從一而終還是琵琶別抱？臺灣學士到碩士主修流動之對數線性模型分析

To Change or Not? A Log-Linear Model Analysis of Major Mobility from Bachelor to Master Programs in Taiwan

本研究探討大學生學術養成過程中專業領域之轉換。主修轉換意味放棄過去所學轉銜至未知領域，無論是基於興趣還是就業考量，皆可視為重要的流動策略。本研究以國立臺灣師範大學建置的「臺灣高等教育整合資料庫」碩士生調查資料進行分析，有效樣本數為19,492。主修劃分為文藝、教育、社科、商管、醫藥、農學、工程、理學等八大領域，探討學生大學、碩士兩階段主修領域的轉換模式，進一步控制性別、分流、屬性三項參數，探討主修流動模式之差異，並以深入訪談解釋主修流動原因。經由對數線性模型分析，近四分之一的碩士生攻讀領域與大學時期不同。農—醫、社—商、文—社三個雙向流動可大幅提升模型的配適程度，「工—商」兩個熱門主修亦有不少相互流動現象。此外，一般大學／技職校院流動模式亦有顯著差異。最後，深入訪談顯示主修流動除了可提升個人的市場價值外，亦有自我實現之目的。

This study examines the patterns of major transitions among university students in Taiwan during their academic development. Major transitions, which involve switching from a previously-studied field to a new one, represent a significant mobility strategy driven by both personal interests and career considerations. This study analyzes data gleaned from graduate students surveys in the “Taiwan Higher Education Integrated Database” established by National Taiwan Normal University. With an effective sample size of 19,492, we employ log-linear models to analyze major transition patterns across eight academic fields: arts, education, social sciences, business administration, medicine, agriculture, engineering, and science. We further investigate the influences of gender, tracking, and attributes on major mobility patterns. In addition, we use in-depth interviews to explain the reasons for major mobility. Log-linear model analysis reveals nearly a quarter of sampled graduate students pursue fields different from their undergraduate majors. Three bidirectional flows – agriculture to medicine, social sciences to business, and arts to social sciences – significantly improve the model fit. Additionally, substantial mutual mobility is observed between the popular majors of engineering and business. Furthermore, significant differences in major mobility patterns emerge between comprehensive universities and technological and vocational colleges. In-depth interviews with graduate students shed light on the rational decision-making processes behind their choice of major, emphasizing considerations of future career prospects and labor market trends. Finally, in-depth interviews revealed that major mobility not only enhances a graduate’s market value, but also serves the purpose of self-actualization.