2016; doi: 10.1109/FIE.2016.7757508.

The dissertation Institute: Motivating doctoral engineering students toward degree completion.

S G Adams, I M Hasbún, H M Matusovich

UIID-AD: 4202 DOI: 10.1109/FIE.2016.7757508

Abstract

Data show that doctoral students in the United States, particularly those from underrepresented groups, are leaving at high rates before obtaining a degree because of the long, arduous and uncertain road to graduation. The primary goal of this NSF-funded research project is to offer the Dissertation Institute: a practical and timely experience for doctoral students in engineering disciplines to address issues germane to shortening time-to-degree and increasing degree completion rates, with emphasis upon underrepresented minority students (African American, Native American, Pacific Islanders American and Hispanic American). The project is a mixed-method, multi-year and multi-phased study that will create the opportunity for students from underserved populations to come together and participate in an intervention designed for their benefit. The framework guiding the project is Eccles' Expectancy-Value Theory (EVT). This work-in-progress will describe the overall project and the progress to date. We are currently in Phase 1 of the project. The research question guiding Phase 1 is: From the faculty/administrator and student perspectives, what success and value beliefs support and hinder the completion of the doctoral degree for underrepresented racial minority students in engineering disciplines? Findings will inform and facilitate the design of the Institutes in Phase 2. © 2016 IEEE.

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