Date of Conferral

8-23-2024

Date of Award

August 2024

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Danielle McDonald

Abstract

This study examined what motivated male inmates in a private Oklahoma prison to participate in general education diploma or the Microsoft Office Specialist certification program. Research questions explored, what factors motivated program participants to participate in educational programs while incarcerated? Next, whether those who were eligible to participate in the program exhibited treatment readiness? Finally, were those who exhibited higher levels of treatment readiness and motivation were more likely to participate in and complete the program? A survey was used to collect demographic information and assess treatment readiness and motivation through the Corrections Victoria Treatment Readiness Questionnaire for 48 inmates. Correctional and educational staff also participated in focus group interviews to discuss treatment readiness, motivation, and what they observed when working with participants in these educational programs. Findings suggested younger inmates were more likely to participate in and complete the education program, non-Hispanic/Latino inmates were more likely to take accountability for their offending, and being married was found to be a good source of motivation. Focus group interviews provided support for participation in educational programming as a necessary tool to assist with successful reentry into society. In addition, there is a continued need to expand, develop, and financially fund more educational programs within the prison system. Based on these results, if programs are improved, positive social change can be achieved when inmates have an increasingly successful reintegration into society.

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