Studies of Education for Science and Engineering: Student Values and Curriculum Choice

The findings discussed in this report are drawn from a study of student backgrounds and values at a school of science and engineering. The results indicate many similarities in background for students in either science or engineering and some interesting differences when comparisons are made to certain liberal arts colleges. Aspirations and expectations that lie behind an initial commitment to a career in science and engineering are discussed, and contrasts among the values held by students in the various curricula are emphasized.