Graduate Program

College Student Affairs

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

2009

Thesis Director

Dan Nadler

Thesis Committee Member

Kelly Miller

Thesis Committee Member

Charles Eberly

Thesis Committee Member

Lou Hencken

Abstract

This study looks at past research completed on the topic of homosexuality in the United States, including the history of acceptance of homosexual individuals and perceptions of homosexuality in the perspectives ofreligion, gender, and the law. In addition, the research looks at how the college experience tends to liberalize students. Putting these two ideas together, the study uses the Homosexual Attitude Scale and other demographic information gathering questions to determine the factors that contribute most prominently to homophobia in college students. The sample of students being studied are all undergraduates attending a public, Midwestern, comprehensive university. As a general overview, the results show that the students participating in this study tend to be more accepting than not of homosexuals. There are.trends that suggest that gender and religion could be the two leading determining factors of homophobia. The discussion of results includes a glimpse at how colleges and universities can encourage a welcoming and accepting atmosphere to all walks of life.

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