Guidelines the selection of university's majors by newly admitted students: A case study influences on students' choice of major of electronic information at Shanghai University of engineering science in China

Abstract

Under the impetus of the national strategy to build a technologically advanced country and the implementation of the large-category admission model in universities, the Electronic Information major at Shanghai University of Engineering Science has adopted the large-category admission system since 2021. However, when selecting their majors, students are often overly influenced by their parents and place excessive emphasis on employment prospects, which negatively affects their learning enthusiasm and long-term career development. This study aims to explore the key factors influencing students’ choice of the Electronic Information major at the university, providing valuable references for students, parents, and the university in promoting students' all-around development and advancing educational and teaching reforms. Using a sample of 450 first-year students at Shanghai University of Engineering Science, a total of 230 questionnaires were distributed and collected. After data collection, validity and reliability analyses were conducted, and descriptive statistics and factor analysis methods were employed to examine the influencing factors. In addition, five student counselors and five admissions staff were interviewed to further investigate the influencing factors, identify existing problems, and explore effective guidance measures, thereby enriching the research content. Through literature review and empirical analysis, the study found that the major’s popularity, employment prospects, personal interests and abilities, university reputation, and geographical location are the main considerations influencing students' major choices. Although family influence is considered secondary, it still shows a significant effect. The research suggests that students should conduct a comprehensive self-assessment, stay informed about industry trends, accumulate practical skills, and make scientifically informed major selections. Simultaneously, parents should receive scientific guidance to avoid blind intervention and support their children in making rational and personalized major choices. The research findings can help the university optimize its admission strategies, strengthen education on professional awareness, improve the curriculum and student guidance systems, and enhance the quality of talent cultivation and the competitiveness of its academic programs. These findings also offer a valuable reference for other engineering majors.