A Case Study on the Design of Educational Methods and Systems for Students in Majors Selection System

Objectives This study aims to analyze the current implementation of major selection systems in universities and propose educational frameworks and methods to support students in successfully exploring their academic interests and designing their academic and career paths. Methods A comprehensive literature review was conducted to analyze previous research on major selection system, and nine prominent domestic universities were selected to investigate their operational methods and support systems. Case universities were selected by considering diversity in institutional type, regional distribution, timing of system adoption, and operational methods. Data were collected through academic literature, official university websites, forum presentations, and related media reports. Based on the collected data, educational programs and structures for students who autonomously select their majors were developed. Results The study identified four essential components for the success of major selection system students: curriculum design, extracurricular programs, student advisory systems, and policy research. These elements need to be interconnected to achieve optimal results. First, it is necessary to design a curriculum that ensures the autonomy of major selection while maintaining the quality of education, including the activation of liberal arts education, expansion of basic major courses, promotion of online courses, and mandatory completion of interdisciplinary majors. Second, various extracurricular programs should be provided to support students in exploring their majors, such as freshman orientations, major exploration seminars, major fairs, major mentoring, hands-on experiences, and counseling services, Third, a personalized advisory system should be established to provide sufficient guidance throughout the major selection process. Finally, continuous research and development should be conducted to identify and address the issues in implementing major selection systems. Conclusions The results of this study can contribute to actual educational policies and operations by proposing various educational support systems and operational strategies through the empirical analysis of major domestic universities.