Women in Mathematics

You may have heard sexist statements concerning the ability of women to excel in math. Some women may even believe that because they are female, they are unable to do well in math. Efforts have been made to overcome this negative thinking. How well is it working? Let's look at the data below.

In which year were there the most graduates in mathematics?
Would you have expected that? What event(s) influenced the dramatic increase in graduates?

In which year were there the most women with bachelor degrees in math?
What percentage of the graduate population did that represent?
In what year was the percentage of women the greatest for the Bachelor's degree?
for the Master's degree? for the Doctor's degree?

Consider the statement, "Mathematics is no longer just a male profession." Does the data reflect that? Is there more effort needed to encourage women in mathematics?

Look on the Internet and/or in journals for programs, grants/scholarships, and articles pertaining to women in mathematics.