A national survey of 75 directors of doctoral programs in higher education found that program missions are greatly affected by their reputation, governance, and organizational structure. High-reputation programs are distinctive in a variety of ways. Less prestigious programs may be able to capitalize best on local and regional missions.…

If doctoral programs in higher education are to prepare practitioners for leadership in colleges and universities and scholars for the field of study, the future social roles of higher education institutions must be analyzed to determine the skills their leaders will need. A variety of program models may be useful. (MSE)

This article examines the inadequacy of graduate student preparation for the role and responsibilities of college teacher, describes characteristics of the Brown University (Rhode Island) doctoral curriculum which encourage practical preparation for teaching, and suggests doctoral program structures, activities, and requirements that support…

Twenty figures and tables illustrate the findings of the Modern Language Association's survey of doctoral graduate placements. Areas covered include PhD degrees granted, placement of 1991-92 PhDs, changes through time, and placement for individual degree programs. (three references) (LB)

Discusses the lack of teacher training provided for teaching assistants in history departments. Argues that emphasis on research and publication is misplaced because most new Ph.D.s will be teaching rather than publishing. Urges teacher training to prepare graduate students for their chosen profession and to improve undergraduate education. (DK)

The article examines trends in the supply of physician-scientists, with emphasis on M.D.-Ph.D. programs to train biomedical researchers. New initiatives, such as the National Institutes of Health Physician-Scientist Training Awards and the Dana Foundation Training Program in the Neurosciences, are described and general recommendations are offered.…

A study of the publishing activity of part-time faculty in schools of library and information science at 53 accredited schools in the United States shows lower levels of activity than regular faculty. Part-time faculty at schools with doctoral programs produced at higher rates. (five references) (EA)

The article considers efforts to increase the number of minority persons, especially African Americans, earning doctoral degrees and describes the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program at the University of Florida which has provided 167 doctoral fellowships. This program illustrates essential program components: aggressive recruitment; constant,…

Findings on foreign language programs are reported from the 1990 Modern Language Association survey in these areas: institutional and departmental characteristics, applicants, enrollments, plans for enlarging graduate programs, numbers of doctorates granted, and courses offered in the target language. (LB)

Succinctly summarizes considerations that should be taken into account when choosing a dissertation topic. These include resonance with organizational culture, contribution to the discipline, assistance in a job search, and tractability. Tractability (the ability to produce a finished product) combines the components of scope, clarity of problem,…

Proposes a framework to evaluate Ph.D. supervision requirements from a student's perspective. The evaluation documents perceived shortfalls between expected and provided supervision for personal, indirect research-related, and direct research-related help. Finds that the biggest discrepancy between expected and provided supervision was in direct…

Describes a course at the University of Missouri that gives doctoral students a chance to explore teaching issues in a setting that emphasizes reflection, critical thinking, and individual risk taking. Discusses how the class approaches learning about college students' intellectual development; curriculum design for programs in journalism and mass…

Describes graduate programs in Instructional Technology, Educational Media and Communications, School Library Media, and closely allied programs in the United States. Entries provide name and address, chairperson, types of degrees offered, special features of the program, admission requirements, degree requirements, number of faculty, number of…

It is argued that professional doctorates such as the Doctor of Education degree have value as a means of reconstructing the relationship between theory and practice, by demanding a reconstruction of university research relationships with practitioners. In turn, this requires that universities change their conceptualization and teaching of…

A survey of 736 graduate student supervisors in 37 Canadian universities investigated aspects of the relationship between student and supervisor, including types and quantity of assistance given in thesis development and research; assistance in preparation of publications, presentations, and grant applications; and help in developing teaching…