Doctoral Student Persistence in Completion of the Dissertation

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5195/ie.2026.536

Keywords:

persistence, motivation, doctoral completion, support systems, career advancement

Abstract

This article delves into the experiences of 21 doctoral candidates across seven CPED-affiliated universities in the southeastern United States, illuminating the complex journey of persistence and completion in doctoral programs. Through semi-structured interviews, participants representing diverse educational roles shared their motivations for pursuing a doctorate, such as career advancement, personal growth, and a drive for systemic programmatic and institutional change. Their narratives showed successful completion hinges on robust support systems, individual determination, structured programs, and purposeful goal-setting. The participant narratives echoed established theories in doctoral persistence, highlighting the multidimensional nature of motivation and the critical role of scholar community and ongoing support. By integrating dissertation work into coursework and framing the doctoral journey as a non-negotiable commitment, students navigate challenges and sustain progress. The article offers insights for program designers and faculty seeking to foster environments that enhance student success. The article also emphasizes the interplay of personal characteristics, support networks, and program structures in shaping doctoral persistence and completion.

Author Biography

John McConnell, Austin Peay State University

Associate Dean of Assessment and Accreditation

Eriksson College of Education

Austin Peay State University

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Published

2026-07-29

How to Cite

Mensah, W., McConnell, J., Savadogo, S., & Onumadu, U. (2026). Doctoral Student Persistence in Completion of the Dissertation. Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice, 11(3), 21–30. https://doi.org/10.5195/ie.2026.536

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 3 (2026): Regular Issue

Section

Research Manuscripts

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Copyright (c) 2026 Wisdom Mensah, John McConnell, Sarah Savadogo, Ugochukwu Onumadu

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