THE DECISION-MAKING COMPETENCE IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION: IS IT ACTUAL FOR TECHNICAL STUDENTS?

The problem of educational program choice (including, in general, the choice of educational institution) is particularly relevant from the standpoint of achieving efficient use of financial resources in the education sector. The educational program is often chosen not by the people whom it was originally targeted. As a result, the wrong choice leads to the fact that the quality of the program is reduced in connection with the forced adjustment of its volume, depth and content. The decision-making process of the Master program choice is analyzed basing on the conceptual and methodological framework of Behavioral Economics. In the article students of technical and non-technical specialties are compared. Testable hypothesis implies the existence of wrong decisions when choosing specialties in both samples. The survey reveals the difference between the assessment of expected (decision) and actual (experience) utility of the chosen field of study both among technical and non-technical students. A modified version of The Career Decision-making Difficulties Questionnaire is used to identify the obstacles arising from the Master program choice. As a result, it can be highlighted that one of the tasks for universities is preparation of undergraduate students for choosing the Master program and programs of postgraduate education. Furthermore, particular attention should be paid directly to the decision-making process in order to give students the necessary tools for removing cognitive illusions. Finally, the proposed work provides useful information for the nudge in the field of education.