Comparing Perceptions of Effectiveness of On-Campus and Hybrid Apparel Ph.D. Programs

Abstract

<p>Currently, one distance textile and apparel-related Ph.D. program exists. It is offered in a hybrid format, which entails on-campus summer courses, and asynchronous and synchronous online courses. Formative assessment of this Ph.D. program option was undertaken to ensure not only student satisfaction, but also that the program's academic competencies are met for the sake of student preparedness and maintenance of the program's reputation. Hence, the purpose of the present study was to compare perceptions of the program's effectiveness between samples of (a) on-campus and hybrid students and (b) students and faculty members who work within both formats of the Ph.D. program. Researchers administered a qualitative online survey to a purposively selected sample of faculty, hybrid graduate students, and on-campus graduate students in the textile and apparel Ph.D. program. Overall, respondents reported satisfaction with the program's effectiveness and appreciated the uniqueness of the hybrid program.</p>