Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses
Title
The impact of the First-Year Experience on a College Student’s God Image: A Phenomenological Study
Date of Award
2021
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
First Advisor
Tim Herrmann
Second Advisor
Drew Moser
Third Advisor
Scott Gaier
Abstract
The first year of college comes with many new experiences, including those that impact and change a student’s faith. This phenomenological study investigated how the first-year experience of students at a Midwest, faith-based, liberal arts college impacted faith development and particularly God images. Results revealed that the community around the students, the difficulties and struggles they faced, and the new perspectives they encountered led students to view God in more relational and loving ways than prior to their first year of college. The discussion introduces readers to opportunities for student development educators to engage with first-year students in their faith development on both the one-on-one and programmatic levels.
Recommended Citation
Peterson, Josiah, "The impact of the First-Year Experience on a College Student’s God Image: A Phenomenological Study" (2021). Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) Theses. 183.
https://pillars.taylor.edu/mahe/183