Expanding the Pipeline: Exploring Students’ Decision to Apply to a Graduate Student Affairs Program

• In Event: Graduate School Decisions and Success

Abstract

Expanding access to higher education also pertains to graduate education. While Hossler and Gallagher’s (1987) college choice process highlights students’ entrance to college, there is limited research on the graduate choice process. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore a graduate choice model by understanding of the factors that influence students to apply to a master’s student affairs program. In particular, this paper will focus on the predisposition phase(s) of the graduate choice process, specifically what this process looks like and how vocational values (Palmer, 2000, 2004) shape students’ pathway. Lastly, this paper will provide recommendations for improving research and practice in this area.

Authors

• Erica K. Yamamura, Seattle University

• Emily Wolfkiel, Seattle University