Abstract

This article examines the issue of female and minority progression to the science and engineering Ph.D. The research indicates that once one controls for “ability” (as measured by GRE scores, grade point averages, and National Science Foundation Graduate Fellowship panel evaluations of applicants) large sex and race differences in science and engineering degree completion rates are reduced. Ethnic differences almost vanish, although female completion rates lag slightly behind those of males. However, available evidence indicates this gender gap is narrowing. These findings contradict the notion of high female and minority attrition in science and engineering, and implies that public policy aimed at reducing perceived high attrition is likely to have only marginal success. ["JEL" I21]

Citation

Baker, J.G. Gender, race and Ph.D. completion in natural science and engineering. Economics of Education Review, 17(2), 179-188. Elsevier Ltd. Retrieved January 28, 2021 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/205848/.