AN INVESTIGATION OF GENDER AND OTHER VARIABLES ON TIME TO COMPLETION OF DOCTORAL DEGREES

A sample of factors presumed relevant to the time required to complete doctoral degrees (TTC) was explored in a survey of 154 recent graduat es of Natural Science, Social Science, and Humanities doctoral program s at York University. In addition to the variables of gender and disci pline, characteristics of the supervisory relationship, as well as the graduate's financial situation and enrollment status, were investigat ed. On average, respondents took 5.94 years to complete their degrees with students in the Natural Sciences the fastest completers. Although there were no significant gender differences in TTC, male graduates w ere more satisfied with their doctoral education overall and the quali ty of supervision they received (from both their supervisors and their supervisory committees) than were females. Males were also more likel y to collaborate with their supervisors in the preparation of research papers. With respect to financial support, respondents who were slowe r completers reported receiving more years of teaching assistantships. Additionally, respondents from the Natural Sciences reported receivin g more years of teaching assistantships and research assistantships th an respondents from the other disciplines. A multiple regression analy sis revealed that the following combination of variables accounted for 30% of the variance in TTC: beginning the dissertation research early in the program, remaining with the original topic and supervisor, mee ting frequently with supervisor, and collaborating with supervisor on conference papers.