In the 2023-2024 academic year, women in Oklahoma earned approximately 61% of all degrees and certificates awarded at public higher education institutions, while men accounted for 39%. This trend is evident across all seven degree categories, with notable disparities in the attainment of certificates, associate degrees, and master’s degrees. Doctoral degrees reflected the smallest gender gap.
Recent Trends in Degree Attainment
Over the past five years, the number of women receiving graduate and doctoral degrees has risen by 27% and 41%, respectively, while the growth rates for men in these categories were significantly lower at 14% and 2%. This pattern corresponds with national trends; during the 2021-2022 academic year, women earned 59% of associate degrees and 63% of bachelor’s degrees.
Fields of Study
A report from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education identified business and management, health professions, and education as the primary fields of study for degree attainment this year.
Implications of Findings
The findings point to a concerning widening of the gender gap in education, highlighting the importance of continued focus on the factors contributing to these trends.
(Source: KGOU)