Patterns of Persistence in Intended College Major with a Focus on STEM Majors

Abstract

In this study, we examined patterns of persisting in and switching from an intended college major (chosen in high school)

STEM attrition among high-performing college students: Scope and potential causes

“…A signifcant proporton of high-performing students switched to health science majors, indicatng that lucratve careers in health may draw top students into these felds as shown in early research (Betnger, 2010;Shaw & Barbut, 2010).…”

“…For example, the feld of biology/life sciences ofen atracts more female students than do "hard" sciences such as physics, engineering, and computer sciences (Natonal Science Board, 2012). In additon, atriton rates and the factors that afect students' departure decisions may vary across STEM felds (Kokkelenberg & Sinha, 2010;Ost, 2010;Rask, 2010;Shaw & Barbut, 2010). While it is ideal to diferentate specifc STEM felds, such an analysis is not feasible in this study due to the small number of high-performing students provided in BPS:04/09.…”

“…those who are the frst members of their families to atend college), and those from low-income backgrounds leave STEM felds at higher rates than do their counterparts (Anderson & Kim, 2006;Grifth, 2010;Hill, Corbet & Rose, 2010;Kokkelenberg & Sinha, 2010;Shaw & Barbut, 2010). In additon, STEM atriton occurs more frequently among students with weaker academic backgrounds (LeBeau, Harwell, Monson, Dupuis, Medhanie & Post, 2012;Méndez, Buskirk, Lohr & Haag, 2008;Whalen & Shelley, 2010).…”

“…Such factors include inadequate academic advising, career counseling, and insttuton support; feelings of isolaton in STEM felds because too few peers pursue STEM degrees and too few role models and mentors are available (mainly pertnent to women and underrepresented minorites); distaste for the compettve climate in STEM departments (women especially); perceived discriminaton on the basis of sex and/or race/ethnicity in the STEM workforce; and atracton of lucratve careers such as health care and business (Betnger, 2010;Carrell, Page & West, 2010;Chang, Eagan, Lin & Hurtado, 2011;Daempfe, 2003;Eagan, Herrera, Garibay, Hurtado & Chang, 2011;Espinosa, 2011;Fouad et al, 2010;Gayles & Ampaw, 2014;Price, 2010;Shaw & Barbut, 2010). These contextual and climate factors are now considered as areas worthy of investgaton for explaining the departure of students (especially women and minorites) from STEM felds, although these data are rarely collected by natonal surveys.…”

Investigating the Impact of an Outreach Activity on High School Students’ Attitude Towards STEM Disciplines

“…Clear differences in persistence within STEM fields vary by gender, parental income, first generation college student status, and ethnicity, with the largest factor being ethnicity 3 . Additionally, STEM college major persistence is affected by factors such as high school performance in math and science, placement exams in STEM, desire to obtain a Ph.D., and a positive self-efficacy about STEM fields 3 . While it is difficult to quantify student engagement, interest, and self-efficacy in STEM fields, these efforts are critical to understanding how individuals persist in or leave from the STEM discipline 2 .…”