Career Development and Decision-Making in STEM Among Rural Undergraduates: A Social Cognitive Career Theory Perspective

Ahmed Al-Asfour, Bhagyashree Barhate, Organizational Learning, and Development program, School of Education, Southern Illinois University, Department of Counseling, Adult Education , School Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos

Journal of Career Development

Published online on July 24, 2026

Abstract

Journal of Career Development, Ahead of Print.
This study examines the career development trajectories of undergraduate students from rural backgrounds pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), guided by Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT). Through a qualitative ...