The Early Emergence of Doctoral Student Attrition: Perspectives on Early Departure in the Biomedical Sciences

• In Event: 54.041 - Understanding Access and Student Success in Graduate Education

Abstract

It is known that doctoral program completion rates show salient attrition, but departure timing may be more significant than previously considered. ‘Real time’ departure data provides close insight into deliberations and factors influencing withdrawal as participants partake in the departure process. To explore the fresh impact of leaving within the first two years of the Ph.D., we interviewed 14 of 22 participants departing from biological science doctoral studies within a larger nationwide sample. Findings highlight extensive consideration over time, conversations with support systems, advisor relationship tension, and conflicting personal values or “fit” of the Ph.D. with career aspirations. Early program departure identifies rationale unique to these participants, and this study opens possibilities for assessing unequal educational opportunities within doctoral education.

Authors

• Annie M. Wofford, University of Missouri - Kansas City

• Michelle A. Maher, University of Missouri - Kansas City

• Josipa Roksa, University of Virginia

• David F. Feldon, Utah State University