Much prior research has examined the individual-level, major-specific, and institutional correlates of college students’ choice of major, as well as the variation in labor market outcomes associated with this important choice. Extant accounts, however, largely overlook the process by which individuals change their major throughout college. This study provides a comprehensive description of major switching, and considers its relevance to concerns about stratification in postsecondary education. Drawing on survey and transcript data from students at three large universities in the United States, I find that switching is widespread, and that many students change their majors multiple times. Students appear to change majors in an effort to better fit their interests and abilities, as students seek out majors that are generally less competitive and easier. Major change further contributes to gender segregation, particularly as women leave science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields after initially selecting these at lower rates than men.

中文翻译：

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选择和改变课程：大专学生和选择主要研究领域的过程

许多先前的研究已经研究了大学生选择专业的个人层面、特定专业和制度相关性，以及与这一重要选择相关的劳动力市场结果的变化。然而，现存的记载在很大程度上忽略了个人在整个大学期间改变专业的过程。本研究提供了对专业转换的全面描述，并考虑了其与高等教育分层问题的相关性。根据美国三所大型大学学生的调查和成绩单数据，我发现转学很普遍，许多学生多次转专业。学生们似乎为了更好地适应自己的兴趣和能力而改变专业，因为学生会寻找通常竞争较弱且更容易的专业。重大变化进一步加剧了性别隔离，尤其是在最初选择科学、技术、工程和数学 (STEM) 领域后，女性的选择率低于男性。