Ethnic Differences in the Persistence of STEM Majors

• In Event: STEM Issues Related to Race, Class, and Gender

Abstract

Arcidiacono, Aucejo, and Spenner (2012) reported in their research findings that black students were more likely than their white counterparts to switch out of natural sciences and engineering majors. They attributed this to blacks being less academically prepared to handle the rigorous demands generally required to excel in those classes. This study builds on this line of research by examining racial disparities in switching out of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) degree programs. The researchers will investigate the extent to which choosing to switch out of STEM degree programs are correlated with academic preparation. Using a logistic regression, persistence behaviors will be examined across Asian, white, Hispanic, and black students pursuing STEM majors at a large, public, Midwestern university.

Authors

• Michelle Rogers, University of Iowa

• Ah Young Shin, University of Iowa