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Date of Award

Spring 2021

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Major

Educational studies

First Advisor

Jia-Hui Stefanie Wong

Abstract

In this quantitative research paper, I focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) persistence in community colleges and four-year colleges. Specifically, the research question is: What are factors that influence students’ completion of STEM degrees, comparing community colleges and four-year colleges? I use logistic regression to analyze data from National Center for Education Statistics. Data are from a six-year survey: Beginning Postsecondary Students: 2004-2009. As a result, I found that for community college students, receiving Pell Grants, a need-based financial aid, has positive effect on students’ STEM completion. I cannot simply conclude being male has positive effects on community students. Also, I found that we make assumptions about who finishes STEM are based on analyses of bachelor’s degree students. For four-year colleges, Male and Asian students are more likely to complete STEM. Working has a little negative effect on completing STEM. If students’ parents have Master’s and higher degree, they are more likely to complete as STEM If students failed or withdrawn STEM courses in the first year, they are less likely to complete.

Comments

Senior thesis completed at Trinity College, Hartford CT for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies.

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