Final answer:
Boston University was the first institution to award a woman a doctorate degree. Margaret Floy Washburn was the historical figure who broke this barrier in the field of psychology.
Step-by-step explanation:
Boston University was the first to grant a woman a doctorate degree. Specifically, Margaret Floy Washburn was the first woman to earn a doctorate degree in psychology, marking a significant milestone in the history of higher education and demonstrating the university's progressive stance on women's education at the time.
She achieved this milestone in 1894, paving the way for more women to pursue higher education and careers in academia.
This achievement underscores the evolution of academic opportunities for women, which have expanded over time to encompass all areas of study, including psychology, business, management, law, and medicine.
Achieving a doctorate degree, such as a PhD in psychology, reflects a high level of expertise and is typically required for positions like a psychology professor at a four-year college.