PROCEEDINGS OF THE 17TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON RESEARCH IN UNDERGRADUATE MATHEMATICS EDUCATION
2014
Denver, Colorado
Factors Associated with the Success of Female Mathematics Doctoral Students
Page: 902
Although the gender gap in participation in undergraduate mathematics has narrowed, disparities persist at the doctoral level. Only 30 percent of recent doctoral recipients in mathematics were women (Hill, Corbett, & St. Rose, 2010). To increase retention of women in mathematics doctoral programs, it is critical to study the factors that are associated with success. A survey was distributed to 142 female mathematics professors to assess the impact of factors that could have contributed to their success. Results point to changeable factors that can be implemented to narrow the gender gap. Salient factors include persistence and dedication, strong undergraduate preparation and quality doctoral courses, and support from the doctoral advisor. Results show that gender still has an impact on the experiences of the participants, but there may be reason for optimism. Respondents who received their doctorates more recently reported less gender discrimination.