Philippine E-Journals

Barriers to Completion of Masters and Doctoral Degree among Muslim Educators Who Have Completed Their Academic Requirements

Athena Jalaliyah B. Derico-lawi

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

This study aimed to determine the relationship between the level of determination in completing thesis/dissertation and the attainment of Masters or Doctoral degrees among Muslim educators. The study also explored variables that may hinder or facilitate completion of a thesis/dissertation. The participants were Muslim educators in Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City who were categorized into two groups: those who have completed their academic requirements and were not able to obtain postgraduate degree due to non-completion of thesis/dissertation and those who have completed their Masters/Doctoral Degrees. Three indicators were used to determine the participants’ level of determination: research skills, values, and awareness. The study revealed that the only component of the level of determination found to have significant relationship with degree completion was research skills. It is apparent that the presence of adequate research skills was the most significant factor in determining whether a student/researcher completes a post graduate degree. Since research skills was particularly identified as a barrier to the completion of higher degrees by Muslim educators at MSU, further study may be undertaken to determine the research skills of MSU academics. Based on such a study, the MSU system may adopt remedial measures to improve the research skills of faculty members and other academics.