Gender Differences in the Relationship between Course Failure and Bachelor Degree Completion

• In Event: 052 - Regular Session. Education and Gender: Gendered Transitions out of High School

Abstract

Researchers and policymakers have examined failure for the purpose of retaining students in the educational pipeline. It is imperative that researchers examine the relationship between course failure and degree completion to enhance our understanding of student departure and persistence in education. Relatively few studies have examined course failure in higher education through a longitudinal framework. Moreover, few studies consider whether course failure may vary by gender and course type. Using a unique restricted transcript dataset (NELS PETS:2000), the study finds that course failure is related to lower odds of completing a four year degree. Further, the study also finds evidence that this relationship is stronger among women. Surprisingly, the study found few differences for course failure between STEM and non-STEM courses and degree completion. This paper discusses possible future directions as well.

Author

• Tanya Sanabria, University of California-Irvine