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Developing skills in conducting research is an strongly emphasized in the doctoral program. Consistent with that goal, in the first summer students are required to work on a research project that culminates in a research paper. This requirement is designed to allow students to explore chosen areas of research in-depth and provide an opportunity to plan and execute an original research project. The research paper also helps students identify areas in the literature and research methods for further study and promotes student-faculty interaction. After the student identifies a faculty member to oversee the research project, he or she submits a one-page synopsis of the proposed research study. After the synopsis is approved by the supervising faculty member, he or she works with the student to name two additional faculty members to supervise the project's development and completion. The paper is due at the end of the student's first summer in the program, although some more ambitious projects may extend into the second year of the program. The results of the research study are presented to the departmental proseminar if the paper achieves an overall passing grade. Students may also be encouraged to submit their paper for presentation at a professional meeting and/or to a journal for publication. Although this requirement helps prepare students for their dissertation research, the topic of the research paper does not necessarily have to be pursued later in the program as a dissertation topic. Beyond the first summer research project, opportunities exist for students to collaborate with faculty members and with fellow doctoral students on research projects of mutual interest. Several doctoral students have become actively engaged in ongoing research projects as Research Assistants on grant-supported faculty research. |