Women in entrepreneurship education in U.S. higher education

Abstract

Recent literature in business education acknowledges the gender gap is diminishing. This study formulated and tested four hypotheses concerning the gender gap in entrepreneurship degrees and certificates awarded in the United States between 1996 and 2008. Integrated Research findings indicate that although female students outnumbered male students in general business education, fewer female students than male students were awarded entrepreneurship degrees and certificates. Interestingly, the majority of female students who pursued entrepreneurship degrees and certificates did so through associate colleges, while a higher percentage of male students pursued entrepreneurship degrees and certificates through doctoral and research universities. The authors provide possible explanations based on theories of schooling and society.