Preferences for Mathematics and Science Education Majors Among Senior High School Students in Bataan

Source abstract

This study examines the factors influencing Senior High School students’ preferences for Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) majors in Bagac and Morong, Bataan, with particular focus on the low interest in Mathematics and Science specializations despite increasing demand for STEM educators. Using a descriptive quantitative design, data were collected from 369 students through a structured survey and analyzed using frequency and percentage distributions. The results reveal a strong preference for non-STEM majors, with Social Studies (42.12%) and English (35.04%) dominating, while Science (15.43%) and Mathematics (7.395%) received significantly lower interest. Personal interest emerged as the primary determinant (58.8%), followed by parental influence (21.4%), with most respondents (82.7%) coming from low-income households. These findings suggest that students’ academic choices are shaped by the interplay of intrinsic motivation, socioeconomic constraints, and perceived academic difficulty. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions, including strengthened career guidance, increased STEM exposure, and financial support, to enhance student engagement in STEM teaching pathways and address the potential shortage of qualified educators in these fields.