Gender Equity in Access to Computer Science Versus Other Majors

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 9:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 4
  In Roundtable Session: Wholeness in Who You Are While Navigating the Postsecondary Process and Beyond (Table 6)

Abstract

Computer scientists play a critical role in society and the economy, leading to more students applying for CS majors. University and departmental policies significantly impact access to CS programs and degree completion. This NSF-funded study examines equity in CS major applications and admissions, focusing on gender disparities. Analyzing data from two institutions, we find significant gender differences in CS applications and admissions, with female students less likely to apply compared to male students, unlike trends in other STEM and non-STEM majors. These disparities arise from both application behaviors and admissions processes.

Authors

• Anna E. Bargagliotti, Loyola Marymount University

• Cassandra M. Guarino, University of California - Riverside

• Yiwang Li, University of California - Riverside

• Robert Rovetti, Loyola Marymount University

• Christine Alvarado, University of California - San Diego

• Jelena Trajkovic, California State University - Long Beach

• Lisa M. Martin-Hansen, California State University - Long Beach