The goals of the DRP are to assist students in learning skills required to critically review research and literature, understand research methodology and design, and participate in the development of original research related to a health professions education topic. Completing the DRP will help students develop their health professions education knowledge base while building their research skills.
Important things to know about the DRP:
- Students will complete their DRP with a cohort of about 5-10 other EdD students and the same DRP instructor.
- The DRP consists of five courses taken in sequential order, with the first DRP course beginning after you complete all core courses.
- Ongoing facilitation by your DRP instructor will guide you through each step of the process. The DRP is an opportunity for students to do research with the guidance of an experienced mentor (your DRP instructor).
- Students will be required to achieve a minimum of a B grade in any DRP courses in order to progress to the next DRP course in the sequence. Note: Students must receive IRB approval(s) prior to beginning the fourth DRP course, EDUC9630.
- If a student does not achieve a minimum of a B grade in any DRP course, then they will need to retake that DRP course which will move them to a different cohort and different instructor.
- Students should select a research project that is feasible within the allotted period of time of the five terms it will take to complete the DRP course and that is relevant to their professional practice, interest, and background. Completing the Feasibility Worksheet (see Selecting a DRP Topic section of this DRP Guide) while taking into consideration your cohort timeline (see Timelines below, on this page) will help you determine the feasbility of your research project. Note: The services of the Department of Research at ATSU cannot be used by DRP students in completing their DRP.
- Students cannot use a research project they are already involved with at their place of employment to fulfill their DRP requirement.
- If a student chooses to conduct a study that requires Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval from an institution other than ATSU, they should be aware this may delay when they can begin their study which may affect their grade if they are unable to finish course requirements by the end of the term.
- All DRP final manuscripts will be made accessible to ATSU faculty, students, staff, and alumni. Students should not propose a DRP that they cannot or do not feel comfortable sharing with the ATSU community.
- Students are responsible for all costs incurred to complete the DRP and should therefore plan and budget for the project or choose a project that accommodates their available financial resources.
