Graduation Term

2024

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Department of Agriculture

Committee Chair

Drew Lugar

Abstract

Anecdotally, college students have high levels of stress when compared to the rest of the population. There have been many studies that support this idea in programs outside of animal science, but with the shift in animal science from students that have prior livestock experience to those that do not, it is important to acknowledge how this shift impacts the student population. By evaluating courses in animal science, and how they impact student stress it is possible to determine if the present-day curriculum causes any additional stress on students that have less prior experience. In the United States, a majority of the agricultural work force comes from Mexico. By taking animal science students to study abroad in places like Mexico, it can help prepare them to enter the workforce with the skills needed to be successful. Short-term study abroad programs are more accessible than traditional long-term study abroad programs with their lower cost and shorter time commitment. However, student stress in short-term programs is not studied as often as traditional programs. Additionally, it is important to recognize the levels of student stress in these programs to ensure that program leaders are giving students the most productive experience. The aim of the studies included in this thesis were to identify student stress in an animal science course, as well as in animal science short-term study abroad programs. Student stress is quantified through metrics of physiological and psychological stress.

Access Type

Thesis-Open Access

DOI

https://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2024.20240827063557388020.999978

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