Holistic Medicine, Integrated Medicine, Alternative Medicine

710: LITERATURE SURVEY - Survey of Spiritual Healing and Holism (D) Core Course
(3 credits). Distance Learning. This course is designed to give the student an overview of the field. As such it is recommended that it be taken early in the program of the student. Students will select a wide variety of topics as well as go deep into each one. Students will then write papers on each of these topics focusing on: review of the book; critique of the book (positives and negatives); and what they learned about the topic and about themselves, linking all books from one topic together. Additionally each student will read the papers of other students and critique them in order to expand the breadth of knowledge in the field. Each student will also identify the criteria used for book selection and continue to refine it throughout the course. We will put this all together on several conference calls throughout the course.
Instructor: Oliver London, PhD

instructor Bio

727: HISTORY OF SCIENCE - A Spiritual Overview (OpRes) (3 credits) One-Day Optional Residential & Distance Learning. Students explore the historical sources of Spiritual & Energetic Healing. Students locate their own healing endeavors within developing scientific and philosophical movements, through reading and guided independent exploration of historical texts and scholarly historical studies.
Instructor: Bernard Williams, PhD

730: SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEOLOGY (3 credits) Used for granting equivalency credits at enrollment and as special electives to be used ONLY on petition to the Executive Committee.

731: INNER COUNSELOR - Pathways to Awareness (R) Core Course (3 credits). Three-Day Residential plus Distance Learning. The primary goal of this course is to provide tools for self-directed on-going awareness of the very ground of one’s being – that which is anchored in the duality of physical existence and that which is eternal and has no boundaries. The 15-step Inner Counselor Process™ (ICP™) is a guided self-awareness process that requires from twenty to forty minutes to complete, yet it takes place in a realm of timelessness. Although this process has great potential as a symptoms-oriented clinical intervention, it has its greatest impact when used to engage body, mind, emotions, and spirit in a life-long journey of healing, integration, transformation, and spiritual awakening. A whole systems approach is required to expand conscious awareness in ways that support progressive integration and transformation. The Inner Counselor utilizes contact with higher consciousness to bring healing, integration, and transformation to the mental and emotional aspects of the personality as well as to the physical body. Within the context of this spiritual orientation, the personality is considered a vehicle of awareness and action through which we become conscious of conflicts of duality as we move towards healthy self-actualization, self-realization, and an enlightened transformational awakening. Lectures and a manual containing correlative cognitive models complete the learning experience. Course content includes presentations, discussions, experience with the ICP™ and practice in learning to facilitate an Inner Counselor Process™, reading assignments plus composing and submitting journalistic and scholarly papers.
Instructors: Ann Nunley, PhD Bob Nunley, PhD

Instructor Bio-Ann Nunley

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737: QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS (R-Spring & Fall) Core Course (3 credits).
One-day residential & Distance Learning.
An Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods. As an innovative, hands-on approach for understanding basic research design and methodology, this course presents a conceptual overview that provides a broad understanding of scientific research in the emerging field of holistic and spiritual healing. The course includes learning about how research, in general, is conceived and accomplished. At one end of the continuum is the conception of the study. At the other end is the actual research design and protocol for carrying out the study. Doctoral Students and Masters students planning a research oriented degree need to take this course in the first twelve credit hours of course work. Instructors: David Eichler, PhD, and Monika Eichler, LMSW

Instructor Bio-David Eichler

Instructor Bio-Monika Eichler

741: ENERGETIC HEALTHCARE APPLICATIONS (R) (3 credits) Core Course (3 credits).
Three-Day Residential plus Distance Assignments. Energy Medicine uses the flow of energy in the body as a medium for healing, based on Biophysics, whereas conventional medicine is based primarily in Biochemistry using pharmaceuticals. There are many forms of Energy Medicine from the more ancient and established forms such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Auriculotherapy, and Homeopathy, to name but a few, to the more subtle forms of Hands on healing, light, color therapy, Feng Shui, Aromotherapy, Crystal Healing and sound/voice remapping. Using modern technology, Bioenergetics is an expanding field that is proving to be an effective and powerful mode of preventative health/healing. Assessments with electrodermal screening and therapies with Bioresonance are new technologies married to ancient principles. In this course, students explore techniques and technologies in energy medicine with hands on use, and survey the changing paradigm of health care. The emerging paradigm combines advancing technologies with ancient traditions of healing, for powerful approaches to bring the body back into balance.
Instructors: P. Faith Nelson, PhD and Bernard Williams, PhD

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Instructor Bio - Faith Nelson

752: MYSTICISM – ANCIENT TO NEW THOUGHT (R) (3 credits)
Two-Day Residential plus Distance Assignments.
This course provides a survey of Mystics and Mysticism from the following eras:
Ancient Past, Greco-Roman Era, Early Middle Ages, Later Middle Ages, Modern Era, and Post-Modern Era (21st Century Mystics and New Thought Mysticism).
By the end of the semester students will have become acquainted with representative mystics from each era and have a general understanding of what is universal and true in mystical experiences from many religions and then what is characteristic of mysticism in each era. Each student will choose one mystic and explore the way of that mystic in a three to seven-page paper. Students will choose two of the six major categories and a representative mystic from each and compare and contrast them in a 10 to 20 page scholarly paper, using both personal and bibliographical references. Each student will adopt one or two mystical practices to use as a brief daily exercise throughout the course and maintain a daily journal that will culminate in a two to three page journalistic summary describing their experience. Some of these practices will be presented and experienced during the two-day residential. Meetings will take place on GoToMeeting.Com each month. The goal is to build mystical community by deepening the personal and professional understanding of mysticism on the part of each participant and each professor. Instructors: Bob Nunley, PhD, Teri Martin, MA, Benjamin Martin, MA

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Instructor Bio - Teri Martin
Instructor Bio - Benjamin Martin

757: HOLISTIC THEOLOGY (R) (3 credits) core course
Distance Learning. Students will complete a course in broad ecumenical studies of Theology, emphasizing Holism, Spirituality and the great religions (Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, Taoism, Islamism, Native American Religions, South American Religions and African religions). Others can be covered (e.g. Zoroastrianism, Jainism and Manichaeism) if there is a specific interest. Students will analyze their religious belief systems in light of the course and what they learn. There will be basic readings and latitude to read in additional areas of specific interest. The focus will be on what students learn about the topic and what they learn about themselves through their experiences in the course.

Instructor: Oliver London, PhD

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Instructor Bio

767: STATISTICAL METHODS IN RESEARCH (R) (3 credits)
One-day Residency and Distance Learning. The purpose of this course is to review crucial concepts in qualitative and quantitative research methods, to identify the type of research approach (quantitative, qualitative or both) that students would like to use in their dissertation work, then to clarify what steps will be needed to collect and analyze the results. By the end, students are expected to know what methods they will use, which statistical tests will be employed to analyze the data, and how to perform these tests. Students are expected to have prior statistical knowledge at an introductory level to statistics from an undergraduate or graduate course.
Instructor: Paul Thomlinson, PhD

780: THESIS RESEARCH AND THESIS (D) (6 credits)
Distance Learning. Students begin their study by fulfilling all other core requirement courses. During the completion of these courses, the student requests the appointment of the Chair and the Committee. Students enrolled in the Masters with Thesis Program prepare a faculty approved thesis proposal. University guidelines and the research parameters of the degree field govern all aspects of the research project. The thesis must demonstrate mastery of a body of knowledge within the field of study, which conforms to the University’s standards.
NOTE: The 6 credit-hours of thesis is a minimum requirement. Continuous enrollment with a minimum of three credit hours of 780-Thesis Research and Thesis each semester is required until all the degree requirements are completely satisfied.
Instructors: Chair and Committee

790: MASTER’S ESSAYS AND EXAM (D) (6 credits) Students may elect to take this course in the final semester of the Masters Specialty Track. It is a required course in the final semester of the Non-Thesis Masters program.
Non-Thesis Masters: Students complete the required courses of the Masters (with the exception of *737 - Quantitative Research Design). At ORP, students select a probable topic for the Essays and complete a tentative Program Schedule, selecting electives that support that topic. Students begin their study by fulfilling all of the three-hour core requirement courses. After the completion of these courses, the student requests the appointment of the official Chair and the Committee. Beginning in the final semester, students enroll in 790 - Masters Essays and Exam and write four ten-page essays based on the specific topic. The first three essays explore and develop the chosen topic in depth and include an extensive bibliography. In the fourth essay, the student may introduce a fourth aspect but must also use this chapter to integrate the previous chapters. Students then sit for a one-hour oral exam based on the essays, conducted by conference call and recorded. The cost of the call is the student’s responsibility. A grade of “B” or better is required for graduation.
NOTE: The six credit hours of 790–Masters Essays and Exam is a minimum requirement. Continuous enrollment with a minimum of three hours of 790–Masters Essays and Exam each semester is required until all the degree requirements are completely satisfied.
Instructors: Chair and Committee

810: SPIRITUAL CONTRACTS (OpRes-Fall) (3 credits) 2-day Residential & Distance Learning. Spiritual Contracts provides an in-depth understanding of the human energy field. Students explore spiritual and emotional issues as they relate to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This course examines the influences of natal archetypes and related archetypal patterns within various life experiences. Elements of one’s spiritual contracts are symbolically explored by integrating issues related to personal life experiences, the human energy field, and insights into one’s archetypal identities. A broader understanding and awareness of the human energy field and archetypal identities may then be applied to a healing practice. This course offers an intuitive approach to whole person healing and assists students in enhancing their intuitive skills. Instructor: Delphine Rossi, ThD

816: PAST LIFE THERAPY Part I (R) (3 credits) Five-Day Residential & Distance Learning. Students experience the benefit of a personal Past Life Therapy session as well as observe the effects of the technique on other students. At the same time, the leading Past Life Therapist will share extensive supportive documentation and background material. This approach is a major intuitive skill, helping students gain a significant tool for enhancing and using intuition. Check HU Calendar for residential dates.
Instructor: Morris Netherton, PhD

817: ADVANCED PAST LIFE THERAPY Part II (R) (3 credits) Ten-Day Residential. This course is open to those who have successfully completed Part I of Past Life Therapy (816). The twelve-day intensive workshop/training and clinical supervisory program includes a clinical exam for certification given by Dr. Netherton. Check HU Calendar for residential dates.
Instructor: Morris Netherton, PhD

Instructor Bio - Morris Netherton

833: ADVANCED PRACTICUM FOR INNER COUNSELOR (R-Spring) (3 credits)
Three –Day Residential & Distance Learning. Students must have completed 731-Inner Counselor in a prior semester before enrolling in the Practicum. In order to explore more deeply the transpersonal, spiritual, and self-help healing aspects of the Inner Counselor, students return to re-experience the three-day Residential for 731-Inner Counselor. Each of the three days, advanced students remain an extra hour in order to gain experience with the extended Generational Process. This is followed by Distance learning practice and assignments.
Instructors: Ann Nunley, PhD, and Robert Nunley, PhD

Instructor Bio-Ann Nunley

842: PERSONAL INTUITION (D) (3 credits) Distance Learning. Distance Learning. Students will complete an in depth study of intuition exploring a variety of techniques for intuitive development. In addition, students will delve into the many personal blocks that prevent their natural intuitive ability. The course includes personalizing one’s own style of intuition. Practical applications of intuition will be explored through a variety of intuitive exercises. An important focal point of the course is learning how to listen to and trust non-judgmental intuition that contrasts to the subjective ego-based emotions driven by wishful thinking, fear, projection and stress. Intuitive dream work will also be featured as students discover how to use intuition to retrieve, respect and listen to the intuitive insights embedded in their dreams. Note: Offered in the Spring Semester only.

Instructor: Marcia Emery, PhD

843: EMOTIONS AND INTUITION (R-Fall) (3 credits)
Three-Day Residential and Distance Learning. Students learn to understand how the body receives, transmits, and processes emotions, and how anger, sadness, guilt, anxiety, and depression play an important role in our growth.
Instructors: Barbara Rasor and Bernard Williams, PhD

Instructor Bio-Barbara Rasor

846: SPIRITUAL HEALING PRACTICUM (3 credits) (D). Distance Learning. There are two possible options for this particular course. First, the students can use this course to conduct a pilot study in preparation for their thesis or dissertation research. Second, the practicum may be used to conduct an in-depth field study with a faculty member of choice who agrees to accept the student and work out an appropriate plan of action and curriculum for this practicum. The goal of this advanced practicum is to permit the student to demonstrate professional competency in addressing salient elements of Body/Mind/Spirit approaches to health. Students will propose their specific study in form of a plan of action to the Dean of Faculty for approval of topic and assignment of instructor prior to the beginning of the semester. Faculty assignment must be finalized by October/April 15.

Instructor: Any member of the Faculty with expertise in the studies related to the topic may serve as Instructor for #846 as approved by the Dean of Academics.

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850: PRINCIPLES AND LAWS OF PSYCHIC ENERGIES (D) (3 credits) Students will learn about the principles and laws that govern psychic energies and how we can experience unnecessary moodiness and confusion when we are exposed to the toxic thoughts and feelings of others. Students will learn about how to detect when we are being manipulated by the psychic energies of others, how to protect ourselves from these influences, and how to repair the damage

Instructor: Robert Leichtman, MD

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857: EVOLUTIONARY ASTROLOGY (R) (3 credits) Three-Day Residential & Distance Learning. The residency covers general information about astrology and its relationship to the world in general and helps prepare students to use their natal astrological chart as a template for self-exploration. The natal chart is perceived as a holistic model of a person’s life, one that reflects both its karmic context, as well as the soul’s intention for its own evolution. Students will use the language of the astrological symbols in their birth chart to achieve a deeper understanding of their life’s work through the integration of their unique constellation of gifts, challenges, and soul lessons. The course work can also be applied to the charts of others and to understanding day-to-day astrological alignments in a more meaningful way.
Note: Time and date of birth is required - Obtaining birth data can take several weeks or more.
Instructor: Patricia Bechdolt, ThD

865: PERSPECTIVES IN TRANSPERSONAL PSYCHOLOGY (D) (3 credits) Distance Learning. In this course, students will be exposed to a wide variety of transpersonal pathways, both ancient and modern, that are directed towards the evolution of consciousness and the experience of oneness and inseparability from the web of life. The focus will be on the philosophical, developmental, and transcendental aspects of transpersonal psychology, exploring an enlarged view of human nature and the Cosmos. Transpersonal understanding has existed continuously down through the ages, exemplified in Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Sufism, Esoteric Christianity, and many indigenous systems. The emergence of Modern Transpersonal Psychology from these ancient philosophical and spiritual roots will be studied, and its significance and meaning in contemporary life explored. The course is offered in five monthly segments, each with assigned reading, a telephone conference and a scholarly paper. segments, each with assigned reading, a telephone conference and a scholarly paper.
Instructor: Patricia Norris, PhD

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876: INTEGRATIVE HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS (D) (3 credits) Distance Learning. This course introduces students to the complementary and alternative healing systems found in selected parts of the world and to the complexity of the topic of Integrative Healthcare. Utilizing the structure developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), aspects of choice of Integrative HealthCare systems of the U.S. and Canada are explored as well as healthcare systems outside of North America. Current standards, requirements, and expectations of specific Integrative HealthCare practices and issues worldwide are examined, shared, and discussed in written assignments and telephone conferences. A historical context is also developed that offers indications as to the changes likely to occur in the next decade.
Instructors: Geneie Everett, PhD, RN, and Robert Nunley, PhD

Instructor Bio-Geneie Everett

880: INTENTIONAL TRANSFORMATION - A Body/Mind/Spirit Approach (R) (3 credits) Three-day residential. Students will explore and experience techniques used in autogenic biofeedback and voluntary control. Students have the opportunity to acquire a life-long skill in modulating autonomic nervous system responses, with intentional control of the sympathetic nervous system. Students will explore in depth the dynamic transformational potential for using these techniques in combination with the psychosynthesis approach to self-knowing developed by Dr. Roberto Assagioli. This course is both experiential and didactic. Two scholarly papers are required, and “stream of consciousness” papers directed toward self-exploration.
Instructor: Patricia Norris, PhD

881- SACRED GEOMETRY: Shape, Form, and Healing Insights (D) (3 credits)
The aim of this course is to inform students of their personal subtle energy or auric field and states of consciousness in order to come into greater spiritual, mental, emotional and physical wholeness. Students will explore many aspects of form and color as manifestations of higher fields of vibration. Taking five levels, students will: 1) Build models of Platonic forms and imagine how grids of different shapes transmit different types of energy; 2) Experience color as having a spiritual root and how different colors can be used for diverse needs; 3) Visualize “morphotypes” (such as radial, spiral, point, sphere) in their chakras, according to a diagnostic using the Co-Creation Code Deck; 4) Integrate color and form by creating symbols needed for wholeness and, 5) Create a holistic mandala from the symbols that assists the student in knowing how soul leads personality. Assignments are highly experiential and include descriptive papers and simple drawings that reference their use of the information.
Instructor: Rowena Kryder, PhD

882: INDIGENOUS HEALING STUDIES (D) (3 credits) Distance Learning. This course focuses on basic principles of indigenous healing with special emphasis on specific indigenous spiritual healing traditions selected by the instructor for each semester. Selected indigenous traditions include, but are not limited to, Brazilian, Chinese, Hawaiian, and Native American. Students engage in extensive reading of classical and modern indigenous healing literature, field notes of respected scholars and oral narratives of indigenous healers and practitioners. A scholarly paper and an experiential journal or project summary are required.
Instructor: Samantha Tavares, PsyD

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884: PRINCIPLES OF SPIRITUAL DIRECTION (D) (3 credits) Students will explore, understand, and integrate spiritual direction/companionship in their personal life so as to be able to accompany others on their spiritual journeys. Using a broad perspective towards spiritual growth and direction as seen through the lens of several religious traditions and inclusive of many spiritual paths, students will understand the historical and contemporary developments, forms, principles, and values of spiritual direction/companionship. Students will experience several disciplines of spiritual direction and reflect on how these relate to one’s current spiritual journey.
Instructor: Noel Kilgarriff, PsyD

885: INTEGRATIVE SPIRITUAL COUNSELING (D) (3 credits) Distance Learning. Students will develop a specific integrative approach for offering spiritually based self-help guidance to those who seek spiritual counseling. Each student will creatively combine personally selected processes, methods, and schools of thought into an integrative approach to spiritual guidance. After designing an approach, students will be asked to put that design into practice with informed, consenting adult volunteers and submit a description that illustrates how the approach is being used in a self-help manner. The course includes a section on counseling ethics. Students are advised to enroll in this course in their last 30 hours of course work.

Instructors: Ann Nunley, PhD, and Christine Hibbard, PhD

Instructor Bio-Nunley

Instructor Bio-Hibbard

886: PASTORAL SPIRITUAL COUNSELING (D) (3 credits)
Distance Learning. This course will introduce students to the basic concepts of pastoral care and counseling, with an emphasis on self-care, brief counseling techniques for life traumas and grief, and spiritual disciplines that are tools for spiritual growth. We will examine spiritual and psychological development through the life span and explore the process of self-transcendence, rooting pastoral counseling in this process. We will study and practice spiritual disciplines that can be used with people who seek pastoral care and counseling. Students will learn, practice, and develop a personal counseling style, using the basic counseling skills in a manner that is consistent with their own spiritual orientation. The course contains a section on counseling ethics. Students are advised to enroll in this course in their last 30 hours of course work.
Instructor: Noel Kilgarriff, PsyD

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Download Fall, 2010 Syllabus

887: SACRED CEREMONIES AND CELEBRATIONS (OpRes-Fall) (3 credits)
Distance learning with a 1 ½ - day optional residency during Campus Week. In the natural cycles of human existence, from the joy of birth to the mystery of death, important changes occur throughout all of our lives. Celebrants and ministers have the honor of bearing witness to these pivotal moments. Ritual deepens the experience of these life events, supporting significant transition and rites of passage. The power of ritual lies beyond words, bringing participants into meaningful connection with the Sacred through the collaborative creation and facilitation of uniquely designed ceremony. In this course, students will research, plan, outline and lead traditional and non-traditional sacred ceremonies and celebrations. All ceremonies created during the course will be compiled onto a CD for each student to keep. During the optional residency, students have the opportunity to lead the sacred ceremony that they have prepared. This course is highly recommended for all persons seeking ordination.

Instructor: Rev. Jane Simmons, ThD

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889: PEACEMAKING AND THE INTEGRAL MODEL OF MINISTRY (OpRes-Spring)
(3 credits). One-day optional Residential & Distance Learning. The HU mission statement lists “compassionate service” as a main goal. Providing compassionate service is a ministry in and of itself and often requires working within various organizations and groups. This course presents an integral framework for understanding, embracing, and moving through interpersonal and developmental challenges of ministry as it pertains to organizational and group work. Students will learn how to embrace conflict as a pathway to greater authenticity, wholeness, and personal transformation. To gain a greater understanding of the complexities of organizational and group dynamics, they will explore, in depth, Ken Wilber's integral theory and its specific usefulness for unraveling the complexities of church growth. Using this model, students will be asked to explore the model’s applicability to other specific groups and organizations in which they have an interest. In addition they will gain insight into the dynamics that impact cultural and systemic change.
Instructor: Rev. Gary Simmons, ThD

891: MULTICULTURAL PERSPECTIVES IN HEALING (D) (3-credits)
Distance Learning. All societies have developed cultures of healing. These, however, differ from society to society. The course, while examining healing practices in various societies, also will consider what patterns they have in common. The society’s shared belief systems and how those are reflected in healing will also be addressed. In addition to this multi-cultural perspective on healing, students will have the opportunity to select a healing culture and explore it in greater depth. Instructor: Mei-fei Elrick, PhD

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893: EXPLORING THE NATURE OF HEALING (D) (3 credits)
Distance Learning. This course is designed to broaden student’s perspective on the dynamic process of healing. Students will discuss and write about their already considered understanding of ‘healing’ including: implications of healing-related language, the healer and healee relationship, locus-of-control, and the role of intention, belief, meaning, and expectations in the healing process. Instructor: Geneie Everett, PhD, RN

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894: MIND-BODY PERSPECTIVES OF TRAUMA (R-Spring) (3-credits)
3- Day Residential & Distance Learning. This course bridges physiology and psychology. Topics include examining the differences between cognitive and somatic trauma approaches, the nervous system’s role in trauma, the role of memory in trauma, and the effects of trauma beyond “mental health”. We will explore recent trauma therapies reestablishing the mind-body connection.
Instructor: Geneie Everett, PhD, RN

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895: SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEOLOGY (D) (3 credits)
May be used for granting equivalency credits at enrollment and as special electives to be applied towards the degree. Equivalencies must be approved at ORP by the Admissions Director. This course may also be used to create a special research project or specialized learning opportunity in which case the instructor creates the syllabus that designates the specific requirements. Using this course during a student’s program requires the approval of the Executive Committee.
Instructor: Faculty member designated by the Executive Committee

896: SPECIAL TOPICS IN SPIRITUALITY (D) (3 credits)
May be used for granting equivalency credits at enrollment and as special electives to be applied towards the degree. Equivalencies must be approved at ORP by the Admissions Director. This course may also be used to create a special research project or specialized learning opportunity in which case the instructor creates the syllabus that designates the specific requirements. Using this course during a student’s program requires the approval of the Executive Committee.
Instructor: Faculty member designated by the Executive Committee

994: SPIRITUAL HEALING CAPSTONE (D) (3 Credits)
Distance Learning. Prerequisite: All core competency courses except 996-Prelims and 998-Dissertation. This Capstone course must be completed before the student is enrolling in 996-Prelims. During or just following the last semester of regular course work, all students will take this course in order to integrate those components of all other courses they have taken as they relate to their individual research emphasis. Students’ chairs are invited to participate.
Instructor: Robert Nunley, PhD

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996: PRELIMINARY ESSAYS AND EXAMINATION (D) (3-Credits)
Distance Learning. Prerequisites: All courses required for graduation, INCLUDING 994-Capstone. Prelims may be taken concurrently with 998-Dissertation. Students prepare a faculty-approved dissertation proposal for review by the committee before the Preliminary Exam as the minimum initial requirement for this course. In addition, the student and chair will – in consultation with the entire committee – agree upon three major questions and two to four minor questions, which will then be answered with appropriate essays. An oral examination will be held subsequently by phone conference. Upon passing this exam, students attain Candidacy status. Students may also prepare and submit to the committee their IRB application. Only after Candidacy status and IRB approval have been attained may students begin their research for 998 Research and Dissertation.
Instructors: Chair and Committee

998: RESEARCH AND DISSERTATION (D) (12 credits)
Distance Learning. (Three hours of 998 may be taken concurrently with 996–Prelims.) Dissertation research is expected to be carried out after the admission to Candidacy and upon IRB approval. University guidelines and the research parameters of the degree field govern all aspects of the research project. The research and dissertation must represent mastery of a body of knowledge and an original contribution to the field of study. Students must pass an oral exam and the final document must be approved by all members of the student’s committee. The 12 credit-hours of dissertation is a minimum requirement. Students may not enroll in more than 9-credit hours of dissertation per semester. Once the course is begun, continuous enrollment with a minimum of three credit hours of dissertation research each semester is required until all the degree requirements are completely satisfied and all the deadlines for submission of dissertation have been met. Although students may enroll in 996 and 998 concurrently, no 998 credits are valid until all courses other than 998 are successfully completed.
Instructors: Chair and Committee