The purpose of this study was to discuss the role of Tribhuvan University in the development of higher education in Nepal by examining the university's historical development and educational activities. Despite negligence and opposition to public higher education by the rulers of Nepal before 1951, Nepalese higher education began with the establishment of Trichandra College in 1918. From 1951 until the establishment of Tribhuvan University in 1959, several public as well as private colleges were also established. The establishment of the university in 1959 marked the beginning of the government-controlled system of higher education in Nepal. As the first and only national institution of higher education, Tribhuvan University has played a significant role in developing a system of higher education in the country. During its first ten years, Tribhuvan University did not operate as a comprehensive institute of higher education. The Tribhuvan University Act of 1971, however, altered the structure, organization, and functions of the university and gave it additional roles and responsibilitites. By the mid-1980s, Tribhuvan University had increased its number of colleges from 49 (1970) to more than 128. Moreover, these colleges have expanded their programs and levels of education. This dissertation's six chapters describe the demographic, cultural, and historical setting of Nepal, the educational activities of Nepal before the establishment of Tribhuvan University, and the university's educational activities from its establishment in 1959 through the mid-1980s. The study shows that the university, in a 26-year period, had expanded it activities significantly and had proven its role as an important factor in the development of higher education in Nepal. The study also indicates that various governmental and non-governmental agencies have been actively involved in determining the educational activities of Tribhuvan University in Nepal.

This dissertation uses qualitative research methodology (individual interviews with alumni of three separate graduating classes) as a means of evaluating the effectiveness of an architecture program at a private engineering college located just outside the city limits of Kathmandu, Nepal. Cross-cultural issues were an important aspect of the research as the researcher (a former teacher at the college) is an American while all the students were from Nepal. All interviews were transcribed and the data collected was analyzed primarily using the Constant Comparison/Grounded Theory approach. Triangulation of data from different individuals helped to verify observations and solidify conclusions. The presentation of the research retains individual anonymity of the subjects within the framework that they were all students of architecture in the Department of Architecture at Nepal Engineering College in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Effort was made to explain the epistemological position of the author and comments are included describing possible bias in various stages of the research and analysis process. The findings indicate a high level of success by the graduates of the program, especially in the early years of its existence. Graduates from more recent years describe less satisfaction with their architecture training. The findings from the research lead to specific suggestions for changes/improvements in the architecture program at Nepal Engineering College. / Department of Educational Studies