HCBE Faculty Articles

Motivational Factors of Graduate Thai Students Pursuing Master and Doctoral Degrees in Business

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

RU International Journal

Publication Date

1-1-2009

Abstract/Excerpt

This exploratory research explains why individuals decide to pursue higher education, especially master and doctoral degrees which are often considered to be the top two levels one can achieve academically. In this paper, motivational factors of master and doctoral degree students are investigated in order to have a broader understanding of their purpose in obtaining such milestones. The sample consists of 89 graduate students at a state-run, open University in Thailand, who are enrolled in the Master and Doctoral degree programs1 . This study found that there are no differences in motivation factors for master and doctoral degrees between male and female students. However, the findings show that doctoral students expect to gain more respect than master degree students. Master degree students expect to gain more compensation, to easily change jobs, and to smoothly transition into new careers. This study also demonstrates that doctoral students are satisfied with their existing jobs and careers. Finally, implications for academic administrators and graduate students are presented.

Volume

3

Issue

1

First Page

25

Last Page

56

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