UofM Department of Philosophy Graduates Highest Percentage of Women PhDs

June 3, 2016 - The University of Memphis Department of Philosophy graduates the highest percentage of women PhDs in the country, according to a recent study. From 2004-2014, 64 percent of philosophy doctorates earned at the UofM were awarded to women.

Other schools that graduated more women than men during this period were Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Institute of Integral Studies, University of Oregon, University of New Mexico and University of Minnesota. The study was conducted by Dr. Carolyn Dicey Jennings, assistant professor of philosophy and cognitive science at the University of California, Merced, and published online at New APPS. Jennings studied data from 86 graduate programs in philosophy.

This is not the first time the UofM Department of Philosophy has been recognized for its efforts to help diversify the field of philosophy. A 2014 study published in the journal Critical Philosophies of Race found that the UofM graduated more African-American PhDs than any other graduate program in the United States – ahead of Stanford, Yale, Harvard and Pittsburgh.

While philosophy is often regarded as a field dominated by white men, the UofM has long been committed to attracting and graduating a more representative group of students. That diversity extends to the faculty as well. "We work hard to create an intellectual environment in which all voices are heard and respected, and this effort is reflected in the demographic profile and scholarly interests of faculty and students alike," said Stephan Blatti, chair and associate professor of philosophy. "We strive for diversity in areas of inquiry that are systematically underrepresented and understudied, including issues of race and gender."

UofM Provost Karen Weddle-West added, "The Department of Philosophy continues to break records, generate new scholarship and chart new paths of excellence and access for all."

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Gabrielle Maxey
901.678.2135
gmaxey@memphis.edu