Persistence Factors Revealed: Students' Reflections on Completing a Fully Online Master's Program

• In Event: Engagement and Persistence in Computing Disciplines

Abstract

Dropping out is a consistent and prevalent issue in online learning. This study examined students’ final reflections for persistence factors that contributed to their completion from one of the largest online programs in the United States. Results show that both individual and program attributes contributed to students’ successful completion of a fully online master’s degree. Major individual attributes include interest in or career goals related to technology, time/effort invested, and perceived utility of learning. Main program attributes include satisfaction with courses/program, relevancy of courses to individual/ professional needs, and links between coursework and job promotion. Implications of this study include knowledge for improving completion and graduation rates for fully online programs and identifying at-risk students in online courses and programs.

Authors

• Dazhi Yang, Boise State University

• Sally Baldwin, Boise State University

• Chareen L. Snelson, Boise State University