An analysis of the reasons increase in the academic years of students in Iran(case of study: graduate students of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad)

Higher education always has challenges. One of the most important challenges is the increase in graduate students' academic years. This study aimed to investigate the scientific aspects of the issue of increasing students' academic years.

This research was conducted at the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad as a target population, and the data were collected from a systematic analysis and study of the statements of graduate students (15 people), university professors (10 people), and relevant authorities (2 persons). The research method is content analysis. Semi-structured interview technique was used to collect data.

Research findings in educational-research and structural dimensions were developed separately from basic sciences, humanities, and engineering faculties. The findings show that the increase in the academic years of students in the field of education-research issues occurs due to problems around thesis, educational units, paper compilation, and professor-student communication. Also, in the structural dimension factors such as university regulatory rules, professors' expertise, research and laboratory facilities, financial discussions of projects, and interdisciplinary projects are the cause of delays in education.

The increase in academic years is due to various factors at micro and macro levels and its consequences are equally variable. In this regard, structural factors are considered very important from the viewpoint of professors and students and make university trustees focus more on this issue. For this purpose, solutions including the formation of a consultative working group of professors and students, greater interaction of faculties with the counseling center, allocation of financial credit for the project at the beginning of work, etc have been presented so that managers can pay attention to their decisions and implementation of their plans.