Science-Related Degree Attainment of Aspiring Scientists

• In Event: Exploring Academic Outcome, Personal Traits, and Health Behavior: Analytical Accessibility and Advantages of Large-Scale Databases

Abstract

This paper uses ELS:2002 to examine how varying levels of intention (planning) and action (choice) in pursuing a science-related degree affect students’ attainment by age 26. The study is guided by the Social Cognitive Career Theory that emphasizes students’ intention to pursue specific college majors and/or actual enrollment are an expression of aspirational goals, and closer the intention-action gap, more likely to attain the goal. The proposed aspiring-scientist typology is main determinant of science-related credential attainment, when controlling for socio-demographic, pre-college, and postsecondary factors. Students with high science aspirations have greater chance to complete a science-related degree. Medium aspirations lead to non-science degrees, after starting in science. Low aspirations students are more likely to attain certificate/associate degrees or be non-completers.

Authors

• Maria Adamuti-Trache, The University of Texas - Arlington

• Yi Leaf Zhang, University of Texas at Arlington