FACTORS INFLUENCING THE STATED CAREER GOALS OF MINORITY GRADUATE-STUDENTS IN COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAMS

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence the stated career goals that racial and ethnic minority graduate stude nts in counseling psychology make while pursuing their graduate educat ion. A national sample of 118 minority students, representing 50 train ing programs, participated. Participants completed a career goal instr ument and a demographic questionnaire. Results indicated that most cou nseling psychology minority students preferred combined academic and p ractitioner career goals, whereas few were interested in pursuing full -time academic careers; the presence of positive feedback and reinforc ement of counseling skills were primary influences on career choices. Findings are discussed in terms of recommendations for training progra ms and future theoretically based studies.