THIRD YEAR RESEARCH PAPER

In the third year, students are required to demonstrate the knowledge and proficiency gained from their theoretical framework and research methodology modules (and other coursework) by completing a research paper under the guidance of two faculty members.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

• In consultation with the faculty advisor, the doctoral student will be responsible for completing coursework in one research methods module and one theoretical frameworks module.
• In consultation with the faculty advisor, the doctoral student will identify at least one additional faculty member to approve the topic and evaluate the paper.
• Faculty advisors/evaluators must be chosen to reflect expertise in selected modules.
• At least one evaluator must be a Wagner faculty member.  
• The paper must employ the methods and theoretical frameworks that correspond with the coursework modules the student completed.

TIMELINE

• October 1: Topic, proposed data sources, 2 faculty signatures due to Doctoral Program Assistant Director.
• January: Faculty advisors/evaluators will give a progress report to the Doctoral Program Director.
• Early April: Student presents at a conference which may include their advisors, the doctoral board, and other students in their cohort.
• Early May: Paper is due to faculty for evaluation.
• Students who do not receive a passing mark on their paper in May will resubmit their paper for a second (and final) assessment before fall classes resume.

EVALUATION

• The paper will be graded on the same scale as comp exams: high pass, pass, conditional pass, fail.
• If the two faculty evaluators are not in agreement on the outcome, a third reader chosen by the Doctoral Program Director will weigh in.