PURSUING GENDER DIVERSITY IN UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS PROGRAMS: UNDERSTANDING THE MAJOR SELECTION PROCESS

Undergraduate programs in business hope to develop the next generation of business leaders. To do so, we must attract and retain students in programs of study. This study explores the decisions of students to choose one of the fields of business during the major selection process. Data was collected from current undergraduate students to explore the timeline of undergraduate students' decision to major in business. Motivation for major selection and educational outcomes were analyzed. The data revealed gender-based discrepancies within businesses disciplines, suggesting female students gained an interest in careers and higher education in business earlier than their male classmates. It also suggests that they chose their major earlier, and plan to continue further in graduate programs than their male classmates. This survey also revealed disparity in gender-based enrollment among business disciplines. Though accounting student respondents were 50% female, males outnumbered female students in every other discipline except marketing. This exploration may lead not only to insights in recruiting, but also retention and matriculation of female business students.