This phenomenological study examined the experiences of formerly undeclared college sophomores as they navigated major selection and how their time perspective influenced their decision-making process. This study applied time perspective theory to the issue of major selection for college students, an undertaking that offers a new perspective on the professional practices of academic advising and career services on college campuses. This study utilized semi-structured interviews of four female-identifying formerly undeclared students. Participant responses revealed that negative future time attitudes and a lack of future orientation can both contribute to behaviors that defer career decision-making. In contrast, professional staff and faculty can help accelerate students’ major selection process by helping them overcome the obstacles they are facing. Variations between participants revealed a difference between students who view major selection as inherently narrowing their potential options for career paths and students who view it as broadening their opportunities within a particular field of study. Student affairs professionals and faculty members who advise students who struggle with major selection can facilitate a temporal zoom-out to help them achieve a balanced time perspective and maximize the information available to them in making their decision.
Date of Award | 2023 |
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Original language | American English |
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Awarding Institution | - Eastern Illinois University
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Supervisor | Jon K. Coleman (Supervisor) |
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The Role of Time Perspective in the College Major Selection Process
Voss, A. C. (Author). 2023
Student thesis: Master's Thesis › Master of Science (MS)