Awareness and perceptions of available Major programs by first year Zayed University students

David J Gallacher ,Angela Skuba,Roudha Al-Bahri

doi:10.18538/lthe.v7.n1.21

Abstract

In recent years there has been a large increase of Higher education options in the United Arab Emirates. Emirati school leavers must choose among newly established institutions that provide unproven qualifications, at the same time as their society undergoes a rapid transformation. Online surveys were administered to female Emirati students in the first (n = 407) and second (n = 188) semester of the Zayed University general education program, to investigate entering student awareness and perceptions of the seven majors available. Respondents indicated they were motivated by a desire to learn, and had selected their institution for its high academic standards. Half thought they had already decided their major, and while most felt they had made the decision themselves, they were influenced mostly by their immediate family members. Business was ranked highest for potential salary and job availability, and was second only to International Studies for potential social status. All other majors effectively compete with Business for students. Student awareness of Health Sciences and International Studies lagged behind other majors, indicating a need for promotion and/or rebranding. Respondents expressed a clear desire for the introduction of Engineering, Medicine and Law to the course offerings.

Highlights

Higher Education for citizens of the United Arab Emirates has strongly emphasized graduate employment during the last decade
Education is often valued for reasons of social status rather than economic value, despite the fact that salary is an important motivator for changing jobs (Nelson, 2004)
Participants were recruited in their advising and academic development class, which all students are required to take, and the sample should include an accurate representation of Zayed University students in terms of demographic and social factors

Summary

Introduction

Higher Education for citizens of the United Arab Emirates has strongly emphasized graduate employment during the last decade. This was perhaps a response to reports that Emirati study choices were mismatched to market demands. Education is often valued for reasons of social status rather than economic value, despite the fact that salary is an important motivator for changing jobs (Nelson, 2004). It is valued by many women as a means to escape boredom from an existence within the home (Crabtree, 2007)

Methods

Results

Conclusion