An Empirical Study of Degree Completion Patterns
To plan and implement effective strategies for retention and expedient degree completion, data about the trends that currently exist within a particular program must be available for analysis. This article describes the process used to collect and analyze data on degree completion for 149 graduates of the Health Administration Program at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) between 1993 and 1997. Differences between students enrolled exclusively at EMU and transfer students are presented. The article also includes a description of strategies that have been implemented to improve retention and efficient degree completion for health administration majors.
Contributor Notes
Dr. Roberto E. Torres Zeno is a full professor and Director of the Health Administration Program at Eastern Michigan University. His primary areas of interest include strategic planning, medical technology assessment, indigent health care, health policy and health care reform. During the academic year 2000–2001, he took sabbatical leave in Puerto Rico assisting the Colegio Universitario del Este in curriculum development, preparing academic collaboration agreements between these two universities, and studying health care reform in Puerto Rico. Dr. Torres earned his Ph.D. in Sociotechnological Planning with a specialty in health planning and policy from the University of Michigan in 1989.
Dr. Ruth A. Hansen is a full professor and graduate coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Program at Eastern Michigan University. Her major research interest is the study of common ethical dilemmas encountered by practicing therapists in their daily practices. From 1996 to 2000, Dr. Hansen served as the Head of the Department of Associated Health Professions. She earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education from Wayne State University in 1984.
For further information about this article, contact Dr. Torres Zeno at rlalc@yahoo.com.
