Research Requirements

Advanced Individual Studies in School Psychology

In order to provide doctoral students the mentoring opportunity to develop autonomous research skills, students are required to complete a minimum of six credit hours of advanced study in school psychology. Typically, students will complete the Advanced Individual Studies with their advisor conducting research individually or in a team format. The student and advisor must negotiate the nature of the relationship (e.g. work load, timeline, authorship, topic) regarding each research project. Minimal expectations regarding the number and nature of research projects to be completed have been identified (e.g. non-course requirements). Students are graded based on a S/U grading system and will need to complete all course requirements to earn all six credit hours.

Dissertation

The dissertation is a scholarly contribution to knowledge in the student’s area of specialization. By researching and writing a dissertation, the student is expected to demonstrate a high level of knowledge and the capability to function as an independent scholar. The research should be of significant interest to the advisor, and although it may not be a direct extension of a current research program, the driving question must be the creation of the student. The project should be set up in such a way that the student is able to demonstrate autonomy.

Other Requirements

Doctoral students are required to complete at least three non-course requirements prior to graduation. These opportunities provide doctoral students with additional research and professional development experiences.