JEE Selects Research in Practice: Reality Check

Mosyjowski et al cite that engineering professionals who return for advanced study after significant time in the workforce are an often overlooked group that can provide diverse perspectives and experiences within engineering programs. In their study, they focused on those who returned for an engineering PhD and potential factors that could shape their decisions to pursue and persist in doctoral study. They examined how returners' perspectives compared with those of direct-pathway students who pursue an engineering doctorate shortly after completing their undergraduate degree. It is possible that lower pre-PhD expectancy of success and higher perceived costs could negatively shape returners' decisions to enroll and persist in engineering doctoral programs. In light of this, they recommend that universities track returner status to better understand these students and target interventions