Gnadt, Amanda S.2013-11-152013-11-152013-11-15http://hdl.handle.net/2097/16808This study reviews the development of distance education, adult students and specifically looks at the reasons for online course withdrawal. The study specifically examines personal and course-related reasons distance students withdraw from courses. Online students who withdrew from a course were invited to complete a course withdrawal survey to provide additional information about why they withdrew. Students reported balance between coursework and work/family commitments most frequently as the primary reason for course withdrawal. Results indicated that students withdrawing because of work/family reasons have higher intentions of re-enrolling in the future. Faculty and staff response time was another reason reported for course withdrawal. A perceived delay in communication was related to course withdrawal. Results are discussed further and implications are addressed.en-USOnline course withdrawalDistance educationPersistenceThesisAdult Education (0516)Higher Education (0745)