Abstract

A variety of factors influence students to choose animal science as their major. Enrollment in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) has increased drastically from the 1980’s to present. This is also true for enrollment in the animal science major. Due to a decrease from 1980-1985 in enrollment, a study was conducted to see what factors were most influential on a student’s choice of major. Enrollment has increased from 1985 to present. It is still important to understand what influences a student in order to better educate them and if those factors have changed over time with new programs being added and the extensive use of technology in today’s society. Therefore, the current study focused on what factors have the biggest influence on a student’s choice of major today. Based on the results, the participants indicated the least influential factors were zoo experiences, high school counselors, the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program (a minor that develops students’ skills in business ideas, and how to execute effective marketing strategies to create a profitable business structure), social media interaction, and high school friends. The most influential factors were working with or caring for animals, the job outlook in the animal science field, the location of career opportunities, working outdoors, and the ability to impact others through animals.  Furthermore, understanding the effects of being a member of FFA and 4-h were taken into an account due to the many activities and diverse opportunities available in those organizations.