Choices and constraints: factors impeding Qatari students’ choice of a university major. A Middle Eastern case study

Abstract

The selection of a university major marks a crucial step in the educational and, subsequently, career trajectory for university students. However, this choice can be challenging for many who find it hard to settle on a major that aligns with their academic and professional aspirations, leading to decisions that may not resonate with their interests. This article aims to identify the hindrances impeding students’ choice of a preferred university major. As such, it seeks to further our understanding of the multi-level factors, interdependencies and relationships within and between systems and subsystems. An exploratory quantitative case study design was adopted using a survey that involved young Qataris aged 18–29 years (n = 1989). Descriptive statistics, reliability tests, and Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) were performed. Findings indicate that among the potential difficulties linked to selecting a university major, the most prevalent were ‘family expectations’ and the ‘unavailability of preferred majors’. Notably, there was no significant distinction in the challenges related to major selection between male and female participants. The findings identified in this study contribute valuable insights for educational institutions and policymakers to support students as they navigate the complex terrain of selecting a university major.