Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Conrad, Amanda G.

Committee Member

Mathews, Rahel

Committee Member

Komakech, Joel J.

Committee Member

Tidwell, Diane K.

Date of Degree

8-13-2024

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Food Science, Nutrition, Health Promotion (Nutrition)

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion

Abstract

This descriptive cross-sectional study investigated factors that influenced undergraduate students’ career paths within health care and the dietetics field. A 34-item Qualtrics survey was emailed to undergraduate students. Most of the participants (N=355) were females (72.2%), 72.9% were white students and 21.6% were black or African Americans. Results indicated the main reason students chose their major was personal interest. Other reasons included lifestyle, family, potential financial success, and friends. More than 50% of students indicated they personally knew someone who has the job they desire after college. Diversity within majors and health-related professions could be influenced by gender and ethnicity. White students had better knowledge of health-related careers prior to college compared black or African American students. And females had a better knowledge of health-related careers prior to college than male or trans female students. Participants had a lack of knowledge about registered dietitians compared to other health care professions. This study provided insight to why students choose their college major. More research is needed concerning diversity and health care professions.

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