Factors Influencing International Women Students' Choice of STEM Majors: A Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling Model

• In Event: 58.083 - Roundtable Session 26
  In Roundtable Session: 58.083-20 - Research on Women and STEM

Abstract

This study focuses on the international graduate female’s perceptions towards their choice of a STEM majors for their future career preparations and the related factors that contributed to such a choice. The study results showed that feminism was a critical factor for the international female graduate students to choose their field of study. There were 40% of the participants identifying themselves as feminists. We also found that policies and educational conditions in their home countries were influential factors on their STEM major selections. In addition, educational conditions also significantly influence their choices. The study results provided information for educators, researchers, and administrators to better understand international female's students in STEM programs at the universities in the United States.

Authors

• Shiva Jahani, University of Central Florida

• Haiyan Bai, University of Central Florida

• Matthew D. Munyon, University of Central Florida

• Mingming Zhou, University of Central Florida