How to Write a Research Question for a Paper Best Tips
Learn how to write a good research question for a paper. Narrow your topic, identify a research problem, and create a focused question with practical examples.
Northwestern University The Graduate School 0 courses
The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in The Graduate School Policy Guide. The total course units required varies by the Specialization and the student’s educational background, and typically supersedes the required minimum courses specified by TGS. Students completing an MS degree in a related field may be able to reduce the required number of units, depending on the requirements of the specialization and approval of the PhD advisor. PhD students may also earn an MS degree along the way to meeting degree requirements for the PhD, although this is not required. Transfer credits are not allowed. Additional information on course requirements is available on the departmental website. The Civil and Environmental Engineering PhD program has five specializations: Candidacy: Admission to Candidacy is a milestone where faculty assess whether a student has acquired sufficient knowledge and experience to proceed with PhD research. The initial offer of admission to the PhD program does not guarantee Admission to Candidacy. In order to advance to Candidacy the student must: a) meet the TGS English Proficiency Requirement b) Identify research advisor c) achieve cumulative 3.5 GPA d) pass the Qualifying Exam. Prospectus: The Prospectus process typically involves development of a written research proposal that will culminate in the dissertation. This research proposal is presented and defended in oral form to the prospectus committee. PhD Dissertation: PhD students must complete a written dissertation that is a significant and original research contribution, based on the research proposal in the Prospectus. PhD students defend the dissertation in a presentation open to the public. The details of the individual dissertation and defense are up to the advisor and PhD student, and subject to the requirements available on the TGS website.
The Northwestern University catalog does not list a course sequence for this program.
Our subject experts help with essays, research papers, case studies, discussion posts, and capstone projects for these programs — written from scratch to your course requirements.
Program and course information is reproduced from each university's published academic catalog for informational purposes and may change. Always confirm current requirements with your university. We are an independent academic support service and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the universities listed.
Expert guides on essay writing, citation styles, study skills, and academic success.
View All Articles
Learn how to write a good research question for a paper. Narrow your topic, identify a research problem, and create a focused question with practical examples.
Learn how to choose a research topic you can actually research. Discover how to narrow broad ideas, find reliable sources, and develop a focused research question.
Learn how to cite sources in a research paper using APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, with in-text citation examples and reference-list tips.