College Major Selection among Non-Traditional Asian Students in the U.S.

This thesis examines college major selection among non-traditional Asian students in the U.S. education system, focusing on how socioeconomic and immigration factors influence their decisions. Utilizing the 2016 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS), the research highlights a strong preference for STEM fields among non-traditional Asian students compared to traditional Asian counterparts, possibly reflecting a strategic approach informed by career goals and the intricate balance of personal ambitions and familial pressures. While the data may imply such tendencies, definitive claims regarding the motivations behind these patterns require further qualitative inquiry. Findings indicate that tailored educational policies and support systems are crucial to accommodate the unique challenges faced by this demographic. The study advocates for comprehensive support services to foster an inclusive educational environment that aligns with the diverse needs of non-traditional Asian students.

Author

• Ma, Xiaohan

Language

• en

Date created

• 2024

Type of Work

• Master's Thesis

License

• All rights reserved

Rights statement

• In Copyright

GW Unit

• Sociology

Degree

• M.A.

Advisor

• Ishizawa, Hiromi

Persistent URL

•  https://scholarspace.library.gwu.edu/etd/wp988k73q