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ERIC Number: EJ1390969
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0899 3408
EISSN: EISSN-1744-5175
Examining Women's Differential Pathways into Computer Science by BA and BS Degree Programs
Smith, Katie N.; Lapan, Julia C.
Computer Science Education, v33 n2 p237-259 2023
Background and Context: Women are severely underrepresented in computer science (CS). Understanding varied entry points into CS may promote women's participation in the field. Objective: This study identifies experiences that influenced women's matriculation into CS majors, and pathways into CS based on participants' enrollment in bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BS) degree programs. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 women completing CS bachelor's degrees at a public institution in the U.S. Findings: Findings show different entry points into CS based on whether women matriculated into the site institution's College of Engineering (pursued a BS degree) or College of Arts and Sciences (BA degree). For most, introductory CS courses were critical to choosing a CS major. BS students entered college with existing STEM interests and received early exposure to CS via curricular requirements. BA students entered CS courses and majors comparatively later, often based on social encouragement. Implications: Degree program structures and curricula influence students' exposure to CS and their major choices. Since most BA participants did not consider a CS major until their second year, flexible curricula can provide critical access for students with limited computing experience.
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A