Work in Progress: Status and Experiences of Minority Doctoral Students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Disciplines

Abstract

This study seeks to determine key factors influencing career choices and experiences of minority doctoral students in STEM disciplines. Special attention is given to factors influencing decisions leading to the professoriate. While much research has been done on STEM intervention programs for minority students in grades K-12 and undergraduates, little research is available for successful practices in minority STEM doctoral education. Questions studied include: 1) what factors influence minority students' decisions to pursue graduate study in STEM, 2) what factors influence doctoral students' decisions to select the STEM professoriate as a career, and 3) what patterns exist in the experiences of minority doctoral students in STEM disciplines, with particular attention to engineering fields? Focus groups and interviews with STEM undergraduate students, doctoral students, and recent doctoral alumni were conducted to understand their experiences before, during, and after graduate school. Current work includes an online survey of STEM doctoral students to obtain information about experiences from a large number of students, and analysis of baccalaureate origins of engineering doctorates. Results will be used to determine best practices and improve policy recommendations