Pursuing an engineering doctorate: Exploring the role of the combined BS/MS program

The past several years have seen an increase in hybrid degree programs for upper-class engineering students. These programs have many names, such as dual degree, five year program, and combined BS/MS programs. Structurally, these programs take many forms as well, including: support programs, professional development seminars, and opportunities for students to take graduate courses during the senior year of their undergraduate program. Various universities utilize these programs differently, attempting to increase underrepresented populations in graduate school, providing a graduate option for students who may not otherwise attend graduate school, or targeting students who might make excellent candidates for doctoral study. While universities have assessed their programs individually, there remains a need to develop a broader understanding of the motivation, recruiting practices, and purpose of these programs. In this paper we present a content analysis of public descriptions of existing programs, specifically with respect to their stated purpose and goals with the aim of contextualizing the variety of programs nationally.