Sex Differences in Choice of College Science Majors

Abstract

The process of choosing a scientific major was examined in a nationally representative sample of male and female college students of above-average ability. Science majoring was predicted by different constellations of factors for male and female students. Women who were attending a 4-year college, who reported having been influenced by high school teachers and guidance counselors in making plans for college, and who placed a high priority upon aspects of their future family and personal lives were less likely to major in science than their female peers. High socioeconomic status, positive assessments of their high schools, and attending a 4-year college predicted science majoring for men.