Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence students to choose agriculture majors and agriculture careers and measure the level of satisfaction with their major based on these influences. There are many factors that influence students to choose a major in college and college-major satisfaction. These influences and satisfaction with major may have an impact on a student’s decision to choose a college career path. Some of the influences mentioned in studies are family, friends, educators, extension programs, clubs, financial, and recruitment efforts. The degree to which each of these influence students may depend on the students’ demographics or the students’ involvements. Students’ interests and intrinsic motivators are influential. However, outside motivators and recruitment efforts are studied to determine if there was a larger impact on students’ decision to choose a major and career in agriculture, and if these efforts may be improved to increase the number of students who make these decisions.

Year manuscript completed

2026

Year degree awarded

2026

Author's Keywords

influence, higher education, agriculture, choice, decision, college major, satisfaction

Degree Awarded

Doctor of Education

Department

Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling

College/School

College of Education & Human Services

Dissertation Committee Chair

Teresa Clark

Thesis Advisor

Teresa Clark

Committee Chair

Teresa Clark

Committee Member

Alyx Shultz

Committee Member

Kristie Guffey

Document Type

Dissertation

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