Poster #11 - Personality and Major Choice: The Psychology Behind Choosing a Major

• In Event: 34.099 - MTCC Poster Session Seven
  In Poster Session: 34.099-2 - College Student Learning and Development

Abstract

For college students, choosing a major is emphasized as an essential part of establishing an identity and achieving desired post-graduation outcomes. This study seeks to bridge the construct of person-environment fit from higher education with the psychological study of personality traits through exploring the relationship between personality and major choice. Using data from the 2017 National Survey of Student Engagement, responses from 5,891 seniors attending 34 institutions suggest that there are certain significant differences across major fields for the traits of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and openness. Many of these differences were expected, given the tasks associated the future careers for these major fields, but more research is needed to further understand the complex influences on major choice.

Authors

• Rosemarie Lerma, Indiana University - Bloomington

• Angie L. Miller, Indiana University