The Influence of Applied STEM Coursework in High School on Choosing a STEM Major in College

• In Event: Roundtable Session 28
  In Roundtable Session: STEM: Educational Opportunities and Outcomes

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between applied STEM coursetaking in high school and selection of college major. Using longitudinal data (ELS:2002), this study tests the effect of enrolling in applied STEM courses conditional on pipeline placement in traditional academic math courses, with the former emphasizing the application of concepts taught in the latter to specific occupational settings. Fixed effects regression analyses reveal that applied STEM courses have a statistically significant effect on the selection of a STEM college major for 4-year students. Applied STEM coursetaking is highly predictive of applied STEM college majors – i.e., technology and engineering. The results are not significant for 2-year college students. Implications are discussed.

Authors

• Michael A. Gottfried, University of California - Santa Barbara

• Robert Bozick, RAND Corporation