Graduate education includes the development of skills related to critical analysis and creative thinking. These skills are, in part, developed via participation in classes. The high level of understanding and analysis expected of graduate students means all graduate courses should build on advanced undergraduate and/or graduate courses, should be based in current knowledge of research in the field, and should include significant and regular instructor-initiated interaction between students and the instructor(s). Students with a focus on research degrees include classes with content providing the necessary background for expanding the frontiers of knowledge, while those in professional preparation degrees include classes related to the application of theory or research findings to address needs in professional practice. The program of study of students with either focus, may incorporate classes from the other focus (for professional degrees at least six credits must have a research focus). These designations, research and professional, reflect approaches to graduate education which are equal in merit but with different intended educational outcomes.

Features of Research Education typically include:

• Deep scholarly investigation of a significant problem, question, or issue in the field of study, which could include original primary research.
• Understanding of theoretical frameworks, research methodologies, and testing or analysis of evidence appropriate to the field.
• Analytical thinking and creative skills are typically combined with specific analytical techniques to expanding the frontiers of knowledge in the field.

Features of Professional Practitioner Education typically include:

• Deep knowledge in a field of study applied to a domain of professional practice.
• Understanding of research literature to support application of knowledge to practice.
• Analytical thinking and creative skills are typically combined with application of theory or research findings to address needs in professional practice.

While student work in research-oriented and professional-oriented courses should reflect these different needs, it may be appropriate for 500-level courses particularly in applied fields to include both research-oriented and professional-oriented features and both types of students. All graduate students are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with their field’s professional practices and ethics, including applicable rules, regulations, and laws.