Journal of College Orientation, Transition, and Retention

Analyses of Majors

Providing Interactive Web-Based Resources to Assist Students in Developing Informed Educational Plans

James Levin

Ruth Hussey

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24926/jcotr.v19i1.2782

Keywords: National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), Penn State, advising, resources, application, analysis

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Abstract

When students are aware of and choose majors that are congruent with their interests and abilities, college retention rates improve. Systematic approaches that analyze and categorize majors help students make informed decisions by provding student-useable information about the educational environments of majors. Analysis and implications for academic advising of four web-based applications that provide this information are described in this article, along with student usage data. Course Preferences application allows students with low interest or abilities in some areas to find the majors that do not requiring certain courses. Major Themes application provides an interest survey that relates to majors. Science/Math Majors application provides information to help students understadn the intensity of the science and math courses required in different majors. Alternative Majors application provides students with majors options that have similar content.