What Inspires Students to Major in a STEM Field at the Start of Postsecondary Education?

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 9:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Studies of Postsecondary Mathematics Teaching and Learning (Table 6)

Abstract

We investigated the likelihood of a student choosing to major in a STEM field at the start of their post-secondary education, using the nationally represented HSLS:09 dataset. We found that a consolidated indicator of favorability to science and math, along with science and math grades and performance on a standardized math assessment predicted significantly to the intent to major in a STEM degree. We also found that, after accounting for the variables in the model, that Hispanic and multiracial males were more likely to intend to major in STEM than White, non-Hispanic males. Amongst females, we found that White, non-Hispanic females were the least likely race to have the intent to major in STEM.

Authors

• Mark J. Fenster, Notre Dame of Maryland University

• Kristyanna A. Erickson, Notre Dame of Maryland University