Date of Award

2025-08-01

Degree Name

Ed.D.

Department

Education

Advisor(s)

Song An

Abstract

The college student population continues to diversify, with an increase in enrollment of women, minorities, and nontraditional students. Women account for 51% of all first-time students, while the Hispanic population will contribute 78% of the new labor force between 2020-2030. Efforts in diversifying STEM pathways for nontraditional students is a low-cost option that will keep the US economically competitive worldwide. Yet the 48% of STEM enrolled students tend to leave the degree within 6 years makes it difficult to replenish the workforce. The research on STEM and degree attainment focuses on high impact practices to engage students and early exposure but there are still some unanswered questions about the experiences of students in nontraditional paths. This study aimed to explore the academic experiences and years to degree of historically underrepresented students in STEM. It additionally looks at the role of undergraduate research experiences (URE) on degree attainment between traditional and nontraditional students. This explanatory mixed methods study investigated URE participants at 2 Hispanic serving institutions in the Southwest border. Findings showed that years to degree are consistent with overall credit hours earned, except between those that graduated in ï?£ 4 years and the average of 4.5-6 years. Iterative, deductive coding and thematic analysis under Tinto's Retention Model and a Social Capital lens found overlapping themes. Participants recommended the application of personal interests and work experience to their degree, a pursuit of intellectual development, and a strong goal commitment to select a STEM degree, overcome challenges and make the most of their URE.

Language

en

Provenance

Received from ProQuest

File Size

141 p.

File Format

application/pdf

Rights Holder

Karime H. Smith

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