At least 40% of the students who begin a doctoral program fail to complete it. This remarkable fact is one of the hidden flaws of a system usually touted as the crown jewel of the American higher education system. American graduate education is generally regarded as the best in the world, and yet, at the turn of the century, many researchers, administrators, government agencies, foundations, professional associations, and other interested parties are casting critical eyes on graduate education in an effort to understand the ways in which the inherited system does and does not continue to function effectively (e.g., Association of American Universities, 1998; Committee on Science Engineering and Public Policy, 1995, 1996; Golde & Dore, 2001; Modern Language Association, 1998; National Institute for Science Education, 1998, National Science Board [NSB], 1997). This paper explores the role of the department and discipline in doctoral student attrition. (Contains 6 notes.)