The impact of adult learning-within-relationship on transformative learning and social change agency was explored in a descriptive case study of the learning experiences of 20 adults who identified themselves as significantly transformed by their participation in a doctoral program. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted to identify…

This monograph, part of a series on student assessment, reports the results of a national survey that examined institutional support for undergraduate student assessment. It provides a national profile of student assessment initiatives at doctoral and research institutions, and compares it to assessment practices and support patterns found in all…

Doctoral education in science and engineering has changed with shifts in demand for doctorates, increased minority and women's participation, patterns of financing graduate study, and employment of doctoral recipients. It must continue to change by attracting and encouraging women and other underrepresented groups. Initiatives to date include:…

The purpose of postcollegiate professional education is to train scientific and science education cadres of higher qualification. To a large extent, systematic and well-planned training accomplishes the tasks of maintaining and developing the country's constructive scientific, cultural, and intellectual potential; it ensures the continuity of the…

This paper discusses the comprehensive evaluation of a new Ed.D. Program in Educational Leadership housed in East Carolina University's (ECU) School of Education. The program proposed to prepare students for professional life through development of career leadership skills; utilization, development, and dissemination of research; and service to…

Past and current methods used in academic quality rankings of U.S. colleges and universities are discussed. In addition to a literature and historical review, modern quality rankings are compared with early (pre-1959) rankings, including past rankings of medical, dental, legal and black education. Also considered are the exemplary 1982 evaluation…

The quality of doctoral-level chemical engineering (N=79), civil engineering (N=74), electrical engineering (N=91), and mechanical engineering (N=82) programs at United States universities was assessed, using 16 measures. These measures focused on variables related to: (1) program size; (2) characteristics of graduates; (3) reputational factors…

The results of a seven-year program designed to reform graduate education in the humanities and social sciences sponsored by the Ford Foundation and 10 leading university graduate schools are reported. Evaluation focused on the Ford Foundation Graduate Program, original proposals submitted by the 10 universities, annual reports and data submitted…

The need for establishing an overall plan for preparing the dissertation is established in this handbook, and specific suggestions are offered to doctoral candidates in all fields. Guidelines are presented on: how to choose an advisor and a dissertation committee, predissertation development activities, selection of a topic, preparation of the…

The number of American versus foreign-born students studying mathematics, engineering, and physics in U.S. graduate schools is declining. A program developed at Texas Tech University's Department of Mathematics offers courses in these areas to high-ability secondary-school students, to acquaint them with career opportunities and exciting…

This study surveyed graduate programs of Higher Education Administration within the Southeastern United States in order to identify programs perceived to be "excellent" and to profile their predominant characteristics. A 10-item survey instrument was developed and mailed to the program director, chair, or coordinator at all Southeastern…

This guidebook offers advice to women students on surviving and thriving in graduate school. It takes the reader from the graduate school selection process to completing the program successfully. Written in a informal style, the 11 chapters include: (1) "Should You Go to Graduate School?" (pros and cons of attending graduate school, deciding what…

Based on surveys of departments of physics and astronomy in American institutions of higher education, this research and analysis looks at enrollments and degrees and reflects on continuing trends and changes in these fields. The survey was conducted during the fall and winter of 1993 and requested data on current undergraduate and graduate…

This paper synthesizes issues and informational needs regarding the supply and demand for doctoral level personnel in special education and stresses the importance of obtaining accurate data on teacher supply and demand for planning training activities and analyzing manpower needs. Existing findings on teacher employment, teacher shortages,…

Nova University (Florida), offers off-campus undergraduate and graduate degree programs in education, business and public administration, psychology, and computer sciences. This paper describes one of these offerings, the Application of Technology to Education and Training (APTEC) specialization in the Ed.D. program in Child and Youth Studies…