Dissertation
How Black males chose to major in STEM: a phenomenological study
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
Jun 2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00010596
Abstract
In this qualitative phenomenological study, the factors that can lead Black males to select a science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) college major were investigated. There is currently an underrepresentation of Black males in STEM occupations. If the factors that can lead more Black males into STEM can be understood, then strategies can be developed to introduce those factors to other Black males. In theory, this would lead to more representation of Black males in STEM. To identify the relevant factors to this population, the following research questions were addressed in this study: 1) How do Black male STEM majors describe the factors that led them to choose to major in STEM? 2) What is STEM identity for Black males majoring in STEM? Possible relevant factors were activities and experiences, like participation in summer gateway programs or developing STEM efficacy. This study was approached through the lens of critical race theory (CRT) to utilize counter-storytelling to cast doubt on certain myths regarding Black males' interaction with STEM. Eight semistructured interviews were conducted with Black males from two different institutions of higher learning. These interviews allowed the participants to tell their stories and shed light on their choices to major in STEM.
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Details
- Title
- How Black males chose to major in STEM
- Creators
- Elroy Wallace Sturdivant
- Contributors
- Kareem Edouard (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xi, 72 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991021890311604721