Access to the Internet has increased connectivity between people across large distances. It has also amplified the desire of college students to engage in the illegal sharing and distribution of data. The purpose of this quantitative research study was to analyze the behaviors that motivate Michigan college students to engage in digital piracy. This research focuses on the role that self-control and social learning play in motivating college students to engage in digital piracy. Further, this study attempts to examine the causes of online digital piracy grounded within three significant theories: self-control theory, problem behavior theory and social learning theory. The research questions focused on college students' self-control and their socially learned behaviors. A sample of 364 college students completed the two-part survey for this study. Descriptive statistics were utilized and a synopsis of the sample and measures were generated. The results indicate (1) Low self-control does increase digital piracy. (2) There is a correlation between social learning and digital piracy engagement; meaning peers were a direct influence on digital piracy engagement. While the sample will represent a few of Michigan universities, the population may not represent all 200 colleges (inclusive of community colleges) in Michigan. More research is needed to examine the full digital piracy engagement of college students across Michigan. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]