An Examination of the Effects of Career Development Courses on Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy, Adjustment to College, Learning Integration, and Academic Success

This study investigated the effects of career development courses on career decision-making self-efficacy (CDMSE), college adjustment, learning integration, academic achievement, and retention among undecided undergraduates. It also investigated the effects of course format on career decision-making abilities and academic success outcomes and whether CDMSE significantly predicted academic success outcomes among students in the career courses. Results indicated that students reported significantly more adaptive self-efficacy beliefs in all five efficacy domains, college adjustment, and learning integration following the theory-based career courses. Undecided students enrolled in career courses had significantly higher retention rates and GPAs than a comparison group of undecided students not enrolled in career courses. Course format did not appear to have a significant impact on outcomes. The CDMSE domains of self-appraisal, planning, and problem solving significantly positively predicted levels of college adjustment. The domains of planning and problem solving significantly positively predicted levels of learning integration.