Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe factors influencing the decision to return to graduate school for a group of professional students. A causal model was proposed that included five variable sets: background characteristics, college characteristics, college experiences, work experiences, and attitudes toward graduate study. The sample was composed of 217 physical therapists who responded to a 1988 statewide survey on graduate education. The longstanding articulation of graduate education and vocational interests was confirmed. The overwhelming influence in this group was the desire to advance in clinical/technical skills. Career conditions of specialization and income further influenced the educational decision. Less influence was seen from the college experience. Cost factors that have been found to be predominant in many groups did not influence the decision.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Baird, L. L. (1976). Who goes to graduate school and how they get there. In J. Katz and R. Hartnett (eds.),Scholars in the Making. Cambridge, MA: Ballinger.
Berelson, B. (1960).Graduate Education in the United States. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Davis, J. A. (1964).Great Aspirations. Chicago: Aldine.
Ethington, C. A., and Smart, J. (1986). Persistence to graduate education.Research in Higher Education 24: 287–303.
Gropper, G. L., and Fitzpatrick, R. (1959).Who Goes to Graduate School. Pittsburgh, PA: American Institute for Research.
Heiss, A. M. (1970).Challenges to Graduate Schools. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Hossler, D., and Gallagher, K. (1987). Studying student college choice: A three-phase model and implications for policymakers.College and University 62: 207–221.
Jensen, E. L. (1983). Financial aid and educational outcomes: A review.College and University 58: 287–302.
Kotler, P. (1976). Applying theory to college admission. InA Role for Marketing College Admissions, College Entrance Examination Board (ed.). New York: College Entrance Examination Board, pps. 54–72.
Malaney, G. (1987). Why students pursue graduate education, how they find out about a program, and why they apply to a specific school.College and University 62: 247–257.
Malaney, G., and Isaac, P. (1988). The immediate post-baccalaureate educational plans of outstanding undergraduates.College and University 63: 148–161.
Manski, C. F., and Wise, D. A. (1983).College Choice in America. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
McClain, D., Vance, B., and Wood, E. (1984). Understanding and predicting the yield in the MBA admissions process.Research in Higher Education 20: 55–76.
Olson, C., and King, M. (1985). A preliminary analysis of the decision process of graduate students in college choice.College and University 60: 304–315.
Sewell, W., Hauser, R., and Featherman, D., Eds. (1976).Schooling and Achievement in American Society. New York: Academic Press.
Smart, J., and Pascarella, E. (1987). Influences on the intention to reenter higher education.Journal of Higher Education 58: 306–322.
Smith, B., ed. (1985).The State of Graduate Education. Washington, DC: The Brookings Institution.
Solmon, L. (1976).Male and Female Graduate Students. New York: Praegar.
Tinto, V. (1981). Higher education and occupational attainment in segmented labor markets: Recent evidence from the United States.Higher Education 10: 499–516.
Wolfle, L., and Ethington, C. (1985).gemini: Program for analysis of structural equations with standard errors of indirect effects.Behavior Research Methods, Instruments and Computers 17: 581–584.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Stoecker, J.L. Factors influencing the decision to return to graduate school for professional students. Res High Educ 32, 689–701 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00974738
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00974738