STEM has a substantial problem with attrition rates of underrepresented groups, specifically women and students of color. However, it is unclear whether this problem is unique to certain STEM disciplines or whether these rates are similar across disciplines. This research reports on an analysis of representation, retention, and attrition in STEM disciplines among underrepresented groups in undergraduate chemistry, physics, and biology. Student registration data at the course- and degree-level was used to investigate: (1) how females and students of color are represented differently among these disciplines, (2) what the likelihoods of females and students of color are of attaining a degree in these disciplines when compared to other groups of students, (3) if the levels of representation of females and students of color has changed over time by discipline, and (4) when underrepresented students drop out of the degree programs in each discipline. Further analyses examined whether different historically underrepresented groups persist at unique rates in these disciplines. The findings show Hispanic/Latinx and Black/African American students, both female and male, disproportionately receive more grades of D, F, or W than their observed representation in the introductory courses across all disciplines. In chemistry, Multi-Race students (both female and male) and Male Hispanic students are increasing in their representation of degrees awarded over time. Finally, analysis of students who switched majors showed nearly equal proportions of students switching into a STEM degree from Non-STEM as Non-STEM degree into a STEM degree, which is consistent with recent literature.

How diverse are the STEM disciplines? Comparative study of representation, retention, and attrition of underrepresented groups in chemistry, physics, and biological sciences

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.