Determinants of college students' overall evaluations of their academic programs

• DOI: 10.1007/bf00973688
• Publication Date: 2005-01-14T07:12:49Z
• Authors: James C. Hearn
• Keywords: 4. Education; 05 social sciences; 10. No inequality; 0503 education

This research explored the determinants of college seniors' overall evaluations of their academic programs (i.e., their major departments). The research was conducted with a sample of 775 students at two universities. The results suggest that, in general, stimulating course work and good teaching were somewhat more important than opportunities for faculty/student interaction or perceived faculty knowledgeability. There were significant field and gender differences, however. For example, faculty availability and course stimulation were more critical among women than among men, and faculty teaching ability was particularly significant in artistic fields. Theoretical and applied implications are discussed.