Doctoral Exit Survey

In 2022, the Office of Institutional Research, Assessment, and Accreditation (IRAA), in collaboration with the Office of Graduate Studies, launched a comprehensive survey targeting recipients of research doctorates and professional doctorates. This survey aims to gather valuable insights into various aspects of their academic journey, including their academic experience, interactions with faculty and professional staff regarding mentoring and advising, financial support, post-graduation plans, professional development, satisfaction with their overall student experience at the University and within their department, and future contact information.

The survey is structured, beginning with core questions applicable to all respondents, followed by department-specific questions. To ensure relevance and comprehensiveness, some questions were adapted from the American Association of Universities Data Exchange (AAUDE) questionnaire, which is specifically tailored for doctoral programs at top research universities. Additionally, this survey includes questions to acknowledge the unique, small-group, and apprenticeship-like nature of doctoral-level education and the crucial role of academic advisors in this process.

Note that the Kline School of Law and the College of Medicine are not participating in this survey. However, dual degree students, such as JD-PhD and MD-PhD students, are included in the population and will be asked about their PhD programs.

The doctoral exit survey is grounded on the project, developed by the Office of Graduate Studies, formerly known as the Graduate College, in Fall 2014. IRAA began drafting the doctoral exit survey questionnaire in Fall 2021, and feedback was collected from designees of colleges or schools during Winter 2021 and Spring 2022. By Fall 2022, information for the departmental surveys had been collected, with participation from six departments under Public Health and two colleges: the College of Engineering and the College of Computing and Informatics. The survey collection process commenced in Fall 2022, every quarter.

Data is retrieved annually as the number of doctoral students is smaller than that of other degree recipients. The Office of Graduate Studies has access to raw data and handles data requests from colleges and schools. IRAA is responsible for survey administration and maintaining the Tableau dashboard. For research projects that utilize this data, IRAA and the Office of Graduate Studies collaborate to ensure the effective use and analysis of the information.

This timeline and data management process highlights the evolution and collaborative efforts involved in developing and refining the survey to ensure it effectively captures the experiences and needs of doctoral students.