The Next Generation of Innovators: Examining Differences Between Humanities and STEM Students

• In Event: Focus on STEM

Abstract

Some scholars speculate that humanities education, as compared to STEM education, may be better able to provide students with the most in-demand 21st century workplace skill: innovation. Due to the lack of empirical research on this topic, this study compares humanities and STEM students’ college gains in innovation and the academic factors that contribute to it. Findings suggest that humanities students have greater college gains in innovation and but also that certain academic factors may be especially beneficial for STEM students in contributing to their development of innovation at the end of college.

Author

• Tiffany Lee Tsang, University of California - Los Angeles