The dissertation is the culminating
experience of the Doctor of Philosophy in any field of
study. A dissertation
serves two important functions. First, it is a
demonstration of research, analytical and writing skill
at the highest level of scholarly endeavor. The
individual who plans, conducts, writes and defends a
dissertation has shown that she or he is capable of pursuing
a line of inquiry that requires the mastery of a large
knowledge base, proficiency in analytical tools including
statistics and narrative analysis, and articulate the
meaning and application of that knowledge to both mentors
and peers.
Second, the dissertation
advances knowledge. Scholarship
in all fields of study is advanced by the creative pursuit
of answers to complicated questions. Dissertations
are not just “really big class projects”, but
serve to advance the method of addressing significant social
concerns and problems. In that regard, dissertations
are public documents designed to advance the culture.
For doctoral students in the CES program there is a third
important function. The knowledge advanced by CES
dissertations reflects aspects of the wonder of God. Holding
to the belief that “all truth is God’s truth”,
scholars in the CES program are encouraged to comprehend,
reveal and communicate the truth of God as it relates to
the understanding of human development and care giving.
The dissertation process
begins early in the Ph.D. experience. Students
are encouraged to pursue lines of inquiry, develop research
agendas with faculty and participate in research groups. Papers
and projects required in the core courses can facilitate
the formation of dissertation projects, along with consultation
and discussion of emerging ideas with the faculty.
During the spring
semester of the second year, students complete CES 700
Dissertation proposal. This course
focuses on the requirements and details of the dissertation
process. During this time students will seek three
scholars to form the dissertation committee and guide them
through their project. Chapters 1 and 2 of the dissertation
are created in draft form as the final project for this
class. These chapters, consisting of a comprehensive
literature review, research questions, and method of inquiry
to answer the questions will comprise the dissertation
proposal that the student will defend to their dissertation
committee. This typically occurs in the Fall of the
third year, after the successful completion of comprehensive
examinations.
Doctoral candidates,
the formal term used for students who have completed
the academic requirements for the doctoral degree, work
closely with their dissertation chair and committee to
complete their research, analyze its meaning and significance,
and present it in cogent and succinct written form.
The dissertation defense
is final and culminating experience of Ph.D. studies. It
will consist of a public meeting in which the doctoral
candidate formally presents the dissertation project,
explains findings of the study, and articulates its relevance
to significant social problems.
Dissertations are
a reflection of the student’s
comprehension of and capacity to address complex issues. The
title of “Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education
and Supervision” is reserved for scholars who achieve
the highest level of academic performance. Examples
of dissertations from scholars who have completed the Ph.D.
degree in the Regent University Counselor Education and
Supervision program are available on the dissertation
database page.
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