DISS 901 - Dissertation Seminar I - Introduction to Research and the Research Proposal

(3 credits)

The first dissertation seminar is designed to provide students with a more in-depth understanding of the dissertation process including the IRB process and will mark the milestone of the official start of the dissertation. In this seminar students will begin a process to define their research questions and test the validity of their research questions through a literature review and mini data gathering process. Students will learn how to further define their research questions, literature review, and research methodologies. Candidates will develop a Dissertation Completion Plan, in consultation with the course faculty with timelines based on the dissertation milestone for the relevant term. As students finalize their dissertation area and questions, a dissertation chair will be appointed and a committee will be selected. At the end of this seminar, students will begin to develop their dissertation proposal which will be finalized in Dissertation Seminar II and presented to their committee. Small group and individual assistance will be provided to candidates by course faculty. Candidates will maintain monthly logs and submit progress reports to faculty. Graded P/F. Summer.