Structural Equation Model of Factors Influencing Students to Major in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction

Abstract

Students’ choices of college major are an ongoing concern for university administrators as well as for college faculties. This study surveyed undergraduate students of architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) majors at a private university in Cambodia regarding the factors influencing their choices of major. Using structural equation modeling (SEM) made it possible to quantify the relationships between the factors identified as influencing students’ initial reasons for their choice of a particular major. In contrast to previous studies, the results of this study show that the people around the student were the most influential factor for incoming freshmen, while student attitudes, such as personal interests and high school performance, were found to be less significant. Students were significantly influenced by university-related factors, namely, university reputation and financial opportunities. Furthermore, the construction industry’s image in the country and the level of compensation offered in the field also influenced students’ choice of major (CoM). Early involvement of family members and mutual collaboration with high school career teams were further recommended for the right CoM. This study provides a clear picture of students’ attitudes toward the selection of their college major, which it is hoped will guide front-line players in determining students’ decisions to focus their attention on, and invest efforts in, their career choice.