Empowering International Talent: A Qualitative Study on Career Support for STEM Graduate Students in US Universities
Degree Date
12-12-2025
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Education
First Advisor
Acacia Nikoi, PhD
Second Advisor
Laura Wangsness Willemsen, PhD
Third Advisor
Kristeen Chachage, PhD
Abstract
During the 2021-2022 academic year, the United States hosted approximately one million international students with F-1 visas, with a significant portion enrolled in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs. Notably, graduates from these programs are eligible for a three-year work benefit, a crucial factor in recruitment and program choice as STEM enrollment among international students continues to rise. As such, it is imperative for US universities to address the career support needs of this growing demographic. Despite the burgeoning population of international students in STEM programs, existing research on this topic remains scant. This qualitative study utilized one-on-one interviews to investigate this gap by examining the specific ways in which US universities can enhance the career outcomes of international students in STEM fields. With the continued growth of international students in these programs, understanding and improving their career prospects becomes increasingly pertinent. This qualitative research study aims to shed light on the factors influencing the career outcomes of international STEM students in the US and explore strategies that universities can implement to better support them while contributing to the broader discourse on international student success and underscoring the importance of tailored support mechanisms for this demographic within higher education institutions.