Work

Demographics, Purpose, and Dreams: Predicting Entering College as an Undecided Major Student

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Undecided students who self-identify as uncertain of their academic path represent a unique population to support from an academic advising perspective. In a sample of 257,813 students who entered 243 four-year institutions nationally, this study examined the relationship between students who selected undecided as their intended college major and individual student characteristics. Results indicate a primary predictor of undecidedness is student acknowledgment of indecisiveness about their choice of major or career; however, undecidedness also is related to interpersonal and contextual characteristics previously unexamined. Advisors should assess students’ level of major and career certainty, concerns about financing college, and aspects of students’ identities that were predictive of undecidedness.

Source: NACADA Journal

DOI: 10.12930/nacada-22-42

Authors: Casandra E. Harper, Rachael Orr, Ellen Bara Stolzenberg

Institution: University of Missouri

Language: English

Topic: Higher Education Research Studies

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: National Academic Advising Association