Doctoral Residency Guide

What are the Topics Covered in the Residency II Workshop

What Makes a Scholarly Topic?


In doctoral research for the Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) and DScS (Doctor of Science in Computer Science) programs, a scholarly topic is defined by several critical attributes that ensure its alignment with the rigorous standards of advanced academic inquiry. Firstly, the topic must address significant issues within the field, aiming to solve practical problems or advance knowledge in ways that have meaningful implications for practice, policy, or further research. It should be grounded in relevant theories or conceptual frameworks, demonstrating a thorough understanding of existing literature, which guides the research questions and informs the study design. Originality and innovation are also essential, with the topic offering new insights or exploring under-researched areas to contribute novel value to the field. Additionally, the topic must be feasible within the program’s constraints, including time, resources, and access to data, and should be scoped to allow for thorough investigation within the program’s timeline. Methodological rigor requires a clear and robust research design that applies a meticulous approach to ensure valid and reliable results. Moreover, the research should hold both academic significance, contributing to scholarly discourse, and practical relevance, offering insights applicable to real-world settings. Finally, the topic should align with the goals and objectives of the Ed.D. or DScS program, focusing on educational practice, policy, or administration for an Ed.D., or emphasizing scientific research, innovation, or applied science for a DScS.