Date of Degree
2026
Degree Name
Ed.D. (Doctor of Education)
Department
Department of Counseling and Higher Education (CAHE)
Director
Nyunt, Gudrun
Committee Members
Koretegast, Carrie; Jaekel, Katy
Keywords
Veterans, Veteran Students, Schlossberg Transitional Theory, Interpretivist Qualitative Design
Abstract
Military veteran college students face unique challenges in and outside of the classroom. Few studies have examined how the transitions from military to civilian and higher education affects miliary veteran college students. Using an interpretivist qualitative study design, this study explored how military veteran college students experience their transition to civilian life and to higher education. Data was collected from 9 military veterans using interviews that were coded using thematic analysis. Themes were then reviewed by participants using a focus group. The member checked themes revolved around issues with reframing their military mindset and reacclimating to civilian life, fitting in with others on campus, and with navigating veteran benefits. Also discussed was the importance of social support in navigating their transition from military service to civilian life and to higher education. Implications and future directions for practice are explored on how we can further support the military veteran college student population and create a veteran friendly learning environment on college campuses.
Publisher
Northern Illinois University
Rights Statement
In Copyright
Rights Statement 2
NIU theses and dissertations are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors, unless otherwise indicated.
Recommended Citation
Berchtold, Brian A., "The Veteran-Student Experience: Exploring Transition Dynamics" (2026). Dissertations of Practice. 113.
https://huskiecommons.lib.niu.edu/allgraduate-disspractice/113
