Does Financial Literacy Motivate Interest in Business Journalism? An Exploratory Study at a Historically Black College and University and a Predominantly White Institution
Date of Award
Summer 2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Professional Studies in Instructional Design Leadership (DPS)
Committee Chair
Samantha Fowler
Committee Member
Paul Kasunich
Committee Member
Meghan Raehll
Abstract
The significant underrepresentation of Black journalists in business and financial reporting limits media excellence and undermines audience trust. While internship pathways are critical for newsroom entry, disparities in foundational financial literacy may act as an unrecognized psychosocial barrier to these opportunities. The purpose of this interpretive qualitative study was to explore how variations in financial literacy relate to the self-efficacy and motivation of journalism students to pursue business journalism internships. The study specifically examined the experiences of students at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and a Predominantly White Institution (PWI). Guided by Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), the research utilized a screening survey of 61 students and 10 semi-structured interviews to gather data, followed by a systematic, iterative coding process for thematic analysis. Findings revealed that students conceptualize financial literacy as applied everyday knowledge yet perceive business journalism as an exclusionary space guarded by technical thresholds. Ultimately, motivation to pursue internships was less dependent on objective financial knowledge and more strongly influenced by framing-dependent confidence and structural economic realities.
Recommended Citation
Pathirana, Sonali, "Does Financial Literacy Motivate Interest in Business Journalism? An Exploratory Study at a Historically Black College and University and a Predominantly White Institution" (2026). All Doctoral Student Dissertations. 273.
https://fuse.franklin.edu/docpub/273
