Reasons for Department Preference of Faculty of Sport Sciences Students with Classification Judgment Based Scaling Method

This study was conducted using the scaling method based on classification judgments in order to determine the reasons for the department preference among students at the Faculty of Sport Sciences. The study was conducted at Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Faculty of Sport Sciences, during the 2022-2023 academic year and was completed with the participation of 297 students from the departments of Physical Education and Sports Teaching, Coaching Education, and Sport Management. Within the scope of the research, data were collected through a questionnaire that was revised based on expert opinions and comprised 37 statements. The data obtained were analyzed using Excel and R statistical programs. The results showed that individual factors played a primary role in students’ reasons for choosing their department. The results indicate that individual factors are the most significant determinants of students’ departmental preferences, with “my aptitude for the profession” and “my interest in the profession” cited most frequently. These were followed by environmental factors, particularly job opportunities and institutional infrastructure. In contrast, social influences, such as advice from family and peers, played a less prominent role. Notable differences emerged between departments: Coaching Education students prioritized career aptitude, while those in Physical Education and Sports Teaching emphasized alignment with future goals and job prospects. Sport Management students, on the other hand, focused more on the enjoyment derived from participation in sporting activities. Overall, while personal interests and career objectives were central to students’ choices, departmental characteristics also contributed to shaping their preferences.