DEGREES OF DOUBT: A CASE STUDY OF HIGHER EDUCATION MOTIVATIONS AT NAZARBAYEV UNIVERSITY

Abstract

This study investigates the motivations behind students pursuing higher education, specifically within the social sciences and humanities (SSH) at Nazarbayev University (NU), and their perceptions of the changing value of academic degrees. Against a backdrop of global and local discussions on degree devaluation, this research explores why students, particularly at an institution like NU with a unique funding model and admission process, choose SSH fields often perceived as less directly career-oriented. Employing a qualitative methodology, the study conducted semi-structured interviews with first-year NU SSH students and NU alumni. Findings indicate that the decision to attend university is heavily influenced by societal and familial expectations, with a degree from a prestigious institution like NU seen as a means of accumulating cultural and symbolic capital. However, the choice of an SSH major is more often driven by personal interest and perceived manageability of coursework rather than specific career goals. The university experience itself is valued for non-academic benefits such as networking, soft skill development (e.g., critical thinking, communication), and personal growth, often outweighing the direct vocational relevance of the degree. While an NU diploma is perceived to signal desirable traits like English proficiency, critical thinking, and discipline to employers, graduates often experience a divergence between their field of study and actual career paths. The study concludes that SSH degrees at NU are viewed more as social symbols and insurance for employment rather than direct pathways to specific careers, with practical skills and networks often deemed more critical for career advancement. This highlights a complex interplay between social pressures, individual motivations, and the evolving role of higher education in contemporary society