Date
10-14-2026
Department
School of Education
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration (PhD)
Chair
Michael Gibson
Keywords
career maturity, dual enrollment, Career and Technical Education, early college
Disciplines
Higher Education
Recommended Citation
Paquette, Meghan P., "A Causal-Comparative Study of Career Maturity in Young Adults and Early College Students in Career and Technical Education Programs" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 9025.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/9025
Abstract
The purpose of this quantitative, causal-comparative study was to examine differences in career maturity between young adult and high school students enrolled in Career and Technical Education District programs at a rural community college in Arizona. Grounded in Social Learning Theory and Career Construction Theory, the study explored how early exposure to Career and Technical Education influences career maturity. The sample included 196 students, half high school Career and Technical Education District students and half young adults aged 18 to 24 participating in Career and Technical Education. Career maturity was measured using the Career Maturity Inventory Form C, which assessed concern, curiosity, confidence, and consultation. Surveys were administered online during class time with instructor coordination. A combination of analysis of variance and multivariate analysis of variance was used to assess group differences. This study filled a gap by linking Career and Technical Education dual enrollment to career maturity in rural contexts. Results indicated no statistically significant differences in overall career maturity or the career maturity subscales of concern, curiosity, confidence, and consultation between high school Career and Technical Education District students and young adult students enrolled in Career and Technical Education programs. The findings suggested that participation in dual enrollment Career and Technical Education pathways may support similar levels of career maturity among both adolescent and young adult students. Recommendations for future research included conducting longitudinal studies across multiple institutions and examining additional demographic variables influencing career maturity.
