Main Factors Associated with College Major Choices of the Undergraduate Students in Bangladesh

Syeda Tonima Hadi, University of Hawaii at Manoa

Transformation of population to human resources through education is one of the main tools for development in Bangladesh, a densely populated developing nation of South Asia. However, higher education in Bangladesh is facing various problems, such as inequity in access, lower enrollment rates and gender-stereotyped choices of majors. Since no studies have explored factors associated with the choices made by students in higher education in Bangladesh, this study examined some factors influencing or are associated with college major choices of the Bangladeshi students. From the self administered surveys conducted on undergraduate students (n=300), the data reveals that the respondents have stereotyped perceptions about the gender-appropriateness of majors and have been mostly influenced by their fathers, teachers, and friends while selecting majors. Furthermore, personal interests, potential to succeed or face challenges in the fields of studies, and well paying jobs were three important reasons for the respondents in choosing majors.