ERIC Number: EJ905840
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Feb
Pages: 7
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0018-9359
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Predicting Computer Science Ph.D. Completion: A Case Study
Cox, G. W.; Hughes, W. E., Jr.; Etzkorn, L. H.; Weisskopf, M. E.
IEEE Transactions on Education, v52 n1 p137-143 Feb 2009
This paper presents the results of an analysis of indicators that can be used to predict whether a student will succeed in a Computer Science Ph.D. program. The analysis was conducted by studying the records of 75 students who have been in the Computer Science Ph.D. program of the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Seventy-seven variables were extracted from each student's record, and the variables were correlated with whether the student did or did not successfully graduate from the program. A multivariate model was developed that predicts success with a high degree of accuracy. Importantly, the model relies on variables that can be determined reasonably early in a student's Ph.D. class work, enabling its use as a selection metric. Hypotheses about the composition of the model are also presented and discussed. (Contains 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Case Studies, Prediction, Computer Science Education, Doctoral Degrees, Doctoral Programs, Graduation Rate, Educational Indicators, Student Records, Predictor Variables, Predictive Measurement, Predictive Validity, College Outcomes Assessment, Performance Factors, Statistical Analysis, Academic Achievement
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. 445 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854. Tel: 732-981-0060; Web site: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2578/xpl/RecentIssue.jsp?punumber=13
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Alabama
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A