Journey to the Doctorate: Motivating Factors for Persistence and Completion of Doctoral Programs among McNair Scholars

Abstract

Using a qualitative approach, this study investigated the perceptions of motivating factors for persistence and completion of the doctorate among low income, first generation and students of color that participated in the federally funded Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program. Purposive sampling was used to obtain a pool of nine research participants that were enrolled in a McNair program during undergraduate study and successfully completed a doctoral program. Research questions were designed to retrieve information regarding how the McNair program impacted the successful completion of the doctorate. The findings were developed through analysis of data collected from interviews, an online focus group, and document review. Utilizing various theories of socialization, the doctoral experiences of the nine participants were explored and the perceptions of the impact of the McNair program on successful completion were examined. The findings resulted in a model of intervention that demonstrates how the McNair program can accelerate the progression of McNair Scholars through the graduate school socialization process for increased opportunity for successful completion of the doctorate. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone [phone]. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]