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More college students study science, math, technology

Increase is part of a national push to double the number of degrees in science fields.

The number of students studying math, science, engineering and technology are up at Wittenberg University and Clark State Community College. Sophomore Nicole Mangas, 19, works on an experiment in a lab at Wittenberg University's Barbara Deer Kuss Science Center. Staff photo by Marshall Gorby

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By Tiffany Y. Latta, Staff Writer 12:08 AM Saturday, June 18, 2011

SPRINGFIELD — Nicole Mangas hasn’t completely pinned down her career goals.

But the 19-year-old Wittenberg University sophomore is certain her career of choice will involve science after briefly contemplating changing her major from chemistry to communication after a tough year.

“I like being in a lab and seeing what happens when you mix things together,” said Mangas, 19, of Toledo. “(Money) does play a role, but not as much for me as other people. I want to enjoy what I do.”

Mangas is one of an increased number of students seeking degrees in science, technology, engineering and math or STEM fields at Wittenberg University and Clark State Community College.

The increase comes after a national push began in 2005 to double the number U.S. bachelor’s degrees in STEM fields after a group of business leaders warned that the lack of expert workers would pose a threat to the U.S. competitiveness and said the country would need about 400,000 students with STEM degrees by 2015.

Two years later, Ohio government officials joined the effort with the launch of the University System of Ohio’s Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program and other scholarships that work to boost the state’s economy by increasing the number of students in STEM fields.

The state’s effort is paying off, said Lin Erickson, director of government, corporate and foundation relations at Wittenberg University.

The university has secured more than $3.4 million in STEM scholarships since 2007.

Now, Erickson said, 30 percent of students at the university are STEM students and the number of STEM degrees awarded at the school have increased 3 percent, Erickson said.

“We have aggressively pursued scholarships and funding for STEM students,” Erickson said. “But it’s not about the numbers. It’s about preparing students for the demand in the science and technology fields and making sure students are prepared for the opportunities in our region.”

Wittenberg has partnered with the University of Dayton, Central State University and Clark State on curriculum development, internships and work force development as part of a three-year, $250,000 Ohio Future Jobs scholarship.

The school has also received $1.17 million from the Robert Noyce STEM Scholarship Program that offers 17 STEM full scholarships to students who agree to teach in high needs middle and high schools after graduation, Erickson said.

STEM a big help

The state’s STEM scholarships have helped Clark State increase the number of students in its math, science and technology programs, said Jennifer Dietsch, a spokeswoman for the college.

This year, 332 students were awarded STEM degrees, up 8 percent from 2010, Dietsch said.

“Scholarships like Choose Ohio First have increased awareness and we’ve done a better job of communicating to students that these are good careers to go into,” Dietsch said.

College graduates with any degree earn 84 percent more than students with a high school diploma, according to a study recently released by Georgetown University.

But additional analysis of 171 degrees, shows that students who graduate with degrees in STEM fields can earn 314 percent more than others who graduate with a liberal arts degree.

Back to school

Derek Thompson, a senior at Wittenberg University, considered majoring in journalism after high school on a partial scholarship. But opted instead to go to the Navy and developed an interest in science.

After leaving the Navy, Thompson worked in low paying jobs in food service before deciding to study biochemistry at Wittenberg, he said.

His plan now is to get a doctorate in organic chemistry and later get a job in research at a university.

“The job opportunities in chemistry are substantial. People with a Ph.D. in chemistry represent less than 1 percent of the unemployed. And the pay is very equitable as well,” Thompson said.

“I could have stayed in the retail (food service) and worked long hours with low pay,” he said. “But at least now when I work long hours it’s something I enjoy doing and it’s something I’ll be well compensated for.”

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