Various authors present their opinions on the changes occurring in British postgraduate education in geography. Professors and students concur that the objective of postgraduate coursework should be to contribute directly to the production of the Ph.D. thesis. A dissenting opinion argued that programs should concentrate on training for future…

The quality of the faculty, as measured by research and scholarship, is the single most important indicator of quality in doctoral education. A teaching assignment that is compatible with developing programs of research is one that includes both undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as thesis and dissertation advisement. (MLW)

Columbia and New York University probably served as the breeding grounds for the debates about whether nursing is a practice discipline, a clinical science, or a basic science, as well as for arguments about how practice and research should be related and, ultimately, how the DNS differs from the PhD. (MLW)

The trend toward an increasing proportion of research and doctoral institutions in higher education is examined, based on an analysis of changes in Carnegie classifications since 1976. Results suggest that the graduate/research model and the prestige associated with doctorate-level education are strongly attractive, despite pressures to…

Proposes strategies for improving the status of graduate students and new doctorate recipients: a bill of rights for graduate teaching assistants, unionizing teaching assistants, making teaching assistants employees, paying a living wage, challenging the budget priority given faculty salaries, urging community colleges to hire doctorates,…

Contends that the Commission on Graduate Education in Economics report addresses issues related to doctoral programs but does not provide information on master's degree programs. Reports on a study of 123 colleges offering master's degrees in economics. Finds a surprising lack of variation among the programs. (CFR)

The recommendations of the National Institute of Mental Health task force on social work research are reviewed and discussed. It is proposed that as a means of forwarding reform and building an infrastructure for research, doctoral education in social work should be expanded and focused in selected institutions. (MSE)

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,…