Nearly one-third of college freshmen enrolled this semester chose majors that didn’t match with their interests, according to a new research study from ACT titled “College Choice Report Part 1: Preferences and Prospects.”
The Interest-Major fit score is determined by data collected during ACT test registration. Information included students’ Interest Inventory scores and intended major. Both elements were taken into account and examined to calculate the relationship between the two.
The study found higher scoring ACT students chose majors that were better aligned with their interests than others.
Many variables impact the selection process. Students may face social or economic pressure to choose non interest-related majors that may have better career prospects, College of Business Administrative Assistant Leviticus Johnson said.
Johnson frequently engages with business students who she said are career-minded.
“Their question usually is, ‘Is this major going to get me a job?’” Johnson said.
San Diego State has 160 undergraduate majors and minors and 16 pre-professional programs.
The most profitable bachelor’s degrees include various emphases within engineering, pharmaceutical sciences and administration, mathematics and computer science, according to a study conducted at Georgetown University.
The least lucrative majors included health or medical preparatory programs, visual and performing arts, drama and theater, social work and counseling psychology.
According to an SDSU Analytics and Institutional Research report, top majors selected by first-time SDSU freshmen applicants by college for Fall 2013 include:
- Political science for the College of Arts and Letters
- Business management for the College of Business
- Child development for the College of Education
- Mechanical engineering for the College of Engineering
- Nursing for the College of Health and Human Services
- Biology for the College of Sciences
- Criminal justice for the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts
Business and marketing major with an emphasis in accounting, Alison Feldman selected her major because of a mix of her personal interest in mathematics and parental guidance. Although she enjoys math, she admits she is not passionate about it.
“I have always wanted to be a teacher,” Feldman said.
Feldman said she believes she would have better options with her chosen career path.
For some students, passion is everything. Theater arts with an emphasis in performance sophomore Xavier Scott said his father has always told him to do something he enjoys.
“I knew I really had to have a set goal if I ever wanted to be successful,” Scott said. “I made sure that I was going to stick with theater and do everything I could to be successful in it.”
Microbiology junior Kevin Lovingood, who is part of the pre-medical program and wants to become a doctor in emergency medicine, echoed Scott’s sentiments.
“This is one of the routes that fit me the best,” Lovingood said.
Research indicates enrolling in interest-related majors plays a significant role in student success by increasing student persistence, reduces college dropout rates and helps students achieve degrees in a timely manner.
Office of Admissions Student Assistant Sarah Olivarria counsels prospective students and incoming freshmen inquiring about academic planning. She said students should get an idea of the type of career they want, and tailor their studies to work toward their goals.
“A lot of times students are passionate, but we do want them to understand what they are going in to,” Olivarria said.
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