An analysis of gender differences in public administration doctoral dissertation research

Using data provided in ProQuest: Dissertations and Theses: Global (PQDTGlobal) database from 1890 to 2016, in this study we explore gender differences in historical and contemporary trends in public administration doctoral dissertation research in the United States. Our analysis reveals that not only has the number of women completing doctoral dissertations in public administration increased throughout the years but gender differences also exist relating to the subject matter that public administration doctoral students have focused on in their dissertations. Moreover, we find gender differences in the types of institutions (public, nonprofit, or for-profit) where public administration doctoral students receive their degrees.