Factors Related to Concentration Area Choice Among Undergraduate Special Education Majors

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effects of 15 factors on students' selection of concentration areas in special education. Prior to selecting concentrations, three cohorts of undergraduate teacher candidates in the Department of Special Education at the University of Maryland at College Park were asked to rate the impact each factor had on their choice. Results indicated that six factors were consistently rated high regardless of year and concentration area: ages served; prior work and volunteer experience; curriculum content; site visits provided prior to concentration area selection; job availability; and variety of job options. The impact of a variety of experiences and career information on concentration area choice is discussed.