Date of Award
Summer 2021
Document Type
Open Access Dissertation
Department
Educational Studies
First Advisor
Yasha Becton
Abstract
This action research study analyzed career and major choice perceptions among low-income first-generation college students or FGCS while using self-efficacy as the primary metric. This study instituted a mixed-methods methodology to understand further student-related challenges and factors that affected their career and major decisions. Using a pretest-posttest design, participants’ self-efficacy levels were assessed using the Career Decision Self-Efficacy Assessment - Short Form (CDSE-SF). After analyzing the student performance in the five sub-factors of this instrument, these data were used to inform the individual interviews and focus groups. All participants were first-year students enrolled in a federally funded TRIO program, which explicitly supports first-generation college students. The study's purpose was to examine the impact that TRIO Programs have on FGCS major and career decisions and exposure. Findings from the study indicate that financial support, supportive advising and mental health resources are essential to provide effective support for FGCS as they pursue their career goals.
Rights
© 2021, James Kerry Winfield
Recommended Citation
Winfield, J. K.(2021). An Action Based Approach to Analyze Factors That Impact Academic Major and Career Choice of Low-Income First-Generation College Students. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/6496