Are Online Doctoral Program Graduates Viewed as Hireable for Academic Positions? The Case of Public Affairs Programs

Abstract

This article compares the hireability of doctoral graduates of online and traditional public affairs programs in the United States. In this context, “hireability” refers to the measure of how likely it is that someone may be hired. There has been an expansion in the number of awarded doctoral degrees, particularly through online degree programs, yet there has not been a commensurate expansion in the number of academic positions. This is especially true in applied fields such as public administration in which online, for-profit institutions are producing 36.2% of doctoral degrees. Furthermore, COVID distancing measures have forced degree programs to shift to mediated instruction, magnifying the importance of comparing program outcomes. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding perceptions of hireability of doctoral program graduates despite the importance for accountability in the higher education marketplace. For this study, we surveyed faculty search committee chairs, program directors, and others involved in hiring for public affairs faculty positions in the U.S. Results indicate substantial differences between the perceived hireability of candidates from online doctoral programs compared to traditional ones. Furthermore, a review of dissertation data shows a stark contrast by type of institution in the subjects researched within the same degree awarded.

Keywords:

• Accountability
• online education
• for-profit education
• doctoral education

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Derek R. Slagle

Derek R. Slagle holds a dual appointment in the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Public Affairs as an assistant professor and Director of the UALR Survey Research Center. Additionally, he is an Arkansas Governor appointed Commissioner. His research interests include public affairs pedagogy and institutional characteristics, state government, and higher education administration.

Bob Blankenberger

Bob Blankenberger is an associate professor and chair in the Department of Public Administration at the University of Illinois Springfield. He is a former Deputy Director of Academic Affairs and Student Success at the Illinois Board of Higher Education. His research interests include educational policy, assessment, and educational attainment.

Adam M. Williams

Adam M. Williams is an associate professor and chair of the Department of Public Administration at the University of Illinois Springfield. His research focuses on human resources, public procurement, and public affairs education.