UCLA

This dissertation investigates the major pathway selection process of students at a California community college from the perspective of counselors in light of the Guided Pathways movement. This study seeks to understand counselors' perspectives on how Guided Pathways shapes students' choices in selecting their majors. A qualitative research approach was employed, utilizing semi-structured, in-depth, one-on-one interviews with 11 community college counselors. Counselors emphasized the importance of career- specific information, real-world exposure, early interventions, and the need for an undecided option. Successes identified include Career and Academic Pathways (CAPs) and Program Maps, although improvements were suggested for accommodating part-time students. Shortcomings of the implementation included the slow implementation of Guided Pathways and the necessity for enhanced personalized advising, especially for first- generation students. This study emphasizes the importance of tailored counseling to optimize academic and career decision-making within the Guided Pathways framework.