Students who choose the non-thesis option must write a formal research paper on a topic of his/her choosing, called the "Candidacy Paper", in addition to passing written comprehensive examinations in Speech-Language Pathology.
The Candidacy
Paper is intended to be a demonstration of the student's
scholarly writing ability and his/her competence in performing
independent work. Scholarly writing ability is defined by
the Dean of Graduate Studies as "the ability to present
in a clearly organized paper, with proper scholarly documentation,
evaluation". Thus, the Candidacy Paper may not simply
be a review of what is known about a given topic. The
critical ingredient is that the student must show evidence
of original thought and critical analysis. The Candidacy
Paper may be an extension of work prepared for graduate
level courses. However, Graduate School policy is that the
Paper must be written independently of and in excess of
academic course requirements.
Generally, the Candidacy Paper is organized in the form of Introduction, Statement of the Problem, Review of the Literature, Conclusions, and Implications for Further Research. The style, including
citations and references, should follow those described
by the most recent version of the style manual of the American
Psychological Association (APA). Students may wish to refer to any ASHA publication for an example of APA style.
Resources for Writing the Candidacy Paper
- Check the page of DEADLINES related to the candidacy paper for the current school year.
- Copies of the APA manual are available in McKeldin Library. More information on APA style and the APA Style Manual can also be found HERE.
- The Department has produced a Writing Manual to assist in preparation of candidacy papers, theses and term papers. Students are strongly encouraged to consult it. Copies are also available in the HESP Main Office.
- Other links to information on writing style, research design and avoiding plagiarism can be found on the HESP Research/Writing webpage. Students are also strongly encouraged to consult this page and visit these links prior to writing the paper.
Candidacy Paper Readers
Two members of the HESP faculty must read and approve the Candidacy Paper.
The student should present a proposal for the paper to a faculty member (primary reader) whose interests are in line with the proposed topic. The student's advisor normally serves as either first or second reader of the candidacy paper. In the event that the student wishes to pursue a topic area not well-served by the student's primary advisor, he or she may request a change of advisor by notifying the Director of Graduate Studies. Adjunct doctoral level faculty may serve as first or second readers, with approval of the student's advisor. Clinical faculty may serve as second readers, with approval of the student's advisor.
PLEASE NOTE: Students should allow a minimum of a two-week turnaround for reader comments at each stage of the Candidacy Paper process.
Candidacy Paper Registration
Students should register for the section of HESP 638 assigned to their primary reader (see the advisor or HESP office for section numbers). Students may enroll for all candidacy credits in one semester, or spread registration across semesters, if they so choose.
ATTENTION!: Many students "split" their candidacy paper registrations, taking some credits in Fall of their second year, and the remainder in the Spring. When this happens, the Fall registration will be graded as INCOMPLETE. You MUST remind your candidacy paper advisor to submit a Supplementary Grade Report for these incomplete credits when they hand in their final paper for signature. If you do not do this, you are likely to fail the degree clearance process and have your Diploma delayed. PLEASE CHECK YOUR TRANSCRIPTS AND ALERT FACULTY TO ANY INCOMPLETE GRADES THAT MUST BE RECTIFIED BEFORE THE END OF YOUR FINAL TERM IN THE PROGRAM.
Summary of Procedures
for Completion of the Candidacy Paper
