Description
The need for more STEM graduates in the workforce has been an ongoing conversation for decades; however, very little attention is spent on the differing levels of degree attainment. This study focuses on variables that predict (positively or negatively) the degree aspirations of STEM majors six years after they begin their post-secondary education at a community college. Data provided by the Beginning Post-Secondary (04/09) longitudinal study was utilized for this study with an approximate sample size of 990 students. Within the Social Cognitive Career Theory framework, 28 variables were identified and tested through descriptive analyses, crosstabulations, and a linear regression analysis. The descriptive analysis showed women and URM’s to be underrepresented in this sample. However, the regression analysis showed that being female or an URM was a significant predictor of higher degree aspirations. Other findings include age to be a negative predictor of degree aspirations along with the importance of living close to relatives. Several implications for practice result from this study’s findings including the need for intentional recruitment of women and URM’s into STEM majors.
