Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1996

Thesis Director

French L. Fraker

Abstract

Factors influencing choice of major of Eastern Illinois University students were investigated. Qualitative reasons and positive influence of individuals by roles were measured with weighted responses. The results indicated that course content, special abilities in the field, employment opportunities, the opportunity to work with people, and the opportunity to contribute to society were ranked as most important. The roles of mother/step-mother, father/step-father, high school teacher, and college teacher were ranked as most influential. Females ranked the opportunity to work with people and the opportunity to contribute to society as the most important reasons with the mother/step-mother role as most influential. Males ranked course content as most important with the roles of mother/step-mother, father/step-father, high school teacher and college teacher most influential. Because of the small numbers of non-White respondents, further study is necessary for reliable data by racial/ethnic group.

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