KEY FACTORS IN UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS SUBJECT SELECTION: A CASE STUDY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PESHAWAR PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study explores the factors influencing undergraduate students' choice of major at the University of Peshawar, utilizing binary logistic regression to analyze data from 300 participants. The research aims to identify key determinants shaping students' decisions in selecting their academic paths. The analysis highlights that perceptions of a subject being Easy/Interesting and the Media Role significantly enhance the likelihood of choosing that subject, with increases of 22.2% and 35.0%, respectively. Conversely, Parents Income is associated with a 13.9% decrease in the odds of selecting a major, while Job Opportunity does not show a significant impact. These findings underscore the importance of perceived ease and media influence, as well as the complex effect of parental income on students' major choices. The study offers valuable insights for university policies, suggesting the need for improved career guidance, financial support, and enhanced awareness of various fields of study. Future research could expand these findings to other institutions with larger sample sizes to further validate and explore these factors.