Dissertation

The Graduate School Struggle: Exploring Master’s Students Satisfaction with Student Services

Public Deposited
Abstract
  • This study explored master’s students’ perceptions of student services as it relates to their satisfaction at a small, private liberal arts institution in Louisiana. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 master’s students who were enrolled in both on-campus and online master’s degree programs. A qualitative phenomenological research approach was utilized to understand the lived experiences of the participants. Transcripts were analyzed to identify themes. The analysis was realized in correspondence with Astin’s Student Involvement Theory (1999), as well as the research questions. Six major themes emerged: (1) relationships with faculty members and the academic department; (2) work and other personal experiences; (3) academic challenge and work preparation; (4) peer relationships; (5) family and friends; and (6) accessing student services. The findings suggest that master’s students benefit from student services academically and socially in their student experience. Additionally, students identified the role of student services as one that supports their needs and communicates programs and resources available on campus. The findings also suggested there were generally no differences in perceptions for master’s students enrolled in on-campus programs versus those enrolled in online programs; therefore, proposing master’s students should be provided opportunities to get involved regardless of their program’s instructional modality. Recommendations for future research included exploring master’s students’ usage of student services in more depth, and continuing research on graduate student involvement and retention. Implications for practices were also shared and suggested that higher education professionals should debunk negatives notions about the graduate student population and encourage, promote, and build involvement opportunities for master’s students.
Last modified
  • 01/28/2025
Creator
Subject
Publisher
Keyword
Date created
Resource type
Rights statement

Relations

In Collection:

Items