College Majors
68 Pages Posted: 10 Aug 2020 Last revised: 16 Jul 2023
Date Written: August 2020
Abstract
This article reviews the recent literature on the determinants of college major choices. We first highlight long-term trends and persistent differences in college major choices by gender, race, and family background. We then review the existing research in six key areas: expected earnings and ability sorting, learning, subjective expectations, non-pecuniary considerations, peer and family effects, and supply side factors. We examine and compare the various approaches employed by previous research and highlight key areas for future research.
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Patnaik, Arpita and Wiswall, Matthew and Zafar, Basit, College Majors (August 2020). NBER Working Paper No. w27645, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3670480
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