Research Sequence

We believe that the academic experiences in preparation for research are essential to the completion of the doctoral degree and have designed classes to support students in completing a quality study. Each doctoral student is enrolled in six units of theme course and three units of research course per semester.

The following is a typical progression through the research process by year, leading to the completion of a research study.

Year One

Students in the first year take two related courses in research in a combination of online, virtual, and in-person study sessions. These preliminary courses include instruction in types of research, research design, review of research methodologies, quantitative and qualitative methods, academic writing, organization of the literature search, orientation to the online library resources and discussion/review of research process, procedures, and the research requirements.

A five-day Research Seminar is held following the closing of the semester on campus in July. For first-year students, this time is dedicated to converting a research topic to a research problem, designing the literature search, and learning strategies for organizing and writing the literature review.

Year Two

Students in the second year take two courses in research in a combination of online, virtual, and in-person discussions and study sessions. In addition to study modules, students write the background of the study leading to a completed Prospectus. The Prospectus includes an argument for the study, background of the problem, problem, and purpose and is accompanied by a literature review.

At the end of the second year students attend another five-day Research Seminar designed to finish the Prospectus, after which student may Advance to Candidacy. Advancement to Candidacy may occur anytime during or after the second summer seminar.

With an approved prospectus and two years of successful completion of theme course work, a student will Advance to Candidacy and select a study advisor. With a study advisor, the student completes a proposal that includes the methodology and is then ready to request approval of a committee and meet for approval of the proposal.

Year Three

Students take two classes (six units) in research the third year. These units are continued until the student completes their research project.