Abstract:
The relative quality of graduate programs in the agricultural sciences is important for recruitment of students and for program improvement. The NationalResearch Council (NRC) conducted a survey of doctoral programs across the country in 2006, but most areas of agricultural science and master's students were not included. Programs not included may desire to conduct surveys similar to the NRC study to fill this void. The authors conducted a survey
of graduate students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Florida, patterned after the NRC study. Master's and doctoral students indicated general satisfaction with their program. Most students were generally satisfied with advice received and resources available. Differences exist between Master of Science and doctoral students in terms of productivity, which is not unexpected given the goals of the separate programs and
the time committed to complete the degree. More opportunities to gain teaching experience would be helpful for students who anticipate an academic career. The results of this study can be used by other institutions in surveying graduate students who were not part of theNRCproject.
Keywords:
graduate student assessment, graduate satisfaction, student recruitment, program improvement, teaching opportunities
 Barrick_JUNE 2011 NACTA Journal-11.pdf | [ ] | 132 kB |
