What are the characteristics of a quality doctoral program? A systematic review of the literature

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2024-1664

Keywords:

Doctoral programs, Doctoral education, Educational quality, Quality models, Research in higher education, Systematic review, Research skills, Higher education institutions

Abstract

Introduction: Doctoral programs are constantly challenged by their quality. In a scenario of constant growth in the supply of such programs and the obvious risk associated with ensuring positive attributes in them, there is no consolidated body of analysis regarding what their quality comprehensively implies. Methodology: The results of a systematic review of the scientific literature on the quality attributes of doctoral programs are presented. A total of 46 articles from journals indexed in the Web of Science database were selected and analyzed. Results: Eight major dimensions were identified that organize different factors related to the object of study: strength of the training institutions and the support offered by them; doctoral curricula and programs; skills and knowledge that the programs seek to develop; outputs of doctoral training: publications; outputs of doctoral training: dissertation; relationship between the director and the doctoral student; mental health and well-being of the doctoral student; and satisfaction with doctoral training. Discussion: The article concludes by offering an integrated perspective on the attributes that characterize the quality of a doctoral program.

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Author Biography

Luis Felipe de la Vega, Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins

Sociologist, master's degree in politics and government, master's degree in educational sciences, doctorate in educational sciences. His research interests are oriented towards the analysis and evaluation of educational policies, school improvement processes, teacher professional development and the study of doctoral programmes. He has worked as a civil servant, researcher, advisor and consultant for state institutions, international organisations, schools and higher education. He is currently director of the doctoral programme in education at the Universidad Bernardo O'Higgins. He has published more than 20 academic articles and 6 books in the field of education.

References

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Published

2024-11-20

How to Cite

de la Vega, L. F. (2024). What are the characteristics of a quality doctoral program? A systematic review of the literature. European Public & Social Innovation Review, 9, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.31637/epsir-2024-1664

Issue

Section

INNOVATING IN UNIVERSITY CONTENT FOR THE FUTURE