Assessment of International Graduate Student Recruitment and Retention in Sample STEM Programs

Abstract International students play a significant role for both the US and their native countries in terms of education, culture, and economy. International students are consistently positioned as a source of quality by bringing diversity and a variety of worldviews into classrooms. This research aims to investigate enhancing international graduate student recruitment and enrollment processes by analyzing and understanding sample STEM graduate student experiences and satisfaction levels at Kennesaw State University, specifically those of Construction Management graduate students. The experiences examined will focus on academic (educational) and non-academic (support) areas so that recommendations can be made to satisfy those needs better and thereby recruit and retain more international graduate students in STEM programs, such as architecture and construction management. The study will use a survey method to determine international graduate students' experience with essential issues related to academic (educational) and non-academic (support) areas. This research explores several aspects relating to international students' recruitment, such as cultural differences and student needs in terms of accommodation, university support, and recognition. Results will provide several key strategic recommendations to enhance international student recruitment in STEM graduate programs, focusing on Construction Management graduate programs. Keywords: Students, Recruitment, International Students, Assessment, Satisfaction, STEM Graduate Experiences