Date of Award

2002

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Education

Abstract

Interest in the use and development of web-based instruction in higherEducation has seen an explosion of activity in the last decade. With this rapid growth, the majority of research has been focused on student and faculty perceptions of distance learning. Although online learning may appear to be quite advantageous to students and universities, employers are not always willing to hire applicants with online degrees after graduation. Nevertheless, about 70% of the nation's two- and four-year colleges are now offering cyber-courses. This number should lead one to ask prior to enrolling in an e-degree program what an employer's perceptions of that degree will be upon its completion. However, if literature is a reflection of the current thinking among students and college administration, this question is not being asked. Where will these current e-graduates turn if employers will not accept their degrees? The research question for this study was, How do human resource personnel in the pharmaceutical industry perceive online degree or coursework completed via distanceEducation?” The intent was to examine employers' views of onlineEducation so that faculty and universities can be more conscious of the needs and desires of employers when designing distance-learning courses. Secondly, the findings will also assist faculty and universities in planning courses and degree programs that will assure students of successful job placement upon completion. Finally, it is hoped that if students are supplied with the knowledge of employers' hiring practices, they will make wise choices in the types of degrees they seek and the quality of courses they should demand. A phone interview was conducted with a human resource representative from each of eight pharmaceutical companies who participated in this study. Seven interview questions were presented to participants at the beginning of the research study to unearth employers' perceptions of applicants with e-degrees or online coursework. The transcribed interviews were coded and themes emerged. Each of the participants held similar perceptions of distance learning and e-degrees. Many of these similarities were skepticism surrounding online courses, a preference for applicants from reputable traditional schools, and a curiosity about distanceEducation. Overall, the representatives held a willingness to interview candidates with e-degrees and a curiosity to learn more about distanceEducation.

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