Texas A&M University has been recognized by Hispanic Outlook on Education magazine as one of the nation’s top universities in the number of graduate degrees awarded to Latino students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
The university ranks among the top 10 in five categories in a new ranking presented by the magazine.
As explained by the university’s news platform, the first ranking is based on the number of graduate degrees (the sum of all master’s and doctoral degrees) awarded to Hispanics/Latinos in eight key STEM fields. According to the magazine’s editors, Texas A&M stands out as the institution ranked in the highest number of STEM fields, appearing on five different lists.
“It is extremely gratifying to know Texas A&M is meeting its land-grant mission to educate the citizens of Texas,” said Timothy P. Scott, interim provost, and executive vice president. “Our ranking in graduate education demonstrates that our commitment is above and beyond undergraduate education. We are preparing our students to be the leaders of academia, industry, and the collective workforce.”
“This ranking is a sign that, by prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in recruiting, improving our campus climate, and supporting student success, we are making impact as a public, land-grant university,” said Texas A&M’s Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate and Professional School Karen Butler-Purry. “Graduate students of all backgrounds are seeing Texas A&M as a place where they can thrive.”
The work Texas A&M is doing is critical, considering the lack of representation of students of color, especially women, in the STEM field.
According to government figures, the percentage of Latino students enrolled in STEM fields increased by 33 percent between 1996 and 2004. Although Latino students are as likely as white students to major in STEM subjects, they are much less likely to earn a degree or certificate in a STEM field.
According to recent data from the Higher Education Research Institute (2010), 16 percent of Latino students who started college in 2004 as STEM majors completed a STEM degree in 2009, presenting an opportunity for STEM representation and higher education completion. Latinos represent the largest minority group with measured interests in STEM fields, creating a significant opportunity going forward.For Image credit or remove please email for immediate removal - firstname.lastname@example.org