This paper describes a mixed‐methods study employing a social cognitive theoretical framework that emphasizes the interplay of person factors, environment, and behavior to explore the educational experiences of female students in an ethnically diverse learning environment. Specifically, we investigate the relations of ethnicity to female students' perceptions and experiences related to engineering, as well as their selection of and persistence in undergraduate engineering majors. An ethnically diverse sample of female engineering undergraduates at an urban research university completed an online survey and participated in semi‐structured interviews. Results revealed that participants of all ethnicities perceived strong institutional and peer supports in this diverse learning environment. Additionally, differences in participants' perceived barriers for achieving engineering educational and career plans were found based on ethnicity and parental level of education.

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This paper describes the first phase of a mixedmethod study employing a social cognitive theoretical framework that emphasizes the interplay of person factors, environment and behavior. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relations of ethnicity to female students' perceptions and intention to major in engineering. An ethnically diverse sample of female engineering undergraduates (N=160) at an urban research university completed an online survey, which was developed by adapting relevant measures from published instruments in the educational psychology and engineering education literature. Results indicated a significant difference in the way participants from different ethnic groups perceived the field of engineering. Additionally, significant differences in perceived social supports for achieving their engineering educational and career plans were found based on the number of generations in a participant's family born in the United States and enrolled in college. No significant differences in perceived supports, barriers, sense of belonging, or motivation were found based on ethnic group membership.

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