Abstract:
Pursuing a doctoral degree in engineering is often seen as a risky decision. This study investigates the factors for considering enrollment in engineering doctoral programs. Two groups were involved; the first consists of 274 graduate students enrolled in various engineering programs in Lebanon and the second consists of 187 working engineers scattered in several countries around the world working in different social and multicultural settings. Both groups of participants completed a survey investigating the parameters that may impact their decision to pursue a PhD. Based on the Theory of Reasoned Action, the Likert-scaled items aimed to identify the attitudinal and normative factors leading to the intention of enrolling in PhD program. An Independent t-test revealed no significance between students and engineers? intention. An exploratory Factor Analysis provided four factors. Repeated measures ANOVA showed the Professional attitude factor as the most important motivator for participants followed by the Financial attitude, the Subjective norm, and the Social attitude. The findings are discussed and recommendations for future studies are offered. © 2011 American Society for Engineering Education.