Academy of Educational Leadership Journal (Print ISSN: 1095-6328; Online ISSN: 1528-2643)

Abstract

The New Degree Program is Successful now What? Optimizing Program Growth through Retention

Author(s): Sarah J. Holt, Heather S. McMillan and Judith A. Wiles

This paper examines a startup healthcare administration program that has surpassed the five year projection for enrollment in under years. To retain momentum, encourage students’ educational engagement, and ensure program retention, an online survey was conducted to characterize College of Business healthcare majors at a regional, comprehensive Mid-Western university with approximately 11,500 students. The survey design obtained data about student experiences with the healthcare sector, attitudes about healthcare delivery, preferred learning styles, and self-assessment of values and soft-skill capabilities. Results will be used to influence curriculum delivery, improve the program, define future direction, and formulate strategies to enhance retention. This process may be applicable across disciplines and impact other program implementation and evaluation.

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