The growing concern of doctoral student persistence has increased exponentially in higher education over the past decade. The body of research presented in this dissertation examines the complex phenomenon of persistence and possible pathways to addressing the dilemma of deteriorating academic persistence for doctoral students. It explores and…

Over the course of the last few decades, there has been a push to diversify the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through the recruitment of underrepresented minorities (URM) to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in STEM. A body of research has demonstrated that graduates of the Meyerhoff Scholars Program…

University ranking systems influence a wide range of educational stakeholders, including students, faculty members, and campus administrators. Of these ranking systems, the "U.S. News & World Report" ranking of colleges and universities has been the subject of much research. However, little research has examined specific "U.S.…

This article discussed the accuracy of nationally normed entrance examinations such as the Millers Analogy Test and the Graduate Record Examination at predicting graduate student academic success in Master's and Doctoral programs. Academic success was defined as maintaining the required minimum or higher graduate program grade point average and…

This study examines how GRE scores can be used to better understand Education doctoral candidates' methodology choices for the dissertation as well as their persistence behaviors. Candidates' of one online doctoral education program were examined. Results of a MANOVA suggested that there is no difference in GRE scores based on doctoral candidates'…

Faculty mentorship is thought to be a linchpin of graduate education in STEM disciplines. This mixed-method study investigates agreement between student mentees' and their faculty mentors' perceptions of the students' developing research knowledge and skills in STEM. We also compare both assessments against independent ratings of the students'…

In this paper we examine the state of teacher training for political science PhD candidates in the European Union and make a comparison with the situation in the United States. We investigate the determinants of supply and demand of teacher training. On the supply side, we suggest that research orientation and quality assurance are factors that…

Focus is on two areas: (1) the factors available to the selection committee when students apply for admission into graduate programs, and (2) those factors emerging after admission, resulting from students' meeting program-imposed requirements for graduation. Program variables are shown to be more important than admission variables. (Author/LBH)

A study at one university found that traditional admission criteria for a graduate microbiology program, undergraduate grade point average, and Graduate Record Examination scores, were not good predictors of student potential as a researcher, as measured by faculty ratings. (MSE)

Using a data base compiled by the Graduate School of Northwestern University, a longitudinal study of the graduate school careers of 2,211 students in 14 programs was conducted. Among the most prominent findings was the increase in the enrollment of foreign students. The patterns of attainment of graduate school milestones, such as Ph. D.…

Variables that correlate highly with success in obtaining 1978 external funding for research among the 338 member institutions of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) were studied. It was found that AASCU institutions that have been successful in obtaining outside funds for research purposes do tend to place more…

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Aptitude and Advanced Tests were evaluated as predictors of a dichotomous criterion of whether or not the candidate attained the doctorate within a specified length of time. More specifically, the project attempted to define subgroups for which the GRE tests have varying degrees of validity, and to provide…

A modified Delphi technique was used to identify the key factors that lead individuals to enter technology education doctoral programs focusing on teacher education. Two Delphi panels were established. The first consisted of 15 recent doctoral graduates with technology education degrees focusing on teacher education. The second panel consisted of…

Examines the relationship between selected demographic and situational variables and completion of doctorate in educational administration from the West Virginia University-Marshall University Cooperative Doctoral Program. Analysis of survey responses (n=140) identified six factors positively related to degree completion: student financial…

Data from the National Science Foundation Fellowship applicant records and the NRC Office of Scientific Personnel Doctorate Records File were utilized to evaluate the potential of GRE Aptitude and Advanced Tests as predictors of whether or not the candidate attained the doctorate within a period of from seven to ten years. In addition, the study…