EXPLORING THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN STUDENTS IN IS AND OTHER DISCIPLINES IN THE PERCEPTIONS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING STUDY PROGRAM CHOICE: A SURVEY STUDY IN NORWAY

Abstract

In this study, we explored the differences between students in IS and other disciplines in their perceptions of factors influencing study program choice. A quantitative research approach was employed. We used an online survey for data collection. Data was collected in a Norwegian public university in the Fall semester of 2021. The findings from this study showed that the factors that most influence students' choice of study program are career-related. The most influencing factor for students in choosing a study program was identified as job availability, followed by job security, career opportunities, and interesting work assignments. Significant differences were found between students in IS and other disciplines in the following five factors influencing study program choice: job security, opportunity to be innovative, personal skills, ease of study topics, and performance in high school subject matter courses.