DOCTORAL (Ph.D.) PROGRAMMES IN THE USA UNIVERSITIES: INSIGHTS INTO COVERAGE OF RESEARCH ADMINISTRATION ASPECT

Abstract

The study sought to identify how the doctoral (Ph.D.) programmes in US universities cover the research administration aspect, and how compatible the equivalent programmes delivered in universities in Ukraine with the above programmes are. It used the qualitative data collection methods used for empirical or explorative studies, specifically, for a systematized review. The study found categorisations of Ph.D. programmes in the USA. These programmes differ in structure, length, admission prerequisites, and other features. The programmes under study seem to be mostly elective and of specific/professional type. Importantly, almost all the programmes included or offered courses that fostered students’ transferable skills, which are indispensable for research management and administration. These courses were dedicated to writing, speaking, research ethics, networking, social entrepreneurship, project management, law, and leadership. The study discovered that Ph.D. programmes of specific/professional type are also dominant in universities in Ukraine. However, these programmes mostly focus on theoretical subjects related to the student’s area of research and writing a thesis. That’s why the courses that address issues related to research ethics, grant proposal writing, project management, research-related law, finance, and strategic planning, leadership could be added to the curriculum to add the international value of these programmes. Further research is needed for identifying how the recommended academic disciplines can influence the effectiveness of doctoral programmes and how these could be perceived by the students.