Influential Factors on Selecting an Engineering Major in a First-Year Course

Abstract

This research evaluated factors that first-year engineering students took into consideration when deciding on their major. The study was done at a large, public, urban institution located in southeast United States. The purpose of the study was to get a better understanding of how students were using a first-year Introduction to Engineering course and seminars to help decide their major. The outcome of the research helped shape the introductory engineering first-year experience and maximize the usefulness of the course for students. There were two forms of data collection: survey responses were collected from almost 400 students, and 13 interviews were conducted to triangulate the quality of data. The quantitative data were analyzed using nonparametric statistical tests. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis and compared with the survey results for a better understanding of students’ experiences. These analyses revealed that the most influential factors in deciding a major are job opportunities, potential for societal contributions, and personal interests. From these findings, it is recommended that first-year engineering courses place emphasis on the job opportunities and potential for societal contributions in all engineering majors.