Date of Conferral

10-29-2024

Degree

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

School

Education

Advisor

Natolyn Jones-Ferguson

Abstract

The problem that was addressed through this study is that online undergraduate adult students, 25 years of age or older, do not persist to graduation at Caring University, a pseudonym for an online university. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the perceptions of online adult undergraduate alumni about what motivated them to persist in their educational pursuits and what recommendations they have for instructors to motivate current students. The conceptual framework that guided this research is Ryan and Deci’s self-determination theory, which explores why humans are motivated to change. For this basic qualitative design, 10 adult undergraduate alumni who graduated with an online degree within the last 5 years were interviewed. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic coding and the results were that staying motivated, even when faced with challenges, is essential to persist for adult online students. It is important to set clear goals, utilize available resources, overcome obstacles, keep the end goal in sight, and finally, believe in one’s ability to succeed. Consequently, university instructors and administrators can develop programs focusing on these themes, such as a 3-day professional development. The study will promote positive social change by supporting and encouraging instructors and administrators to help students with the themes discovered through this study with goal setting, providing resources, and overall motivation to persist. If students are successful, not only the students benefit through their accomplishment personally and professionally but also the institution by increasing financial support and a positive reputation.

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