"That Sounds like Something Geniuses Do": Exploring How Vertical Transfer Computing Students Conceptualize PhD Pathways

Jennifer M. Blaney, Theresa E. Hernandez, Annie M. Wofford, David F. Feldon

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

There are currently too few computer science faculty to meet student demand, and faculty from historically minoritized groups are severely underrepresented. Expanding pathways from community colleges to PhDs is one critical avenue to both grow and diversify the computer science professoriate that has been underexplored. To gain insight into these pathways, this phenomenological study utilizes interviews with community college transfer students in computer science to examine how they conceptualize PhD study as part of their academic trajectories. Findings highlight experiences (e.g., serving as a tutor) that promote early interest in PhDs among this diverse and talented group of students.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)307-340
Number of pages34
JournalReview of Higher Education
Volume48
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2025

Keywords

  • computer science
  • PhD aspirations
  • phenomenology
  • possible selves
  • STEM
  • vertical transfer

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education

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