Comparing Perceptions of Effectiveness of On-Campus and Hybrid PhD Program Options

The growing number of online and hybrid graduate programs and their particular relevance to older female students suggests the salience of hybrid education for female-dominated degrees such as apparel merchandising and design (AMD). The current study reports on the initial iteration of an action research assessment of the hybrid option of an AMD doctoral program, which investigated the strengths and weaknesses of the program options, student satisfaction, and the preparedness of hybrid doctoral graduates for careers in academia. Qualitative data was collected from ten students and four faculty of the program. Findings indicated faculty expertise, peer/faculty/staff interactions, and opportunities for research as strengths of the hybrid option. Weaknesses included lack of course offerings in hybrid formats and inadequate guidance for completing degree processes. Hybrid students were satisfied with the program option and felt similar levels of preparedness for careers in academia as students in the on-campus option. Recommendations are being implemented by the program under study and are provided here for other administrators and faculty of AMD-related hybrid doctoral programs.