Abstract: Given the diminishing number of Management Information Systems (MIS) majors, an understanding of the factors which influence student choice of major is crucial. It has been noted in many previous studies that interest in a major and career significantly influences the student’s choice of college major; indeed, in most studies, it is the strongest influence. Yet extant studies treat interest as a one-dimensional construct; in fact, interest is multi-dimensional, that is, it is comprised of many factors. This study examines the construct of interest and in particular the factors which contribute to vocational interest among business college majors. Using a sample of 452, it compares and contrasts the significant influences on vocational interest among two groups: MIS majors and non-MIS business majors. Findings indicate both similarities and differences between the two groups, leading to constructive recommendations for increasing interest in MIS with the intention of increasing the number of majors.

Keywords: Careers, Computing majors, Student perceptions, Student expectations

Download this article: JISE - Volume 22 Number 2, Page 147.pdf

Recommended Citation: Downey, J. (2011). An Empirical Examination of the Composition of Vocational Interest in Business Colleges: MIS vs. Other Majors. Journal of Information Systems Education, 22(2), 147-158.