Why Are Students Not Majoring in Information Systems?

Authors

Kent A. Walstrom, Illinois State University
Thomas P. Schambach, Illinois State University
Keith T. Jones, Illinois State University
William J. Crampton, Illinois State University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine some of the factors that influence and impact business students when they select their major and, more particularly, to examine why students are not majoring in information systems. Students in an entry level business class responded that they were more knowledgeable about careers in management, marketing, accounting, and finance than they were about careers in information systems. These business students indicated that they are looking for majors that will be interesting, provide them with job security initially and over their careers, and pay them well. The most important information sources used by these students in their major selection decision were information on college/department websites, brochures about the major, and information on the Internet. When asked why they were not majoring in information systems, the top two reasons given were "not what I wanted to do" and "subject not of interest."

Recommended Citation

Walstrom, Kent A.; Schambach, Thomas P.; Jones, Keith T.; and Crampton, William J. (2008) "Why Are Students Not Majoring in Information Systems?," Journal of Information Systems Education: Vol. 19 : Iss. 1 , 43-54.
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jise/vol19/iss1/5