Perceptions and practices regarding M.A. capstone options and PH.D. admission decisions: A survey of communication M.A. and PH.D. program representatives |
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| Authors: | Kathryn M Olson Renee A Meyers Kristi L Wilkum |
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| Institution: | 1. Associate Professor, Department of Communication , University of Wisconsin , Milwaukee, WI, 53201 Phone: 414‐229‐4261 Fax: 414‐229‐4261 E-mail: kolson@uwrn.edu;2. Professor, University of Wisconsin , Milwaukee;3. Director of Advising and Career Development , MI Mary College , Milwaukee |
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| Abstract: | In terms of positioning a student for Ph.D. admission, the decision to complete a thesis or comprehensive exams as one's M.A. capstone is based on much speculation, but little systematic study. This study surveyed M.A. and Ph.D. Communication program representatives about doctoral programs' admission preferences and practices regarding applicants holding M.A.s from other institutions, as well as perceptions of their institution's students' actual capstone choices. In nearly half the cases, doctoral program representatives were unaware of whether students admitted with M.A.s had elected the thesis, comprehensive exams, or some other capstone option. Additionally, the results show that Ph.D. programs prioritize students' writing samples, statements of reasons, and GRE scores when deciding admission. There were discrepancies between M.A. program representatives' perceptions of what information weighed most heavily with doctoral admissions committees and the priorities reported by Ph.D. program representatives. |
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