Understanding the Professional Development Needs of Doctoral Students

• In Event: The ACJS Doctoral Summit–A Unique Approach to Professional Development

Abstract

Doctoral student retention is challenging when feelings of isolation and dissatisfaction lead to high rates of attrition, particularly for marginalized students. Although many departmental and institutional efforts to support doctoral students exist, challenges remain as evidenced by the low rates of doctoral student retention The current study uses qualitative and quantitative methods to identify gaps in doctoral students’ access to and utilization of professional development support across multiple professional domains and across institutional levels and personal sources. Determining doctoral students’ professional development needs can support the establishment of evidence-based professional development programming.

Authors

• Deeanna Button, Stockton University

• Heather Pfeifer, University of Baltimore

• Monica Summers, California State University, Fresno

• Courtney Porter, Marymount University

• Jared Dmello, Adelaide University