Developing Quality Indicators for Evaluating Online Graduate Degree Programs in Agricultural Sciences and Engineering

• In Event: Online Teaching and Learning: Research Methodologies

Abstract

Demands for online graduate degrees have increased pressure on universities to launch web degrees quickly and, at times, without attending to their quality. Scarce research exists defining which quality indicators from online, traditional, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs can be used to evaluate online graduate degree STEM programs. This mixed methods study examined current practices in three established online, graduate degree programs in agriculture and engineering at a prominent, Midwestern university, identifying quality indicators and evaluation practices used within these programs. Findings from data suggested (a) 12 quality indicators from the factor analysis are important in determining program quality in STEM online programs and (b) online students value clearly defined quality indicators and equal access to information.

Author

• Holly A. Downs, University of North Carolina - Greensboro