​Steven R. Terrell, Ph.D.

​A doctoral degree is like a key to a door. Opening the door is important to you.  What you do once the door is open is important to the world.  

My Background

I have two Masters degrees – an MBA focusing on information systems and a MS in counseling psychology. My doctoral degree is in Higher Education with a focus on research methodology and statistics.  I have also done extensive post-graduate work in qualitative research methodology. I have extensive experience in the information systems industry and have been a college professor for over 25 years.   

My Research Interests 

You can get an overall feel for my research interests by referencing the Publications section of this website.  While I have been involved in a broad range of research throughout the years, my current interests include: 

 ​- Online communities of practice.
​ - Attrition in online learning environments.
 - Student motivation & achievement.
 - Learning in virtual environments.
 - Interaction between technology and human factors.

The Classes I Teach

I primarily teach doctoral level qualitative research methods and masters level organizational evaluation courses. I have taught both masters and doctoral quantitative research methods, as well as learning theory.   

My Service as a Dissertation Chair

Getting Started 

I will gladly work with any student who is serious and willing to put in the long hours necessary to earn a doctoral degree. If you want to talk to me about a potential topic, first review my areas of interest.  If there is a possible match between your interests and mine, here is what I expect at the outset: 

 1. Do not write an entire Idea Paper and then ask me to work with it.  We will get off to a far better start if you begin with Step 2 below. 

 2. Provide me with a two to three page document describing the actual problem or opportunity you are interested in addressing.  In
 addition to that, you should provide information on the background of the problem (how do you know it exists?) and the significance of 
 the problem (why is it important to work in this area?) 

 3. Provide me with a 10 to 15 item annotated bibliography showing the current status of research in your problem area; this may include
 journal articles, books or conference proceedings.  This will include a properly formatted reference per the APA form and style guide and
 a brief synopsis of what you have read. 

My Expectations of You! 

 1. Please understand that your success is up to you.  I will work diligently with you but you must do the work. 

 2. Be very familiar with the GSCIS Dissertation Guide. 

 3. I expect continuous progress.  If I provide feedback, I want to see evidence that you are addressing that feedback or moving on to the
 next step.  Unfortunately I have had to resign as the dissertation chair in a few instances throughout my career; your success is up to you! 

 4. You must realize that an approved paper at one level (e.g., an Idea Paper) does not necessarily result in approval at the next level (e.g., the 
 Proposal).  This very rarely happens but, in certain instances, things have gone awry and students have had to start from the beginning.
 Again, this very rarely happens but a good, well-researched problem statement is the best way to avoid this. 

 5. I expect us to publish your results.  Whether it is a journal article or conference presentation, I want to show the world that you have
 contributed to the body of knowledge in your chosen field.  I will work with you to decide where to submit it as well as help revise it to
 meet that format. 

My Service as a Dissertation Committee Member

 I am more than willing to work with you as part of your dissertation committee but you must check with your chair first! In many instances, 
although not as a formal committee member, I am asked to give advice or insight into a particular research methodology or design.  Given your chair’s permission, never hesitate to ask.