Objectives. To assess the factors, motivations, and nonacademic influences that affected the choice of major among pharmacy and nonpharmacy undergraduate students. Methods. A survey was administered to 618 pharmacy and nonpharmacy majors to assess background and motivational factors that may have influenced their choice of major. The sample consisted of freshman and sophomore students enrolled in a required speech course. Results. African-American and Hispanic students were less likely to choose pharmacy as a major than Caucasians, whereas Asian-Americans were more likely to choose pharmacy as a major. Pharmacy students were more likely to be interested in science and math than nonpharmacy students. Conclusion. Students' self-reported racial/ethnic backgrounds influence their decision of whether to choose pharmacy as their academic major. Results of this survey provide further insight into developing effective recruiting strategies and enhancing the marketing efforts of academic institutions.

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Objectives. To determine factors that influenced students' choice of pharmacy as a major and assess relationships between these factors and anticipatory socialization. Methods. Two hundred fifteen freshman and sophomore students enrolled in a 0-6 doctor of pharmacy program completed a survey instrument on which they rated 6 motivational factors in their decision to major in pharmacy and answered questions related to anticipatory socialization. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to answer the research questions posed. Results. Female students ranked desire to help others as a stronger motivating factor in their decision to pursue a career in pharmacy than did male students. Caucasian students rated providing more career opportunities and providing an entry-level doctorate as stronger motivating factors for pursuing pharmacy than did Asian students. Asian students had lower levels of anticipatory socialization than other students. Students with higher levels of motivation had higher levels of anticipatory socialization. Conclusion. Results of this study provide further insight into effective recruiting strategies and recommendations for improved pharmacy education.

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Using an interdisciplinary approach and historical-materialist perspective, this article argues that economic systems largely influence and maintain the operation of all cultural activity. It contends that today's world has become increasingly dependent on a global economy dominated by capitalism*/a profit-driven system*/that has come to influence all aspects of life. As such, it ought to be a primary subject to be discussed in intercultural communication textbooks. To explicate the link between economics and communication, the author examines competition and consumerism, dominant cultural, and class-based tendencies in the U.S., as inherent characteristics of this economic system. The author will also detail the influence of these tendencies on communication, both domestically and internationally. This article argues that future textbooks should augment current interdisciplinary approaches to allow for a discussion of the link between communication and economics, thus enhancing the reader's understanding of intercultural communication. Such a socioeconomic approach to communication could help increase students' compassion in intercultural settings, empowering them to contribute to positive global change.