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Major Decision: The Impact of Major Switching on Academic Outcomes in Community Colleges

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  • Vivian Liu

    (Teachers College Columbia University)

  • Soumya Mishra

    (Teachers College Columbia University)

  • Elizabeth M. Kopko

    (Teachers College Columbia University)

Abstract

A third of the 2- and 4-year undergraduates beginning college in 2011–2012 changed their major in the first 3 years of enrollment. Yet, few studies have examined the effects of major switching on student outcomes, particularly in community colleges. Major switching can delay or impede college completion through excess credit accumulation, or it can increase the probability of completion due to a better academic match. Using state administrative data and propensity score matching, we find that major switching increases certificate completion rates but moderately decreases the probability of bachelor’s degree completion in community colleges for students who started with a declared major. We suggest that instead of discouraging major switching, institutions should integrate switching into program planning. Policies like common course-sequencing, cross-discipline introductory courses and flexible application of credits can allow students to revise their interests and goals without losing much time, credits, or tuition dollars.

Suggested Citation

  • Vivian Liu & Soumya Mishra & Elizabeth M. Kopko, 2021. "Major Decision: The Impact of Major Switching on Academic Outcomes in Community Colleges," Research in Higher Education, Springer;Association for Institutional Research, vol. 62(4), pages 498-527, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:reihed:v:62:y:2021:i:4:d:10.1007_s11162-020-09608-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s11162-020-09608-6
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    8. Basit Zafar, 2013. "College Major Choice and the Gender Gap," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 48(3), pages 545-595.
    9. Liu, Vivian Y.T. & Belfield, Clive R. & Trimble, Madeline J., 2015. "The medium-term labor market returns to community college awards: Evidence from North Carolina," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 42-55.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ibrahim Bicak & Lauren Schudde & Kristina Flores, 2023. "Predictors and Consequences of Math Course Repetition: The Role of Horizontal and Vertical Repetition in Success Among Community College Transfer Students," Research in Higher Education, Springer;Association for Institutional Research, vol. 64(2), pages 260-299, March.
    2. Jasmin Meyer & Kathrin Leuze & Susanne Strauss, 2022. "Individual Achievement, Person-Major Fit, or Social Expectations: Why Do Students Switch Majors in German Higher Education?," Research in Higher Education, Springer;Association for Institutional Research, vol. 63(2), pages 222-247, March.

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