The Role of the Department and Discipline in Doctoral Student Attrition: Lessons from Four Departments.

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  • Author(s): Golde, Chris M.
  • Source:
    Journal of Higher Education. Nov/Dec2005, Vol. 76 Issue 6, p669-700. 32p. 3 Charts.
  • Additional Information
    • Subject Terms:
      STUDENT attrition; GRADUATE students; DOCTORAL programs; GRADUATE education; HIGHER education; ACADEMIC departments; SCHOOL dropouts; COLLEGE dropouts; EVALUATION
    • Abstract:
      The article discusses the role of the department and discipline in influencing doctoral student attrition. About 40 percent of graduate students fail to complete their doctoral programs. Educators must understand the reasons for doctoral attrition in order to make doctoral education work effectively. The author suggests that high attrition levels may signal underlying problems in a department or discipline. The article discusses the economic and psychosocial costs of attrition. The characteristics of the educational environment may contribute to attrition. Departments and disciplines can change practices that do not serve the educational interests of students.