Determinants of Academic Program Choice Among Criminology Students

This study examined the factors influencing program preference among Bachelor of Science in Criminology students in Tagbilaran City, Philippines. A quantitative descriptive design was employed, and data were collected from 150 criminology students across three higher education institutions offering the program. Results showed that childhood aspiration was the most influential factor in choosing the criminology program, followed by personal reasons and influence from family members or relatives. Financial constraints and availability of scholarship grants emerged as significant perceived challenges, while mental ability and school location were not considered major obstacles. ANOVA results revealed significant differences in perceived challenges among groups of respondents.