Decisions and regrets

Abstract

This thesis aims to answer the question: How does a student decide on which major they declare? Can their major and the reasons for choosing it lead to feelings of regret? The survey and interviews use the reasons of passion, financial stability/job opportunity, parental influence, societal/friend influence, representation in the media, and pursuit of higher education to discover why students declare their major, and what majors lead to the highest regret rates. This research is written from the perspective of Boston College seniors because they are on the precipice of graduation, about to start their first entry-level job or pursue higher education, and have fully completed their curriculum at BC. The research was conducted using a multitude of sociological theories including decision-making theory, career choice theory, gender socialization theory, and cultural capital theory.