Engagement on the Move: What Happens when Students Change Majors

Session Abstract: Research shows that major change is a somewhat common phenomenon in higher education, with research showing 30-44% of students changing their major at least once. The consequences of such changes are mixed. This study uses a longitudinal data set that identifies senior students who changed their major at least once since their first year. (aka, Changers). Overall, results reveal a pattern of significantly lower quality of academic experiences and grades during the first-year for Changers compared to non-Changers. By their senior year, Changers still reported lower quality of academic experiences and grades compared to non-Changers, however the gap was substantially reduced. None of the indicators significantly favored Changers. This session will engage the audience in the interpretation of these results within the context of that role IR offices can play in collecting, disseminating, and making use data regarding major changers on their campus.

Keywords: Major change, student engagement