Type of Document	Dissertation
Author	Lightfoot, Robert Charles
URN	etd-10262007-161419
Title	Finding the Real Odds: Attrition and Time-To-Degree in the FSU School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Degree	Doctor of Philosophy
Department	Criminology and Criminal Justice, School of
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Bill Doerner Committee Chair Catherine Black Committee Member Cecil Greek Committee Member
Keywords	Internet Surveys Graduate Programs Time-to-Degree Attrition Survival Analysis
Date of Defense	2007-10-05
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract Attrition and Time-To Degree issues remain poorly understood in academia, and almost completely unexplored in criminology and criminal justice. Loss rates of fifty percent or more are common in the social sciences, while the success rates for criminal justice are unknown for most schools. This study attempts to investigate completion levels at the Florida State University (FSU) College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, using descriptive and inferential techniques, survival analysis, and questionnaires. Problems with data collection impeded analysis of even basic statistical operations, resulting in the exclusion of some independent variables due to unavailability of readily obtainable information. Both the Master’s and Ph.D. programs had similar attrition rates, nearly two-thirds of students completing the programs. The M.A. program was around two years, and the terminal level alone was a little over six years. Recommendations concerning data handling and retention for the College and for FSU follow, along with suggestions for national initiatives to address some of the problematic situations concerning lack of national recognition for criminology and criminal justice.
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