National Data on Women in STEM
Women faculty members in STEM departments face a number of challenges. A recent report by the National Academies (National Academy of Science, National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine) emphasizes nationwide need for improvement.
National statistics show:
- Between 1966 and 2001, the percentage of women earning doctoral degrees in STEM fields increased from 8% to 37%. Yet, in 2001, women represented less than 21% of STEM faculty at four-year colleges and universities and were less likely than men to be tenured and to reach the highest academic ranks.
- In 2003, the percentage of female full professors in science and engineering fields was only 12%.
- In 2001, 90% of engineering department chairs and 87% of mathematics and physical science chairs at Association of American Universities schools were men.
