Selecting Program of Study for Undergraduate Students in the Valley View University, Kumasi

Abstract

The paper investigates the selection of courses of study by undergraduates at Valley View University, Kumasi. Data were collected from the School of Social Science Education, focusing on 10% of the total population, totaling two hundred and ten (210) students. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Findings reveal that economic influence is the most important factor affecting students' choice of programme. Other factors include school, peer, and gender influence. The study argues that for students to access their preferred programme of study, there should be E-learning, academic guidance, orientation, and avoidance of undue family influence. It further recommends that families should act as guides and support their wards in selecting courses rather than imposing programmes for reasons such as sustaining a family business. In addition, the Ghana Education Service (GES) should incorporate guidance and counseling into the Senior High School (SHS) syllabus to enhance prior knowledge on course selection in tertiary institutions and organize career exploration activities to help students decide on their programmes of study.