Choosing fields of graduate study among Chinese and Taiwanese students

This study examines field of study patterns and their determinants among Chinese and Taiwanese students who come to the U.S. for the purpose of advancing their education. I argue that field of study choice is the result of both economic incentives as well as cultural and social values. Results suggest that funding from U.S. university sources channel Chinese and Taiwanese students into science- and technology-related fields. This study also suggests that choosing field is a gender-specific behavior that is affected by cultural and social values, as well as structural factors, such as educational policy. Despite the gender gap in choosing field of study, women from China are more likely to choose science- and technology-related fields than those from Taiwan. This may be the result of China’s central government’s claimed campaign for gender equality. Such an alleged campaign may have created perceived equality and confidence within women that encourage some women to enter male-dominated fields.