The culminating activity for the M.S. degree is the development, execution, monitoring, and write-up of an empirical investigation. Such an investigation typically involves a behavior change project (e.g., teaching a new academic skill), but other options may also be feasible (e.g., survey, analysis of an existing data base). Students may use single-subject or group research methodology and designs. See writing guide and writing supports in the online creative project / thesis library for additional information.
 

• Creative Project Options
• Creative Project Proposal and Final Project Requirements

The creative project represents a culminating experience for the M.Ed. degree. The student works with his or her supervisory committee to complete the creative project. The supervisory committee includes the student's major professor and two other faculty members. In addition, the student is encouraged to include doctoral students and other professionals on the committee as fourth (nonvoting) members.

Initially, the student works with his or her major advisor to select a topic and develop the creative project proposal (requirements are listed below). The proposal must be presented to the supervisory committee and accepted before the student can proceed with implementing the project objectives. When implementation is complete, the student works with the major advisor to write up the final project (requirements are listed below), and it is then presented to the full supervisory committee. The proposal and presentation of the final project are viewed as an open forum, and other students, faculty, or professionals may be invited as participants.

The major advisor takes primary responsibility for working with the student to complete the project (selecting the topic, developing the proposal and final project, edits, revisions, Graduate School requirements, signatures, timelines, etc.), although full committee participation is required for acceptance of the proposal and final project. See writing guide and writing supports in the online creative project / thesis library for additional information.