Date of Graduation

5-2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education in Adult and Lifelong Learning (EdD)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Counseling, Leadership, and Research Methods

Advisor/Mentor

Roessger, Kevin M.

Committee Member

Kacirek, Kit

Second Committee Member

Grover, Kenda S.

Keywords

Architectural Woodworking; Career and Technical Education; Human Capitol Theory; Postsecondary Education; Skills Gap; Woodworking

Abstract

The architectural woodworking industry offers a potential option to job seekers who are looking for alternatives to a formal 4-year postsecondary education. This preregistered quantitative study explores the relationship between postsecondary education and earnings for employees within the architectural woodworking industry. Framed by Human Capital Theory, the research investigates three questions: (1) do postsecondary credentials account for additional variance in income within the industry, (2) is the relationship between postsecondary education and income moderated by whether the credential is related to woodworking, and (3) do individuals with specific types of postsecondary credentials earn higher incomes than those without postsecondary credentials? Data is collected from full-time employees within architectural woodworking companies. The study aims to add to the vast body of empirical evidence on the postsecondary education and earnings relationship, contributing to a gap in the literature on the relationship within the architectural woodworking industry and potentially other specialty trades-based industries. The study will also provide evidence to inform individuals considering the architectural woodworking industry as a career path.

Download

Share

COinS