The perspective of Cambodian students toward multiple degrees in Cambodian higher education context

Abstract

Only a few research papers study the pursuit of multiple degrees in Cambodian higher education context; today, it is a popular trend for students to pursue more than one degree upon when of their high school diploma or associate degree (Walker, 2012). However, taking more than one degree in Cambodian higher education raises the question of whether or not it offers a successful academic option for students.

This study investigates the factors that influence students’ decisions to take more than one degree. The study also examines the challenges that students have encountered during their academic life. Last, the view of students toward the multiple degrees is explored. A qualitative research methodology is adopted in order to answer these questions and analyze the phenomenon. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews are the two main tools used in this study.

The study has found that there are many reasons why students decide to take more than one degree. Among them, the wish to broaden knowledge, increase job opportunities, academic interest, gaining knowledge that is complementary to the first degree, and the clarification of academic interests and future goals are the main reasons behind taking the multiple degrees today. However, most students have struggled with issues such as time management, health condition, and financial problem during their academic studies. Moreover, the study illustrates that the majority of students are satisfied with taking multiple degrees, while only the minority of students are not satisfied with the multiple degrees due primarily to low levels of concentration on lessons, repeating the same courses between the different degrees and taking on large workloads. Last, this study suggests a series of recommendations and further studies at the end of the paper.