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Research Proposal
The Research Proposal is a requirement that often comes immediately after the student successfully completes the
Comprehensive Examination. In this case, a graduate student is required to prepare a concise and complete research
proposal that clearly defines the research problem and objectives, and outlines the research methodology that the
student plans to follow. The content and format of the research proposal should conform to the Proposal Preparation
Guidelines, which are available on the CGS Intranet. Students are advised to check with their Program Coordinators
on the logistics for submission and approval of research proposals.The content and format of the research proposal
should conform to the Proposal Preparation Guidelines, which are available on the CGS Intranet. Students are advised
to check with their Program Coordinators on the logistics for submission and approval of research proposals.
Admission to Candidacy
Admission to Candidacy is a milestone in a Doctorate student’s journey for the degree. It is achieved after the student
has successfully completed the Comprehensive Examination and, in some cases, the Research Proposal. Admission to
Candidacy is recorded on the student’s academic transcript.
Thesis and Dissertation
Master Thesis
A Master Thesis presents scholarly work produced by a student who is pursuing a Master’s degree with the thesis option.
The thesis also demonstrates the student’s familiarity with the literature of the field of study and reflects the student’s
reasoned selection and careful execution of research methodology. If the thesis is based on empirical research, it will
show the student’s ability to analyze and interpret research data.
Doctorate Dissertation
A Doctorate Dissertation presents the results of the student’s individual inquiry in a written document that demonstrates
the student’s acquaintance with the literature of the field of study and the proper selection and execution of research
methodology. A dissertation for a PhD program must comprise a genuine contribution to knowledge in the particular
field. While a dissertation for a professional Doctorate program must make a practical/applied contribution to
knowledge in the particular field of specialization.
Both thesis and dissertation documents must conform to the Guidelines for Thesis and Dissertation Preparation, which
are available on the CGS Intranet.