Undergrad and Over 30: Perceptions of Mature Students in a Canadian Bachelor of Social Work Program

This study sought to respond to the increased number of mature students in social work education and the understudied topic of their experiences. The research deployed semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to explore the benefits, challenges, and needs of mature students (N = 19) over the age of 30 in a Canadian Bachelor of Social Work program. Participant responses revealed multiple, intersecting factors that impacted their experiences. Pertinent themes included the decision to return to school, enhanced engagement, and motivation in the pursuit of their degrees as well as their personal challenges, strategies, and perceptions of ageism within the classroom and curriculum. The study found that mature students would benefit from the development of institutional resources specific to their needs including flexible scheduling, assistance with technology, and clearer guidelines for group activities.