Hispanic learners in South Texas: Factors that influence them in the pursuit of graduate education in social work

As the Hispanic population in the United States continues to grow, it is expected that the psychosocial and mental health needs of these individuals will also grow. This study examined factors that influence a Hispanic student's decision to enroll in a graduate level social work program. According to the 2000 census, the South Texas area along the United States/Mexico border consists of a large number of Hispanic residents ranging from approximately 85-94% of cities' individual populations (City of Laredo, n.d.; U.S.Census Bureau, 2007). Additionally, it is expected that the Hispanic population in Texas will continue to grow, and it will no longer be a minority group by the year 2040 (U.S.Census Bureau, 2007). In 2006, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) reported that only 2.7% of the students enrolled in a graduate level program were Hispanic. The U.S.Department of Health & Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (2002a; 2002b; 2002c) noted that approximately 5.4% of Texans have been diagnosed with a mental illness that was serious enough to meet criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders. Hudson (2005) noted that the issue of poverty places people at a higher risk for mental illness; this was significant because South Texas cities reported a poverty level which ranged from 25.7 to 47.4% for families, and 29.5 to 50.9% for individuals (U.S.Census Bureau, 2006a; 2006b; 2006c; 2006d; 2006e). Equally significant is the fact that there are few Masters level social workers of Hispanic descent who can offer the services necessary to address these mental health issues. With these and many other issues facing society today, it is important that qualified and well-trained social work providers be available to address these needs. A total of 87 surveys were completed by Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) graduates from three South Texas BSW programs for data analysis. Family support appeared to have the greatest influence on this decision. Gender role expectations and program diversity issues were an influence for students who were single, divorced, or widowed (with and without children), and for students who were living with a spouse or partner and no children.