Author

Ahmad Bautista Elias Jr.*
Northeastern College, Santiago City, Isabela, Philippines

Abstract

This study explored the inclination of liberal arts graduates toward pursuing graduate studies, focusing on trends and influencing factors. A descriptive-quantitative research design was employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire administered to 41 liberal arts graduates. The instrument measured respondents’ demographic profile, level of graduate school inclination, and factors influencing their decision to pursue further studies. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Chi-square test. Findings revealed that respondents generally exhibited a moderate inclination toward graduate studies, with the strongest agreement on the belief that postgraduate education enhances career opportunities. Personal career goals and the desire for academic growth and specialization emerged as the most influential factors, while financial considerations and undergraduate academic performance were less influential. Inferential analysis showed that there was no significant difference in graduate school inclination across age groups, as indicated by the ANOVA result (F = 2.14, p = 0.115). Likewise, the Chi-square test revealed no significant relationship between employment status and graduate school inclination (χ² = 6.27, p = 0.182). These results suggest that inclination toward graduate education is consistent across demographic categories and is more strongly influenced by intrinsic motivations rather than external conditions. The findings support existing literature that highlights career advancement and specialization as primary drivers of postgraduate study (Mullen et al., 2003; Perna, 2004), while also emphasizing the role of personal aspirations in the Philippine context (Villanueva & Garcia, 2019). Overall, the study concludes that liberal arts graduates are motivated to pursue graduate education, but their decisions are shaped by practical considerations that require institutional support and accessible learning opportunities.

Keywords: Graduate School Inclination, Liberal Arts Graduates, career motivation, influencing factors, postgraduate education.

*Corresponding author/ Email: ahmadelias1982@gmail.com
DOI: http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS05021029

Recommended citation:
Elias, A. B., Jr. (2026). Exploring the graduate school inclination of liberal arts graduates: Trends and influences. Pantao (The International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences) 5 (2), 2094-2098. http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS05021029

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