A STUDY OF ACADEMIC MAJORS: CHOICES AND CHANGES OF AMERICAN, IRANIAN AND NIGERIAN STUDENTS

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors involved when American, Iranian and Nigerian students changed their academic fields of study at the graduate or undergraduate level. The hypotheses were drawn based upon the fact-finding of a pilot study conducted by the researcher at The American University School of Education. The survey instrument was developed at The American University School of Education under the supervision of faculty members. American, Iranian and Nigerian students were randomly selected according to the population of each group within the Consortium Universities of Washington, D.C. All students were enrolled during the academic year 1983-84. The survey instrument was sent to students in two attempts to collect data. The number of survey instruments completed was 180, which included returns from 67 American, 61 Iranian, and 52 Nigerian students. In addition to the responses received on the questionnaire, supplementary data were obtained from 30 students who volunteered to be personally interviewed. The Chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between independent variables and the dependent variable of changing major fields of study. Statistical data were considered significant at the .05 level. Results indicated that a significant relationship existed between changing major fields of study and the following factors: (1) lack of adequate counseling; (2) lack of planning for a specific career, (3) status and prestige of the newly chosen major; and (4) employment opportunities of the newly chosen major. No significant relationship was found to exist between changing major fields of study and the factors as follows: (1) financial problems; (2) influence of family members; (3) governmental policies; (4) difficulty with the English language; and (5) difficulty or conflict with faculty members.