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Factors Influencing Selection of a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math Major
Sociology of Higher Education | SOCY 6090 |
Master of Arts in Sociology | Fall 2015 |
Abstract
Students select a major field of study (a major) as part of their higher educational experience. This paper will investigate the literature regarding choice of college major to determine if the research regarding students choosing to major in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields is applicable to non-STEM fields as well. What factors drive the decision to select one major over another? Gender has historically been one of the more visible social factors for students selecting a major, but other factors of stratification such as race and socioeconomic status also contribute to the way a student conceives of their academic (and career) identity.
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