The Myth of the Full-Time Student: The incompatibility of student work hours and full-time graduate education
2024-05-15
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The Myth of the Full-Time Student: The incompatibility of student work hours and full-time graduate education
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2024-05-15
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The Humphrey School of Public Affairs offers masters degrees that have remained largely unchanged since they were created, despite substantial shifts in conditions affecting students. This paper seeks to understand how changing societal and educational patterns have affected students’ well-being, particularly focusing on the difficulties students have in reconciling the structure of their masters degree programs and their employment. I address economic challenges that students face, including financial hardships, concerns about meeting basic needs, utilization of financial aid resources, and levels and sources of debt, with attention to intersecting identities such as race and sexuality. Data were collected through a comprehensive survey administered to the masters student population. The findings reveal that students, particularly those who were employed, struggled to support themselves and felt as though their job(s) impeded their success in school. Despite their efforts to manage work and study, many had trouble with financial security, meeting monthly expenses, and having enough food. Additionally, debt remains a pervasive issue. These findings underscore the pressing need for the Humphrey School to reassess and update its policies and program structures to better align with the realities and needs of its student body. Addressing these challenges is imperative for fostering an inclusive and supportive academic environment conducive to student success and well-being.
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