Finishing the Dissertation: Candidate Perceptions of Facilitating Factors and Barriers to Program Completion

• In Event: Poster Session 4
  In Poster Session: Finishing the Dissertation: Candidate Perceptions of Facilitating Factors and Barriers to Program Completion

Abstract

This qualitative study evaluated a dissertation completion grant program (DCGP) at the case university to assist students who had failed to complete their dissertation within 6 semesters after successfully finishing their coursework. Student dissertation completion rates across university doctoral programs have been abysmally low, ranging as low as 40%. The DCGP held Saturday morning sessions consisting of a 20-30 minute general meeting in a large classroom with 22 students, four coaches and the DCGP coordinator. The high success rate of the program and interviews of participants confirmed three major contributors to candidate dissertation completion including; task and socio-emotional integration - malleable to faculty influence; and personal factors.

Authors

• Janet Lee Hanson, Azusa Pacific University

• Gary L. Railsback, Azusa Pacific University

• William Loose, Azusa Pacific University

• Ursula Reveles, Riverside County Office of Education

• Calvin Roso, Azusa Pacific University