Complexifying Asian American Student Pathways to STEM Majors: Differences by Subgroup and College Selectivity

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 1
  In Poster Session: Division J Poster Session: College Student Access

Abstract

Prior literature has construed Asian Americans as an “overrepresented” group in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields but has not investigated the diverse experiences and outcomes of specific populations within the Asian American student group. Using a nationally representative dataset, High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09), this study examines Asian American students’ diverse pathways of entrance into STEM majors by college selectivity. Results show different patterns of STEM major selection among Asian ethnic subgroups that are not uniformly applied to all types of college selectivity. Analyses further reveal that disparities of STEM major selection among Asian ethnic subgroups can be partially but not fully explained by math-related socio-psychological characteristics and high school math achievement.

Authors

• chungseo kang, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Hyunmyung Jo, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Lois Weis, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Seong Won Han, University at Buffalo - SUNY