Strong educational foundation helps prime Ph.D production
Minnesota’s private colleges lead in producing the next generation of scientists, doctors and researchers. In 2005, 620 doctorate degrees were awarded to graduates who had received their undergraduate degree at a Minnesota institution. More than half (53 percent) received their baccalaureate degree from a Minnesota Private College Council (MPCC) institution, compared to 31 percent from the University of Minnesota and 16 percent from Minnesota state universities. Since MPCC institutions generate one-third of the baccalaureate degrees, our success in fostering graduate study is higher than the other systems.
Minnesota private colleges also educate a greater number of students of color who go on to attain a doctorate — 56 percent compared to 30 percent from the University of Minnesota and 15 percent from the state universities. This is based on Minnesota Private College Research Foundation analysis of data collected in the Survey of Earned Doctorates: Doctorate Data Project sponsored by six federal agencies, including the National Science Foundation and conducted every year since 1957.
Using 2007 data, the Minnesota Private College Research Foundation forecasts that 348 students (4.4 percent) who earn their bachelors degrees at a Minnesota private college will receive a doctorate in seven years. This compares to 248 (2.9 percent) at the University of Minnesota and 121 (1.2 percent) at state universities. Twenty-four percent of Minnesota private college graduates enroll directly in advanced degree programs after completing their baccalaureate degrees.
The close interaction students have with faculty as undergraduates may contribute to private liberal arts colleges’ success in producing doctoral students. This interaction fosters a desire and enjoyment of learning leading to participation in graduate school — and potentially a doctorate. Research suggests that a greater proportion of students at smaller, residential-focused liberal arts institutions feel a special connection to their colleges that students at large universities do not. This connection includes a relationship with a professor, a specific research or laboratory experience or a particular class and is tied to increased participation in graduate education.
"In a small college, you have more ‘elbow to elbow’ interaction with faculty,” said Deborah Martin, an assistant professor of geography at Clark University, Worcester, Mass., who earned her undergraduate degree at Macalester College. “Professors and their jobs are demystified and normalized in smaller private schools in a way that makes the profession of doing and teaching research possible, normal and attainable.”
Michelle Budig, who graduated from Augsburg College in 1993 and is now associate professor of sociology at the University of Massachusetts, expressed a similar sentiment. “I was a first-generation college student in my family and when I went to college, I didn’t know anyone with a graduate degree, nor did I have a concept of what one could do with a graduate degree,” she said. “The very small class sizes at Augsburg, plus the high commitment of professors to students in a small college setting, absolutely contributed to my formulating the idea that I could go to graduate school and that I could have a successful career in academia.”
Toben Nelson, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Minnesota, noted that his education at Hamline University provided a strong foundation to pursue a doctoral degree and fostered the idea that he could be successful in graduate work. “I got broad training and exposure to a variety of disciplines and worked with professors who were dedicated to excellent teaching. I continue to draw on that foundation every day in my current work.”
Tracking MPCC institutions’ contribution to the supply of doctorates in Minnesota is important for several reasons. It indicates institution or program quality and addresses a national need for these specifically trained and educated individuals. From 1974 to 2004, the number of doctorates awarded to U.S. citizens at U.S. institutions has not increased. In fact, the most recent 10-year period shows a decline.
The undergraduate education provided by member institutions is a strong foundation on which graduate studies and careers can be built. It is also an important economic contributor to our state and nation.