Geoscience Currents 57 Examines Engagement Factors of U.S. Geoscience Majors

Alexandria, VA — The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) conducted a follow-up study to research conducted by Houlton in the Geoscience Currents series that examines the various pathways taken by undergraduate geoscience majors when deciding to concentrate in the Earth sciences. Conducted in late 2011, the new follow-up study featured in Geoscience Currents 57 utilizes data from 13 of the original 17 participants and discusses the similarities and differences between population groups in the context of their changing pathways. As part of the new Geoscience Academic Provenance Series, data also identify a new population group and assess students’ intrinsic motivations for pursuing various geoscience pathways.

A copy of Geoscience Currents 57 can be found online and downloaded from http://www.agiweb.org/workforce/currents.html.

Stay tuned for Geoscience Currents 58 and 59 as a part of this continuing series.

Geoscience Currents are quick snapshots of data released by AGI on the status of the geoscience workforce. The Currents also represent data collaborations with other societies, employers, and professionals. Topics for these reports are inspired by inquiries from geoscience community leaders. Interested in participating in AGI’s Geoscience Currents? Visit http://www.agiweb.org/workforce/currents.html, and register to receive free updates.