Factors affecting choice of major in science in the University of Natural Sciences in Ho Chi Minh City-Vietnam

With the "open door" admissions policy, the number of students permitted to study in universities in Vietnam has been increasing rapidly, year by year. This study was conducted to better understand the new student population. Attention was directed to factors affecting students' choice of chemistry as a major and factors appearing to contribute to student retention in the chemistry program.;This study surveyed all students in the third and fourth year of study in the Chemistry Department of the University of Natural Sciences in Ho Chi Minh City. These students have indicated their aspiration to study chemistry and are now studying in chemistry program. The survey asked for students' background information, factors associated with students' attraction to chemistry, and reasons why students decide to pursue a chemistry program or switch from it.;The study found that students based their decisions largely on their personal perceptions rather than external factors. More than half of responding students reported that they studied chemistry because they liked it or felt that they had an aptitude for chemistry. Two external factors rated important by a majority of students participating in this study are achievement in chemistry during secondary and high schools and opportunities for employment in the field of chemistry they believe will be waiting for them upon graduation.;The outcomes of this study are encouraging in that the majority of students intended to stay in the chemistry program and continue their education.;Disappointment about a perceived lack of opportunity to gain employment in chemistry after graduating was the main reason reported by students who would like to switch from the chemistry program. For those who had decided to stay in the chemistry major, enjoyment of the subject was the most frequently reported reason. Some differences between gender, students' living environment and family background also were found.