Understanding First-Generation and Continuing-Generation Graduates' Decisions to Pursue PhD Programs in Biological Science

Compared to continuing-generation bachelor's graduates (CGGs), first-generation bachelor's graduates (FGGs) are underrepresented in U.S. STEM PhD programs. To better understand how students choose to pursue PhDs, we analyzed interview data from 62 FGG and CGG first-year PhD students in bioscience. Across the sample, four themes emerged to illustrate how social, cognitive, and contextual conditions influenced students' decisions to pursue a PhD: research experiences, social support, career autonomy and impact, and program fit and finances. Findings showed how undergraduate experiences critically shape FGGs' career expectations and goals and revealed additional differences in FGGs' and CGGs' career values and decision-making.