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There are three options for the graduate exit process in the AAD Program. These are thesis, project and capstone. Each of these requires an academic proposal, an academic document, and a public presentation of research.
In the master's proposal development seminar students will select an option and prepare an appropriate proposal.
To read more about each of these follow the following links by clicking on the underlined words.
Thesis
This option is the most formal. It may involve a wide variety of research methods and topics. The procedures involved are overseen by a research director, graduate committee and the graduate school. The format of the academic document is regulated by the graduate school.
Project
This option often involves developing a practical application. The academic document may be shorter. An additional document describing the project is often longer. A project document may also be a summary of literature addressing a practical topic with additional discussion of the applications implied by the review of literature. The procedures are overseen by a research director. The format of the academic document and the project document are regulated by the AAD Program.
Capstone
This option involves taking three courses (in addition to those required) and using the materials involved in these courses to address the problem developed in the proposal. A brief academic document describes the outcome of the project. A longer document similar to a literature review study summarizes, synthesizes and draws implications from the course materials relative to the problem proposed. The procedures are overseen by AAD faculty. The formats of the academic document and the synthesis document are regulated by the AAD Program.