http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3 http://www.loc.gov/standards/mods/v3/mods-3-2.xsd
Non-traditional graduate students' perceptions of their transitional experiences while pursuing an advanced degree
The surge in the American birth rate in the 20 years following the end of World War II created the largest cohort, nicknamed the "Baby Boomers," in history. As a group, they are better educated, healthier, more financially secure, and have a longer expected life span than any generation before them. The leading edge of this large cohort is both nearing retirement and returning to higher education in record numbers. Other adults, while not close to retirement, are also returning to graduate school in record numbers. This study was interested in exploring more about the adult who, having earned an undergraduate degree, being in or having been in a career, with an already full life, decided to add graduate school to it. The informants, all non-traditional graduate students, fell within the theoretical framework of transition. They moved away from something. They were on a journey that would change their relationship, their routine, their assumptions, or one or more of their roles. For some, the journey began as the normal progression of his/her career. For others, it was caused by a non-normative, triggering event or was the recognition of a non-event. Each informant had a unique story, yet each shared the common thread of being in a transition. The study used the qualitative research method with individual, semi-structured, 60- to 90-minute, face-to-face interviews. The 17 non-traditional graduate student informants were 33-53 years old, represented 12 career fields and 12 majors from accredited institutions in the Southwest. The data indicated that the informants returned to higher education to accomplish a career goal, that non-traditional graduate students wanted to alter their life course, that support from family and friends was critical, that effective time management was essential for those working full-time, and that they were purposeful, committed, and prepared.
"Major Subject: Educational Human Resource Development".
Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilm Inc.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 100-104).
Major educational human resource development