Hmong American Women's Experience in Doctoral Programs

This qualitative research study uses face-to-face interviews to explore the perspectives and perceptions doctoral experiences of eight Hmong American women from their own. In particular, the motivations and strategies these women used to complete their doctoral program are shared. All participants completed their doctoral degree in 3 ½ to 6 ½ years. Strategies Hmong women used included building their own support network, prior academic experiences, effective time management and extensive family support system. Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation exists for the participants. The interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation aided in allowed participants to pursue and finished the doctoral program.