A Statistical Profile of Doctoral Students in Recreation, Park, Tourism and Leisure Studies

Abstract

Numerous research studies have produced statistical profiles of higher education on a national basis. However, these national databases are insufficient to provide thorough information on any specific field. In 1991, Crompton studied the statistical profile of doctoral students in the fields of recreation, park, tourism, and leisure studies, and since then, there has been little, if any follow-up research on doctoral student profiling. The focus of this study was to identify the statistical profile of doctoral students in Fall 1997, and contrast this profile with the baseline data collected by Crompton (1991). Data were collected from 15 out of the 17 universities where offering doctoral degrees in recreation, park, tourism, and leisure studies by using a mailed questionnaire. Significant differences were found in the stipends paid to the doctoral students, the tuition status, and the type of Master's degree held by doctoral students between fall 1989 and fall 1997. No significant differences were found in the number of doctoral students enrolled in the five specialty areas (administration, tourism, leisure behavior, therapeutic recreation, and outdoor recreation), gender distribution, and nationality distribution between fall 1989 and fall 1997.