Domain Identification Model: A New Lens to Study Major and Career Decision-Making Process

• In Event: Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: Professional Identity

Abstract

Research over the last six decades resulted in identification of many cognitive and non-cognitive variables that determine students’ decisions to join, continue in or switch out of STEM majors. However, the demand-supply gap of STEM professionals has not been fully resolved.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the domain identification model as a new lens to study factors related to students’ goals intentions. The data for this study was collected from first engineering students enrolled in an introductory engineering course at a research intensive university located in southeastern US. The measurement model and structural model provided a strong fit to the data suggesting domain identification model as a viable option to study students’ career decision making process.

Authors

• Chosang Tendhar, Baylor College of Medicine

• Kusum Singh, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Brett D. Jones, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Elizabeth G. Creamer, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• Marie Christine Paretti, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University