An Evaluation of Spirituality among Graduate and Professional Degree Students: Year Four
Location
Walsh B
Proposal Track
Research Project
Session Format
Presentation
Abstract
[Note: This proposal involves the continuation of a study that was previously presented at the 2013-2015 GERA Annual Meetings.]
In 2011, an interdisciplinary group of researchers at Mercer University embarked on a longitudinal study to measure spirituality in graduate and professional degree students utilizing validated survey instruments in order to investigate perceptions regarding the role of spirituality in higher education and professional practice. Through 2015, a total of 1,185 students have participated in the survey. Among the results: A majority of students indicated that spirituality had an impact on their decision to pursue a degree in their discipline of study (59%). In addition, a majority of students anticipated that matters of spirituality would be incorporated in course work for their degree (62%) and during eventual practice in the profession (80%). Furthermore, 89% of students believed that a general understanding of the role of spirituality in society is necessary to be fully prepared for a successful career in their discipline. These findings could be used to develop or modify academic programs to address the spiritual concerns and expectations of students. If accepted, many more results will be shared and discussed during our GERA presentation.
Keywords
Spirituality, interdisciplinary, longitudinal, graduate, professional
Recommended Citation
Bush, Lucy J.; Hall, Jeffrey S.; Jacob, Bobby C.; Allen, W. Loyd; Harris, Elaine C.; Shogbon, Angela O.; Barker, Wesley N.; and White, Annesha, "An Evaluation of Spirituality among Graduate and Professional Degree Students: Year Four" (2016). Georgia Educational Research Association Conference. 8.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gera/2016/2016/8
An Evaluation of Spirituality among Graduate and Professional Degree Students: Year Four
Walsh B
[Note: This proposal involves the continuation of a study that was previously presented at the 2013-2015 GERA Annual Meetings.]
In 2011, an interdisciplinary group of researchers at Mercer University embarked on a longitudinal study to measure spirituality in graduate and professional degree students utilizing validated survey instruments in order to investigate perceptions regarding the role of spirituality in higher education and professional practice. Through 2015, a total of 1,185 students have participated in the survey. Among the results: A majority of students indicated that spirituality had an impact on their decision to pursue a degree in their discipline of study (59%). In addition, a majority of students anticipated that matters of spirituality would be incorporated in course work for their degree (62%) and during eventual practice in the profession (80%). Furthermore, 89% of students believed that a general understanding of the role of spirituality in society is necessary to be fully prepared for a successful career in their discipline. These findings could be used to develop or modify academic programs to address the spiritual concerns and expectations of students. If accepted, many more results will be shared and discussed during our GERA presentation.
