Degree Date

6-2026

Document Type

Dissertation - Public Access

Degree Name

Ed.D. Doctor of Education

Academic Discipline

Educational Leadership

First Advisor

Dr. Lori Butler

Second Advisor

Dr. Carla Sparks

Third Advisor

Dr. Amanda Sheets

Abstract

This study examined the perceptions of online graduate students regarding the accessibility and usefulness of support services (Online Academic Advising, Online Technical Support, Online Counseling Services, Online Library Resources, and Online Career Services) at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the southern United States. The study aimed to examine the attitudes of online students towards these support systems and to determine whether these attitudes played a role in their learning process. The primary research question was: What is the relationship between the accessibility of support systems and students' perceptions of those support systems in online graduate programs at the HBCU under study? The study used a mixed-methods design with data from a survey that had both closed-ended and open-ended items. The findings indicated that two support services, Online Career Services and Online Counseling Services, were the least accessible and useful of the support services. Recommendations included, but were not limited to, that the college implement changes identified and solicit regular feedback from students.

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