Abstract

In the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), there is often a lack of diversity, whether that is across ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic statuses. This Independent Study uses the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09) dataset to analyze a nationally representative sample of 23,503 students across the United States. Using this dataset, inspired by Ta-Yang Hsieh and Sandra Simpkins’ work, we look to identify factors that influence students pursuing STEM degrees and occupations, and which influence students pursuing further education beyond high school.

Using Exploratory Data Analysis, logistic regressions, and multinomial logistic regressions, this Independent Study highlights parental education and occupation, locale, and household income as critical factors. The findings confirm that students are positively influenced into fields of STEM not only by parents in STEM fields but also by parents with higher educational attainment. Locations like urban areas are linked to better post-secondary access, likely due to more exposure and proximity to colleges. In contrast, the rural areas faced challenges, especially in STEM exposure, due to limited resource access.

This work emphasizes the importance of targeted and personalized support, especially for specific students or areas with resource-limited backgrounds. These findings can be used to implement and improve academic and career counseling, mentor programs, and outreach programs by recruiters to foster a more inclusive and diverse field of work and study.

Advisor

Kelvey, Robert

Department

Education; Mathematics

Disciplines

Adult and Continuing Education | Higher Education and Teaching | Longitudinal Data Analysis and Time Series | Other Applied Mathematics | Other Education | Secondary Education | Statistical Methodology

Keywords

Education, STEM Education, Post-secondary Education, Logistic Regression, Multinomial Logistic Regression, Longitudinal Study

Publication Date

2025

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

Download

Share

COinS
 

© Copyright 2025 Matthew Russell Baumiller