Research Options, Graduate Programs — SGCS

Candidates for the doctoral program should refer to that program for details regarding the dissertation requirement. Master’s degree programs may require a scholarly research paper, a creative project, or other alternatives, such as capstone courses, internships, and practica. Each candidate must show evidence of scholarly interest and proficiency by registering for and satisfying the requirements of the research options as required in specific degree programs.

In general, the following are guidelines for the various research options. Candidates should rely on more specific details available through their program.

Thesis

The thesis option allows the graduate student to become a specialist in a particular aspect of academic inquiry and to develop the necessary background skills for the possibility of continued graduate work. A thesis reflects the use of a recognized research methodology to test an adequate hypothesis. Implementation of a credible research design is possible only when the problem being addressed is within the scope appropriate to the master’s degree program at Olivet. The specific style required for the thesis paper is determined by the individual program. In general, these components should be clearly evident:

1. A clear and concise statement of the problem.
2. The development of and rationale for hypothesis(es) to be tested.
3. A review of related research/literature.
4. An identified, defensible research methodology and design appropriate to the hypothesis(es) being tested (i.e., historical, descriptive, experimental).
5. The study, including evaluation of the findings.
6. Conclusions of the study and implications for the larger problem in the discipline.

Creative Project

The creative project allows the graduate student to look reflectively at issues and strategies within his or her own context. Although similar in some respects to the more traditional thesis, the creative project is fundamentally action research, which has an application orientation. The creative project draws upon existing research relating to particular issues and strategies as a foundation for the creative development of innovative approaches to address critical issues or improve practices in the student’s workplace. The creative project document may assume various forms, depending on program. However, in general, these elements must be present:

1. Clear and concise statement of the issue or practice to be addressed in the project and a rationale for its merit.
2. An adequate review of related literature reporting current research on the educational issue or practice to be addressed.
3. A description of the project design, action plan, and time line.
4. The project materials and pre-post-assessments, an evaluation of the project’s effectiveness, and a reflective essay regarding the project’s objectives, outcomes and future implications.

Before grades are officially recorded, theses/projects must be submitted to the Associate Registrar - SGCS and have a minimum grade of B, unless otherwise stated.

Capstone Courses/Internships/Practica

In lieu of scholarly research or projects, some programs include completion of capstone courses, internships or practicum experiences. Students should refer to their program curriculum and the Course Descriptions section for details.