TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-COMMERCE
PROCEDURES


11.04.99.R0.22 Doctoral Research Tools
Effective September 1, 1996
Reviewed by Graduate Council FY02
Revised March 7, 2006
Supplements System Policy 11.04


1. Candidates for the doctoral degree must possess proficiency in the use of the research skills necessary to successfully complete the doctoral dissertation. It is desirable for students to demonstrate these proficiencies early in their program; however, if that is not possible, students should demonstrate such proficiency prior to taking the qualifying examinations.

a. Research tools requirements for the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in the College of Education can be met by successfully completing each of the following four courses with a grade of B or better. These course requirements cannot be met through individual studies courses.

[Course 1] Research Methodology
[Course 2] Introductory Statistics
[Course 3] Intermediate Statistics
[Course 4] An in-depth exploration of research methodology and/or statistics

These courses are to be approved, in advance of their offering, by the Graduate Council. Any one of these courses may be satisfied by the successful completion of a proficiency examination over that course.

These requirements are to be viewed as minimal requirements. Consequently, a department may require additional research tool courses either for all of their students or as a requirement for an individual student based upon that student's need.

b. The research tools requirement for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in English is 12 semester hours of college-level classes in one foreign language.

Students with native or near-native competence in a relevant foreign language may consult with the departmental Director of Graduate Studies regarding this requirement

2. Students cannot be admitted to doctoral candidacy until the research tools requirement has been met.

References: Prior ETSU Policy B-78; Procedure A11.46;Deans Council Minutes March 7, 2006.
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CONTACT FOR INTERPRETATION: Dean of Graduate Studies and Research