Motivational Values Ascribed by Students of Color When Selecting Academic Majors in Agricultural and Life Sciences

• In Event: 34.055 - Career Development and Attainment in Career and Technical Education

Abstract

The following study was conducted to gain an understanding of the motivations surrounding students of color and their decision to select agriculture as an academic discipline. Through this study, the researchers were able to capture segments of the decision making process that students undergo when selecting their college major and future careers. As a result of this study, participants revealed both internal and external values associated with their academic major choice. Several barriers were also expressed in this study. It was concluded that most of these barriers were not present or did not impact the decision-making process for students who articulated a higher internal value for their major.

Authors

• Rachelle Purnell, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

• James C. Anderson, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University