Current Issues

PhD programs originated from the medieval universities established in Italy, France, and England in the late 11th and 12th centuries. Originally designed for the study of the arts, law, medicine, and theology, the goal of these institutions was to advance human knowledge on intellectual topics.

These universities continued to evolve throughout the Renaissance (14th-17th centuries) and Age of Enlightenment (17th-18th centuries). As a result of rapid globalization fueling innovation among academics and professionals, PhD programs developed a focus in the scientific method along with newfound interests in the natural and social sciences we know today.

Throughout these years, the issue of diversity was rarely questioned among academia. As seen from the image above, a meeting of doctors, academia was wholly dominated by white, male Europeans (and later on Americans). Diversity among PhD programs today, despite being a focus for many established institutions, remains one of the most debated topics within academia.

The idea of affirmative action, which originated in the United States, embodies the idea of an active participation of the population in promoting equality in the workforce. Although the phrase has legal implications in the professional and academic sectors, the overall idea can be applied to the promoting equality specifically among PhD candidates. This article will present findings from studies revealing the status quo of diversity in higher education, resources for the advancement of diversity, and news items covering recent developments in the field today.

Resources

  • PhD Completion Rates by Demographics

    Study conducted by the Council of Graduate Schools. Analyzed the effects of gender, race, and citizenship on graduation rates. Concluded that each variable contributed significantly to the graduation rates of PhDs.

  • Board on Higher Education and Workforce

    National Research Council’s assessment of research-doctorate programs. Released in 2010, this report contains a comprehensive set of data covering a variety of metrics on doctorate programs including diversity of faculty and students.

  • Science and Engineering Indicators

    Specifically covering the subjects of science and engineering in graduate programs. Outlines enrollment in PhD programs by gender, race, and citizenship.

  • Who Produces Black PhDs?

    An analysis between the correlation between predominantly-black undergraduate universities producing an increasing amount of black PhD holders down the road. Dives into structural differences of historically-black universities which have allowed them to produce an increasing number of PhDs.

  • Recent Doctoral Degrees Awards to African Americans

    In 2004, 1869 PhDs were awarded to African Americans, the highest in history. Findings show a severe lack of African Americans specializing in several important science and engineering fields.

  • The PhD Project

    Association for minority business doctoral students. Includes helpful resources and networking opportunities for minority business students.

  • Minority B-School Faculty Growing

    Measures the effects of the PhD Project’s influence on the amount of minority business school faculty. Although Hispanic and Black PhD professors are still underrepresented, Asians hold a significant amount of positions given their share of the US population.

  • Doctorate Recipients from US Universities 2009

    National Science Foundation’s annual study on the demographics of PhD programs. Includes infographics demonstrating different measures of diversity among PhD programs.

  • Results from the Survey of Earned Doctorates

    Overall, the number of doctorate degrees have increased in recent years. The survey looks at individual demographics in terms of PhDs earned.

  • US Doctorates in the 20th Century

    Historical analysis of PhDs conducted by the National Science Foundation. Overview of the changes in diversity over the history of PhD programs in the United States.

  • National Black Graduate School Association

    Aims to “improving the status of blacks in higher education”. An association which provides networking opportunities and advice for blacks looking to obtain graduate degrees.

  • Commission on the Future of Graduate Education

    A 2010 report covering a wide range of issues regarding the future of graduate programs. Looks at a number of structural problems including demographics and policy issues.

  • Broadening Participation in Gradate Education

    A report on methods of increasing the participation from different demographic groups in higher education. Offers structural and policy recommendations for improving the overall competitiveness of US’s higher education system.

  • The Daily Princetonian

    Princeton’s graduate program consisted of only 6% of minorities. To help minorities become more represented at Princeton, the Office of Diversity has been combating the negative connotations associated with Princeton’s historical lack of diversity.

  • Men: a Growing Minority?

    According to the American Psychological Association, women outnumber men three to one in terms of psychology PhDs. Reflects on the potential issues of such a gender-imbalanced field of expertise.