Factors Influencing Student Interest in a Curriculum on Naval Science & Technology at a Midwestern University*

A strong demand exists for quality educational STEM programs to support a strong future naval workforce. To promote naval STEM education in the Midwestern United States, we launched an undergraduate certificate program in "Naval Science & Technology" in 2019. Students can earn the certificate by selecting elective courses, in the baccalaureate degree, focused on topics broadly related to naval hydrodynamics and autonomous systems.  Whereas the program’s geographical location makes the curriculum accessible to students who may not otherwise pursue this course of study, the non-traditional nature of the curriculum presents potential challenges due to midwestern students’ interests and career aspirations.  Students in the Mechanical Engineering undergraduate program at the University of Iowa, as well as those specifically registered in the Naval S&T certificate or constituent courses were surveyed and interviewed in order to understand their initial interest in naval S&T challenges, careers in support of the Navy, and the certificate program, as well as the impact of cultural and program elements on these interests and career choices.  For students with interests in other fields, we sought to understand how the program supported those aspirations.