What term denotes an increase in the lowest level of education required to enter a particular field?

The correct term for an increase in the lowest level of education required to enter a particular field is credentialism. This concept reflects the tendency in many professions and industries to require higher educational qualifications than in the past. Essentially, credentialism emphasizes the importance of formal qualifications and degrees over practical experience or skills alone.

In the context of sociology and labor markets, this phenomenon often occurs as a response to rising expectations for qualifications in a competitive job market. Employers may mandate advanced degrees or specific certifications, even for jobs that previously required less education. This can lead to various implications, such as increased barriers to entry into certain fields, the potential for educational inflation, and stratification in the workforce based on educational attainment.

Cultural transmission refers to the way cultural values, norms, and practices are passed down from one generation to another, rather than indicating changes in educational requirements. Counterculture describes a social movement or group that actively rejects and opposes the dominant cultural norms, not related to education levels required for professions. Crime pertains to actions that violate laws and social norms, which is unrelated to the educational credentials required in various fields. Thus, credentialism accurately captures the concept termed in the question.