Advancing Diverse Participation in STEM Ph.D. Programs

• In Event: Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: The Experiences of Doctoral Students Across the Disciplines

Abstract

This exploratory study sought to determine application, enrollment and retention rates of different student groups which include underrepresented minority (URM), Non-URM, and international students at a land grant institution. Also explored were faculty and student attitudes and experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) doctoral programs, specifically, in regards to mentoring activities and advising practices. Institutional data collected and descriptive statistics were used to address these issues. Factors found in the literature that contribute to persistence were analyzed. Overall, this quantitative study provides insight into the challenges institutions in the Northwest region face in recruiting URM STEM students due to the low application numbers. And where faculty and students perceptions differ in regards to advising practices and mentoring activities.

Author

• Catherine Mary Johnson, Montana State University