A Decline in Math Enrollments at Saxony-Anhalt Universities: Fewer Students, Particularly Women, Choosing this Field
Decreasing University Enrollment in Mathematics Courses - Decreased Enrollment in Post-Secondary Education Institutions
Things aren't adding up at Saxony-Anhalt's higher education institutions, as the number of students opting for mathematics as their major has nose-dived. The State Statistical Office has revealed this surprising trend, which also includes a decrease in the number of female students pursuing mathematics.
In the upcoming winter semester 2023/24, students majoring in mathematics will account for a paltry 0.7% of the total student population. A total of 337 out of 56,631 students will be enrolled, which represents a 30-student drop compared to two years ago.
The gender divide in this subject is also stark: in 2023/24, only one-third of the 337 mathematics students will be women, totaling 113 individuals. In contrast, two years ago, there were 139 women enrolled.
While the overall proportion of women at state universities is slightly higher—at 50.8% according to the statistical office—it's clear that mathematics isn't attracting as many female students as other subjects.
The community policy at Saxony-Anhalt's universities could consider strategies to incentivize more students, particularly women, to pursue mathematics as a major, due to a decreased average of 337 mathematics students enrolling in the upcoming winter semester 2023/24, representing a drop from 360 two years ago. Vocational training programs focusing on mathematics might also be beneficial for attracting more students to this field, as the current statistics show a trends of fewer students choosing mathematics. By offering vocational training in mathematics, universities in Anhalt could potentially increase the interest in this subject among students and potentially balance the gender divide, as only one-third of the mathematics students in 2023/24 are expected to be women.
