A Comparison of Grades Point Average and Duration Time of the Study of Master's Degree by Institute Backgrounds before Admission to the Faculty of Science, Mahidol University

Abstract

         This research aimed to compare grade point average at previous academic institution and at time of graduation from the Faculty of Science, Mahidol University as well as duration time of the study. Data were analyzed and sorted out according to institutional backgrounds, which were classified into 3 main categories as: 1) Mahidol University (MU) 2) National Research University (NRU) 3)Other Universities. The study was a quantitative survey research based on the database with the sample size of 605 cases enrolled and graduated from master's degree programs at the Faculty of Science, Mahidol University. Statistical analysis of the data was performed to obtain percentage, mean average, standard deviation, as well as F-test (One-Way ANOVA) by multiple comparison. The research found that.
         1) The comparison of grade point average before Admission for the three groups of institutions
showed no significant difference. However, the comparison of grade point average at graduation time for the three groups revealed statistically significant difference across the groups of student (P<0.01).
         2) The analysis by institutional backgrounds found that:
             2.1 The highest was those graduated from Mahidol University (MU) while the National
Research University (NRU) were, by average, higher than other Universities.
             2.2 Students originally came from Mahidol University (MU) and National Research Universities
(NRU) showed equal or better performance in term of grade point averages before admission and upon graduation from the master’s degree program at the Faculty of Science, Mahidol University. Grade point averages upon graduation from the Master’s degree program of those from other universities were either his, her, equal or lower.
             2.3 The Grade Point Average of Mahidol University (MU) and National Research University
(NRU) had low standard deviation while those from other Universities were high.
             2.4 The results of Grade Point Average level A, B+, B mostly from Mahidol University (MU),
The results of Grades Point Average level C+, C were mostly from those graduate from other Universities.
         3) The comparison of duration time of the study had no significant difference in term of
background institution and grade point averages.