Examining Influence of Family, Friends, and Educators on First-Year College Student Selection STEM Major Selection

Abstract

This qualitative study investigated how close social groups (family, friends, and educators; FFEs) contribute STEM major selection by undergraduate college students. Through purposeful sampling, four first-year college students at a mid-Atlantic, four-year university were surveyed to determine which group or groups students perceive contributed the greatest influence over their major selection. Interviews explored how and why students believe each social group and subgroup affected their decision. Results indicated family members (particularly mothers) play an early and sustained influence over college STEM major selection. High school educators contribute during the college application period, and college STEM professors influence STEM major persistence. Friends may offer support of STEM selection, but do not directly affect student decision. However, at different points of their educational careers, students perceive FFEs collectively contributed to their STEM major selection.