Union, long the bastion of flexibility, is now requiring doctoral learners to comple learning in research methods. Previously, this was understood and implied in the production of the Project Demonstrating Excellence. Now, it appears, they feel the need to explicitly require it: To achieve proficiency in research design and methodology, you must complete the equivalent of at least two research courses before you engage in your own research: A “survey” of research methods course that familiarizes you with different types of qualitative and quantitative research methods including the skills needed to read and critique others’ research. One or more courses focusing on the specific research method(s) you intend to use for your PDE. You may meet this requirement through participation in Graduate College research seminars, directed studies on research methods, and/or knowledge gained prior to enrolling in the doctoral program. Proficiency is determined by recent scholarly study, demonstrable competence, and familiarity with prevailing applied research methodologies. No big change; most successful learners do this. But this way, it's done as a formal part of the process, and is incorporated in the Learning Agreement as a lead-up to the PDE.
