Understanding the Factors that Influence University Environment: Gender Differences in Perceptions of Female and Male STEM Graduate Students.

Author

Rachel Robinson, University of Montana, MissoulaFollow

Year of Award

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

Master of Arts (MA)

Other Degree Name/Area of Focus

Sociology, Inequality & Social Justice

Department or School/College

Sociology

Committee Chair

Mark Heirigs

Commitee Members

Jackson Bunch, Meradeth Snow

Keywords

STEM, gender, social capital, faculty interaction, university environment

Subject Categories

Sociology

Abstract

Despite increasing female representation in higher education, women remain underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. This thesis investigates gendered perceptions of university environment among STEM graduate students, focusing on the role of faculty-student interaction as a form of social capital. The survey was developed and administered with Qualtrics Online Survey Software by members of the Social Science Research Group of the Pacific Northwest Circles of Success: Mentoring Opportunities in STEM. All graduate students in the participating universities pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees in a National Science Foundation STEM recognized program were eligible to complete the survey. Using ordinary least squares regression, the study analyzes survey data to determine key predictors of perceived university environment. Faculty interaction emerges as the strongest predictor across all models with a notably higher explanatory power for female students. Age also emerged as a notable factor: older female students tended to report more negative perceptions, though this effect diminished when faculty interaction was accounted for. While race, marital status, and parenting were not significant predictors in this sample, prior research suggests they may still influence academic experiences. Findings emphasize the role of faculty relationships as a form of social capital that can foster more inclusive academic environments, particularly for women in STEM.

Recommended Citation

Robinson, Rachel, "Understanding the Factors that Influence University Environment: Gender Differences in Perceptions of Female and Male STEM Graduate Students." (2025). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 12485.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/12485