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iii
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments... v
Abstract ...... vi
Chapter One: Introduction & Research Design ...... 1
Research Questions .......... 3
Research Design ... 3
Organization of the Dissertation ... 7
Chapter Two: Literature Review and Conceptual Models . 9
Overview .. 9
How do Students Choose their Major ..... 9
What Majors do Students Choose and what is the Impact of those Choices .... 12
Why do Students Switch Majors .......... 13
How Much Major Switching Occurs and What is the Effect ... 15
Are their Differences in Major Choice Behavior between Demographic Groups ........ 17
Conceptual Models ......... 21
Summary24
Chapter Three: Analysis of Major Selection Behavior Using Nationally Representative Data ... 26
Background......... 26
Data and Methods ........... 26
Results .... 27
Limitations .......... 33
Discussion .......... 34
Chapter Four: A Qualitative Exploration of Student Major Choice ......... 36
Overview36
Top Major Fields of Study Under Consideration ........... 39
Reasons for Being Undecided .... 43
Initiation of Major Consideration ........... 46
Important Factors in Major Choice ........ 48
Sources of Information ... 57
External Influences on Major Decision Making Process ........... 64
Career and Life Planning Course71
Potential Career Outcomes and Major Choice ... 73
Knowledge of Pay Levels Associated with Different Majors .... 74
Should All Students be Undecided ....... 75
Initial Major Consideration Process ....... 77
Major Switch Consideration Process ...... 82
Biggest Challenges ......... 86
Additional Information or Resources ..... 89
iv
Advice for Incoming Major Deciding Freshmen ........... 91
Conclusion .......... 92
Chapter Five: Academic Advisor Perspectives on Major Choice95
Overview95
Responsibilities and Student Load ......... 96
Assistance with Initial Major Selection .. 96
Information Used for Advisement .......... 98
What Factors Should Students Use to Weigh Different Majors . 98
Biggest Challenges for Initial Major Decision Advisement ..... 102
Primary Factors Driving Major Switches ......... 105
Difference in Advisement between Initial Major Deciders and Major Switchers ........ 107
Effects of Switching on Time to Degree and Graduation ......... 108
Serial Major Switchers . 110
Difficulty of Major Switching .. 110
Should All Students be Undecided ..... 111
Additional Resources .... 112
Conclusion ........ 113
Chapter Six: University-specific Analysis of Major Selection Behavior ........... 115
Data and Methods ......... 115
Descriptive Statistics .... 116
Prediction of Switches .. 120
Cost of Major Switches122
Analysis of the Major Choice Quality of Deciding Students ... 126
Limitations ........ 129
Discussion ........ 130
Conclusion ........ 131
Chapter Seven: Policy Scan ........ 132
University Policies ........ 132
University Programs ..... 134
Statewide Policies ......... 138
Chapter Eight: Conclusion .......... 140
Review of Findings ....... 140
Policy Implications ....... 142
Areas for Future Research ........ 145
Conclusion ........ 146
References ........... 147
Appendix A: Interview Protocols ........... 151
Deciding Students Interview Protocol .. 151
Major Switcher/Senior Focus Group Protocol . 152
Academic Advisor Interview Protocol . 153
v
Acknowledgments
It would not have been possible to complete this work without the support of many.
First, to my committee members Dr. Charles Goldman, Dr. Trey Miller, and Dermot Forde
for their support and advice along the way. You helped me shape my ideas into a workable
methodology, kept me on the right track with targeted words of encouragement, and were an
absolute pleasure to work with.
To my benefactor Doug Smith, who graciously provided funding to me through the Susan
Way-Smith Memorial Dissertation Award for several years. I hope that this is work that Susan
would have been proud of.
To my fellow fellows and researchers at Pardee RAND Graduate School and the RAND
Corporation. Thank you in particular to the best office mate a man could have (at least for
entertainment’s sake), Dr. Jonathan Wong, and Dr. Gery Ryan, who provided methodological
help on my qualitative work.
To my parents, Van and Tracey, for their support during this process and fostering my
lifelong curiosity. Without you, I literally wouldn’t be here today.
To my son Maximo and my daughter Aila, who put up with their dad working long hours
without complaint. I hope that I set a good example for you to someday take your education as
far as you want to. May you both choose wisely in a few years’ time.
Lastly, to my wife Jessica, whose level of support for this endeavor is difficult for me to put
into words. One couldn’t hope for a better partner in life and I couldn’t have ever done this
without you.。