Factors Influencing Pharmacy Students' Choice of Major and Its Relationship to Anticipatory Socialization

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.