Students who obtained their master’s degree programs from the Cavalla International University can carry over 21 credits to the Doctoral/Doctorate Program. Therefore, CIU graduates with a master’s degree can obtain their Doctoral/Doctorate Degree after successfully completing 46 credits of coursework. 

 

Below is the program structure for such students: 

Doctoral students are required to work with academic advisors to develop a program of study, consisting of three elements:

 

• Core courses, theory and research, design, and analysis methods coursework

• Advanced doctoral-level theory and research courses as applied to issues and concepts specific to the student’s program, including several seminar courses which will prepare students to write their dissertations.

• Advanced courses related to the student’s program will be selected and approved by the advisors for instruction. 

 

 

After the completion of the required coursework, each student must pass a comprehensive written examination that assesses their ability to conduct dissertation research to the standards of the Cavalla International University Graduate School.

Publishable Research Paper

After the completion of all coursework and the comprehensive exam, each student is expected to write a good publishable research paper. The research project will be read and graded by the Graduate Committee assigned to the student. The student will then revise the research project and submit it for publication in an appropriate academic journal.

 

 

The dissertation represents original research that contributes to the overall body of knowledge in one’s chosen academic field. Each student is expected to complete and defend a dissertation proposal, typically by the end of the second year. The proposal outlines the research problem, objectives, research methods, and potential implications of the dissertation research. Once the proposal is approved by the student’s committee, the student is formally advanced to candidacy.

 

 

The dissertation represents an original contribution to scholarship within the discipline of the subject and the result of independent investigation and research. The goal is to put one’s theoretical knowledge and research proficiency to the practical test by conducting an independent, albeit guided, project producing an original piece of research and making a significant contribution to solving a problem and expanding the knowledge base in the specific discipline.

 

Upon completing the dissertation, Ph.D. candidates take an oral examination in defense of their work. The Ph.D. is granted upon successful completion of the oral defense and any revisions to the dissertation required by committee members.