Current structures of STEM graduate programs raise questions about addressing graduates’ interest in multiple career paths, and how programs prepare graduates for positions increasingly available in varied occupations. This problem is addressed through an innovative doctoral program in engineering, Pathways to Entrepreneurship (PAtENT), which works to develop a scalable alternative student-centered framework. This research explores how this program responds to calls for graduate STEM education to address changes in science and engineering, the nature of the workforce, career goals, and how program components build an entrepreneurial mindset. A mixed-methods design includes a curriculum analysis showing alignment of program components to recommendations for Ph.D. STEM programs from the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Direct measures include surveys and interviews developed for current doctoral students and faculty to describe students’ and faculty perspectives about program components, particularly entrepreneurship and the patent process. The curriculum analysis shows strong alignment of the PAtENT program components and activities to the ten elements of the National Academies’ recommendations. A survey of graduate students in engineering, computing, and business show strong measures in engineering and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Interviews of program participants and faculty demonstrate strong interest in patents and developing entrepreneurship. This innovative program in engineering focusing on obtaining a patent as a capstone shows potential to reform doctoral studies, so candidates are prepared not only for academic careers but a range of industry and government work environments. This work will lead to development of a model for other graduate STEM programs.
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Lessons Learned in Adopting a New, Patent-Based Doctoral Pathway Model
This Work in Progress paper describes the lessons learned from a new pathway for doctoral
candidates in STEM programs allowing capstone degree requirements to be fulfilled by research
culminating in a patent application. The Pathways to Entrepreneurship (PAtENT) model aims to
bring greater alignment between doctoral degrees and the rapidly changing employment
landscape. Given that seventy percent of PhDs exit academic careers within three years [1],
creating doctoral pathways that align with multiple career options is an imperative. We describe
the PAtENT model, rationale and goals. Components of the pilot program will be explained
through a curriculum alignment describing key activities that respond to recommendation for
STEM graduate programs identified by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and
Medicine [2]: developing scientific and technological literacy and conducting original research;
and developing leadership, communication, and professional competencies. After two years of
development and implementation, we are also able to discuss lessons learned and strategies for
scaling the model. We present findings from students in the program and a reflective interview of
the project leadership team. In order to adopt this innovative education model, students, faculty,
and universities need understanding of career pathways and opportunities beyond traditional
academic pursuits.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1954978
- PAR ID:
- 10527566
- Publisher / Repository:
- ASEE 23rd Annual Conference and Exposition
- Date Published:
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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