented. The participation of the private sector is still timid, if compared to the hegemony of the public sector, even when it comes to professional master’s degrees. In 2020 there was a decrease in all indicators, characterizing an inflection in the expansion process. These results are likely to contribute to support decision-making by managers and public policy makers.