Factors and Mechanisms Behind Major Transfer Decisions Among Engineering Students in China: A Qualitative Study
Abstract
these decisions using a qualitative research approach. The study focuses on the interaction of academic challenges, career expectations, and
gender factors. Through in-depth interviews with seven engineering students who switched majors, the study reveals how the conflict between
academic adaptation and career expectations influences students motivations to switch majors, and the critical role of institutional policies
in the decision-making process. The findings indicate that students initially had a limited understanding of their engineering major, but as
academic challenges increased and external job market pressures emerged, their motivation to switch majors grew. The institutional policies
on major switching helped reduce the cost of switching majors, but the final decision relied on the cost-benefit trade-off. The study concludes
with recommendations for universities to optimize course offerings and enhance interdisciplinary education to help students better adapt to
academic challenges and make informed career plans.
Keywords
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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.70711/neet.v3i2.6414
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