Date Approved
6-9-2025
Embargo Period
6-9-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. Higher Education
Department
Higher Education
College
College of Education
Advisor
Stephanie Lezotte, Ph.D.
Committee Member 1
Andrew Tinnin, Ed.D.
Committee Member 2
Tyrone McCombs, Ph.D.
Disciplines
Education
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative research study was to gain a better understanding of the experiences, inspiration, motivations, and varying aspects of what it is to be a first- generation master’s level student. Throughout the 2024-2025 academic year, I conducted interviews with three first-generation undergraduate students, three first-generation graduate students, and two first-generation postgraduate professionals at a single university to understand how their higher education experiences were similar and different. I pursued this research topic to understand further what resources graduate students used and which were lacking for their needs. The pursuit motivated me to discover why there was such little literature upon this intersection of first-generation graduate students. In the process of the research, I was able to find common trends within the population: these were time management, imposter syndrome, family dynamics, and hyper-independence. This research will help inform current undergraduate first- generation students and administration about what education opportunities are still possible, the difficulties that can be present, the new experiences students can have, and some successful stories of post-graduate students. Finally, recommendations include what is needed on the faculty and staff level to support and increase enrollment of these students.
Recommended Citation
Torres, Andrew, "First Generation Graduate Student Experiences" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 3388.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3388
