Graduate Program
College Student Affairs
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
2012
Thesis Director
Richard Roberts
Thesis Committee Member
Bill Elliott
Thesis Committee Member
Mona Davenport
Abstract
This study examined phenomena associated with non-completers enrolled in a master's level graduate program with a thesis requirement at medium-sized mid-western comprehensive university. Both program coordinators and program-identified noncompleters were interviewed based on five research questions in order to discover themes emerging from thesis non-completion. Ten themes emerged, including peer and academic support, assistantship factors, influencing factors, choice, and perceived thesis value. Although previous research of master's degree thesis non-completion is not extensive, a review of literature is included. The researcher found that while there were similarities in many themes among the program coordinators and students, areas in which there was the strongest disconnect between the two were in the area of choice and perceived thesis value. Students wanted to feel that they had choice in their thesis process, especially in a thesis required program either through the selection of their topic or the selection of their thesis chair. In perceived thesis value, it was concluded that students need to see the same value of the thesis as the program requiring it, which suggests that more education and discussion may be needed at the time that students are applying for the programs and continue throughout the thesis process.
Recommended Citation
Ritter, Emily, "Non-completion in thesis required master's degree programs" (2012). Masters Theses. 791.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/791
