Demand and Intake Capacity in Selected Departments of Postgraduate Studies in Addis Ababa University

Abstract

The main purpose of this research paper is to examine problems existing in the current expansion of postgraduate programs in AAU. Moreover, to indicate possible intervention strategies for the university governing bodies and educational planners to alleviate the prevailing problems, regarding postgraduate programs. To this end, a descriptive survey method was employed. The study was conducted on purposely-selected twelve departments, which employs 16.6% of the total (72) departments. The data for the study were obtained from primary and secondary sources. Under primary sources: head of graduate studies and research office, two associate deans of postgraduate programs, and four department heads were selected through purposive sampling techniques. From these respondents data was gathered using structured interview.  In addition, 40 % (75) of instructors involved in graduate programs and 40 % (272) of graduate students were treated using questionnaires. Stratified random sampling technique was employed to select instructors and graduate students. Under secondary data, documents that had information about applicants and accepted students for the last five years were assessed. To analyze the data, percentage, mean and chi-square statistical tools were used. Based on the analysis, postgraduate programs of AAU are increased their intake capacity of students than the past. Nevertheless, in various departments there is shortage of qualified instructors and inadequate classrooms, library and laboratory services. In light of these findings, the following recommendations were forwarded: Ministry of education should expand postgraduate programs in other universities in order to share the burden of AAU. The capacity of the program should be increased and strengthen in the areas’ such as academic staffs, classrooms, libraries, laboratory service. Finally, financial constraints need to be resolved through the introduction of cost sharing in the program.

Keywords: Addis Ababa University; intake capacity; demand; postgraduate