ERIC Number: EJ1460941
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Mar
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0361-0365
EISSN: EISSN-1573-188X
Available Date: 2025-02-19
Digital Hub or Hindrance? The Effects of Online Enrollment in Introductory STEM Coursework on STEM Outcomes
Justin C. Ortagus1; Rodney Hughes2; Nicholas Voorhees1; Hope Allchin1
Research in Higher Education, v66 n3 Article 16 2025
Online education has the potential to remove barriers and increase access to higher education, but previous studies have revealed mixed results regarding the effect of online enrollment on college students' academic outcomes. This study leverages novel administrative data and a fuzzy regression discontinuity design to examine the impact of online enrollment in introductory STEM coursework on students' probability of STEM success. We find that taking the online version of a required introductory Chemistry course increases students' time-to-degree, with starker increases when focusing on the number of semesters needed to complete a STEM degree.
Descriptors: Online Courses, Introductory Courses, STEM Education, Outcomes of Education, Success, Chemistry, College Science, College Students, Time to Degree
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/
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
Author Affiliations: 1University of Florida, Higher Education Administration & Policy, Gainesville, USA; 2Common App, Arlington, VA, USA