Student-Identified Requirements for Persistence in a Limited Residency Ph.D. Program
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Authors
Terrell, Steven R.
Lohle, Michael F.
Kennedy, Donna H.
Issue Date
2016-04-01
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Keywords
Doctoral students , Limited-residency doctoral program , Persistence
Alternative Title
Abstract
The attrition rate for students in traditional doctoral programs hovers around 50%, while students in limited-residency and online programs tend to leave programs at rates 10% to 20% higher. Other than a student’s intrinsic motivation, prior research with the population studied in this program has not uncovered factors that may be predictive of attrition. The goal of this study was to better understand this phenomenon from the perspective of this population. Analysis from interviews with graduates of such a program yielded a set of best practices, focused primarily on assisting students as they prepared for their dissertation. The development and application of policies, procedures and tools based on results of this research may help administrators and faculty address the additional 10% to 20% they have historically experienced.