INVESTIGATING THE FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE STUDENTS` CHOICE OF ENGLISH STUDIES AS A MAJOR: THE CASE OF UNIVERSITY OF NOUAKCHOTT AL AASRIYA, MAURITANIA

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to explore the factors that affect students` choice of English studies as a major at the University of Nouakchott Al Aasriya in Mauritania. A quantitative research methodology was used, and the data were collected from 107 students from the English Department. To verify the five hypotheses of this study and whether there is a significant positive relationship between the dependent variable (students` choice of English studies major) and the independent variables (personal interest, program content, education facilities, employment prospect and media), SPSS was used to provide a descriptive statistical analysis. The Findings of the study showed that personal interest and employment prospect do have a significant influence on students` choice of English studies as a major, but the influence is negative. Additionally, the study revealed that education facilities and media had a significant positive influence on students` choice. On the contrary, data analysis indicated that program content did have a significant influence on students` choice. Thus, are accepted; while , and are rejected since there is no significant positive relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variables. The findings of this study contribute to literature by focusing on the determinant factors that influence students’ choice of English studies major at University of Nouakchott Al Aasriya.