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Session number 2004-2195

Advanced Degrees Pursued by UMR Undergraduates

Scott A. Swiezynski, Dr. Donald D. Myers, Dr. Ray Luechtefeld University of Missouri-Rolla

Abstract

This study discusses a survey whose website link was sent to 10,000 UMR B.S. graduates since 1970 to collect information about advanced degrees received as well as interest in pursuing further education. The goal was to get a better understanding of the areas of interest in advanced degrees by engineering and science undergraduates. The primary categories of advanced degrees are engineering, science, engineering management and business administration. Information was requested to determine whether the degree choices made by those receiving advanced degrees were influenced significantly by cost, geographical locations, and/or time convenience. In addition, information was requested of those interested in pursuing an advanced degree whether they would be interested in a distance education program offering, i.e., via internet.

Introduction

The survey requested a variety of biographical information from its participants, including degrees obtained, dates of degree completion and current professional position. Alumni were asked to provide information regarding the means by which they received their degree(s), i.e., on campus coursework or distance education. Alumni were also asked to answer questions that probed their rationale behind making certain educational decisions.

There were several goals of this survey, but the main purpose was to obtain pertinent data that will eventually help improve the advanced degree offerings at the University of Missouri-Rolla. It was deemed essential to determine the specific needs of alumni and to better understand their perceptions as to the nature of advanced degree programs in areas such as engineering, engineering management, business administration and science. Because most alumni of the University of Missouri-Rolla are engineering undergraduates, they are considered a representative audience for advanced degree programs. Also, because the University’s graduate programs typically attract students who are interested in engineering and engineering management, their opinions concerning current and potential degree offerings are very useful.

Several questions were asked of alumni. First, alumni were asked to select which types of continuing education they were interested in. Second, they were asked to indicate where they preferred to attend classes. Finally, they were asked to answer a variety of additional questions aimed at pinpointing their educational wants, needs, and decision-making rationale.

Proceedings of the 2004 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition Copyright © 2004, American Society for Engineering Education

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Swiezynski, S., & Myers, D., & Luechtefeld, R. (2004, June), Advanced Degrees Pursued By Umr Undergraduates Paper presented at 2004 Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah. 10.18260/1-2--13481