Topic Approval


Complete and submit the Topic Approval Form linked in the assessment instructions.

Introduction

The Topic Approval assessment is designed to ensure that your chosen topic is in alignment with the requirements for your program, evidence-based, and feasible. You must pass this assessment before you can continue onto the Project Charter assessment.

Instructions

In this course, you will first submit for topic approval. The topic approval process is designed to ensure that all doctoral projects are aligned with the learner’s program, supported by evidence, and are feasible (meaning there is reasonable likelihood that the project can be accomplished within the timeframe of the degree). This review intentionally seeks the perspective of other qualified academic leaders who are trained to evaluate the appropriateness of the project topic.

For this assessment, complete the Topic Approval Form [DOCX]

Follow the instructions within the form and make use of the embedded links if you need additional information to complete any of the sections.

Overall, you will be assessed on whether you have met expectations in the following five areas:

  • Topic: The topic area fits within the scope of the program.
  • Problem: The problem has an identified theoretical orientation.
  • Supporting Evidence: The topic and problem are supported by the recent literature and relevant evidence.
  • Alignment and Feasibility: Questions align to the topic and problem and the project appears feasible, given current supporting materials reviewed.
  • Writing: Writing uses proper paragraph development, transitions, academic tone with proper grammar usage, and mechanics.

 

Things to keep in mind as you are completing the Topic Approval Form:

  • Topic approval is achieved when the project topic fits within the scope of the program and has a clearly identified problem and questions that are supported by the scholarly literature and relevant evidence.
  • Throughout the process of developing the project, you will continue to receive feedback on the proposed project and should expect to refine the topic as you receive faculty feedback and increase your understanding of the problem, supporting evidence, project questions, framework, data sources, and proposed data collection.
  • You must pass this assessment to move on to the Project Charter assessment.