Historic Firsts in Women's Education in the United States
- July 16, 1840 —Catherine Brewer becomes the first woman to earn a bachelor's degree, graduating from Wesleyan College in Macon, Ga.
- 1849 —Elizabeth Blackwell becomes the first woman to graduate from medical school when she finishes at the top of her class at Geneva Medical School in Geneva, N.Y.
- 1862 —Oberlin College in Ohio awards the first bachelor's degree to an African-American woman, Mary Jane Patterson.
- 1866 —Lucy Hobbs becomes the first female doctor of dental surgery when she earns her D.D.S. from the Ohio College of Dental Surgery.
- 1870 —The first woman graduates from an accredited law school when Ada Kepley receives an LL.B. from Union College of Law in Chicago.
- 1873 —The first training school for nurses, at the New England Hospital for Women and Children, graduates its first class. The first of five to enroll, Linda Richards, receives the first diploma.
- 1877 —Helen Magill becomes the first woman to earn a Ph.D. when she finishes her graduate studies in Greek at Boston University.
Reader Comments
women,s colleges
Why didn't the article about the history of women's colleges even mention Mississippi University for Women which was the FIRST publicly funded college for women in the United States?
Randolph Macon Woman's College
As a graduate of Mary Baldwin College, I enjoyed your article on women's colleges, however, I miss the mention of the accomplished women from Randolph Macon Woman's College. Although the Board of Trustees abandon their trust and allowed this precious heritage to slip away, I hope that if you choose to do another article about women's colleges and education you will remember our sister college that for 150 years contributed so many fine women to not only our society but to many cultures around the world.
Jan Durrett, current Trustee of Stephens College
Stephens College in Columbia MO since 1833 has met the changing needs of women in each era. Famous women have issued forth from numerous study fields. Outstanding faculty have inspired creative, stable, confident women to lead lives of joy and productivity. A team spirit invades the students and all who are connected with the institution on the Broadway main street 3 blocks from U of Missouri. Ambassador Jean Kirkpatrick was won of many notable graduates. The school now offers graduate degrees, and an online curriculum taught by the admirable faculty. Check it out at www.stephens.edu
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