Abstract:
Choosing a profession is the most critical decision in the life of every person. This
mixed-method case study aimed to investigate the most important factors for undergraduate
students when they select their major in the Kazakhstani context. Moreover, the study also
aimed at investigating the differences between STEM /non-STEM majors and gender. Factors
were related to three broad categories that were identified from the literature review:
1) Awareness of possible career options
2) Sources of information
3) Students' interest in the chosen academic program
Overall, the study consisted of 175 first-year students: sophomore, junior, and senior
students enrolled in one particular university that is located in Almaty. The study findings
illustrate that Interest in the chosen Academic Major was found to be the most important
factor for undergraduates while selecting major (M=4.06; SD=0.935). Next, it was followed
by the University's Reputation in the Subject (M= 3.84; SD=1.13) and Potential for Career
Advancement (M=3.80; SD=1.20). When tested for significance in differences, Interest in the
subject was more important for females than males. However, this study did not reveal any
statistically significant differences between STEM and non-STEM majors in the factors
determining choice of a field of study.
Keywords: major choice, factors, undergraduates, selection