What Stops Students' Ambition for a STEM-Related Major

• In Event: Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: Postsecondary Research 1

Abstract

This study examines the gap between students’ interest and attitudes towards STEM-related majors and careers during high school and matriculation to college, particularly in STEM-related majors. Research suggests that this gap is due to not a lack of interest in STEM, but a lack of realistic strategies to transform their STEM interests into future educational and occupational pathways. Students’ course-taking behavior has been recognized as one of the important factors and realistic strategies that can influence students’ pursuit of STEM-related majors. Using two data sets, ELS:2002 and data from the College Ambition Program(CAP), this study identifies the influences of course-taking behavior in math, science, and technology to understand how students can maintain their interest in STEM for the future.

Authors

• Jonghwan Lee, Michigan State University

• Justina L. Judy, Michigan State University