Trends in gender parity in computer science degrees in Chile: 2004-2018

Abstract

This article analyzes gender parity in the computer science degrees that are registered in the Chilean Single Admission System (SAS). The database analysis is descriptive. The results show that 5,381 (19.2%) female students enrolled in the computer science programs in 2018. There is a 27% female enrollment in 2018 in the civil engineering degrees offered by the Universidad de Chile, the Pontificia Universidad Católica, the Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, and the Universidad de Los Andes. However, gender parity fell from 17% in 2014 to 11% in 2018 in the civil engineering degrees (computer science) offered by other Chilean universities. It is concluded that pro-equity gender programs such as those implemented by the Universidad de Chile for engineering degrees seem to be appropriate to increase female enrollment.