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COLLEGE MAJOR CHOICE: An Analysis of Person–Environment Fit

Research in Higher Education volume 47, pages 429–449 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

Although recent research suggests that congruence between students and their academic environment is critical for successful student outcomes, little research has been done on student college major choice. Using Holland’s theory of careers, we analyze college major choice using a multinomial logit model. We use the CIRP Freshman Survey and institutional data for three cohorts of first-year students at a selective liberal arts college to study the factors that affect college major choice, both at entry and at graduation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA

    Stephen R. Porter

  2. Educational Policy and Leadership Studies, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA

    Paul D. Umbach

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  1. Stephen R. Porter
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  2. Paul D. Umbach
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Correspondence to Stephen R. Porter.

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Porter, S.R., Umbach, P.D. COLLEGE MAJOR CHOICE: An Analysis of Person–Environment Fit. Res High Educ 47, 429–449 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-005-9002-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-005-9002-3

KEY WORDS

  • major choice
  • Holland