The impact of STEM Courses and STEM Interests on the STEM Major Intention of middle school students with the moderating effect of Career Planning Courses

The cultivation of STEM Major Intention among secondary school students is crucial for fostering future STEM talents. This study aims to investigate the factors that influence students’ intention to pursue a STEM Major Intention, considering both school curriculum offerings and personal factors, employing Structural Equation Modeling analysis. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 425 middle school and high school students in a STEM demonstration area. The findings indicate that STEM Course Offerings, STEM Interests, and the availability of Career Planning Courses significantly impact their STEM Major Intention. Specifically, a greater abundance of STEM Courses leads to higher Interest in STEM among students, stronger STEM Interest translates to a higher STEM Major Intention, and Career Planning Courses can moderate the relationship between STEM Interests and STEM Major Intentions. The reasons for these results and recommendations for fostering STEM Major Intention will be explored further.