Can A Simple Email Shape Major Choice?

This study examines the impact of encouragement emails sent to high-performing students in a principles of microeconomics course at a large state university, aimed at motivating them to take additional economics courses and consider an economics major or minor. 

The authors find some evidence of an increase in the likelihood of enrolling in intermediate microeconomics, especially for first-generation college students and underrepresented minorities, but limited effects on major switching or declaring an economics minor. 

The findings suggest sustained interventions may be necessary to produce lasting effects.