Research and Design I, II requires no formal classroom attendance. The object of Research and Design I, II is to enhance the research and design ability of the candidate.
Doctoral candidates will submit a preliminary 3 to 5 page double-spaced annotated outline and bibliography.
Upon approval by the Dean, the final outline will be expanded to 8 to 12 or more pages. Upon the Dean's approval of the final outline, Research and Design I,II will be completed. The completed work will be the foundation for the doctoral dissertation or for the written project.
Master's Candidates will submit a preliminary 2 to 3 page double-space annotated outline and bibliography.
Upon approval by the Dean, the final outline will be expanded to 4 to 9 or more pages. Upon the Dean's approval of the final outline, Research I will be completed. The completed work will be the foundation for the master thesis for the written project.
The doctoral candidate will present to the Dean a minimum of hundred twenty double-spaced pages. The master's candidate will present a minimum sixty double-spaced pages of research to the Dean. After the research has been reviewed and accepted by the Dean, the research will be the basis for the questions to be asked at the oral examination.
The candidate will appear before a panel of experts, including the Dean, for the project oral examination which lasts one and a half to three hours. The University has determined that a superior approach to the traditional academic format is to have two or three candidates appear together. The result is a non-competitive atmosphere where examiners and candidates have the opportunity to exchange ideas and information. An environment eliminating the focus upon a sole candidate reduces stress and enables the examiners to better judge the qualifications of those seeking their degree. Research and Design II is 3 credits. Doctoral candidates will receive 6 credits and, master's candidates 3 credits for completion of this course.
On a part-time basis, most candidates are anticipated to complete their degree requirements within eighteen months. The determining criteria are dedication and the candidate’s previous academic and professional portfolio.