1. Communicate with your dissertation/thesis chair to:
   • Discuss intent to pursue the certificate
   • Determine a plan for taking the 12 hours of advanced research methods courses
2. Complete the ARM Intent Form.
3. Complete all certificate requirements, including coursework and research.
4. Submit the Student Certificate Portfolio and the ARM Application Form in a single PDF.

Students may apply even if they have already taken all (or most) of the 12 credit hours, as long as their chair approves it. Course credits already taken for a degree plan may be applied toward the ARM certificate. Advanced-level research methods courses previously taken that are not listed on the approved course list may be applied to the ARM requirements, if they are approved by the committee overseeing the ARM Certificate.

• • You must have an undergraduate or graduate degree in any field of study from an accredited college or university.
  • Complete an Apply Texas Graduate Application and submit application fee. More information can be found here http://admissions.tamu.edu/graduate/apply.
  • Submit official college transcripts from each institution attended, which must be received by application deadline date.
  • Submit a professional resume or curricula vitae along with your application.
  • Students must be available complete at least three of the four courses in a face-to-face delivery format. Students are only allowed to complete a maximum of one three-credit hour course in an online delivery format.

Prospective students who wish to acquire advanced social sciences and education research skills (due to requirements stemming from their current jobs) would be able to obtain the certificate with an investment of 12 credit hours, as opposed to 32-36 hours required for a Master’s degree. The certificate might represent an attractive option for already-graduated Master’s students (from CEHD or other schools/colleges), who wish to enhance or refresh their potentially dated research methods training.

• Complete four (4) approved advanced research methods courses, totaling 12-credit hours with a passing grade of A, B, or S.
• Engage in research, either one’s own study, or as part of a research team. The research study must utilize one or more methods gained from coursework. While what constitutes as research-based reporting may vary across fields, journal articles formatted as commentaries, letters-to-the-editor, teaching tips, or non-systematic reviews of the literature are not eligible to fulfill the ARM journal article submission requirement. Additionally, book chapters will not be accepted. Systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses do count, however. The submitted article can come from the student’s thesis or dissertation, or a paper written for a class. Provide evidence of submission for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, in which the student is listed as an author. A copy of the published article that meets the above criteria will also suffice.
• Write a two (2) page, double-spaced integrative reflection essay.
• Submit a certificate research portfolio with the ARM Application, once all courses and manuscript requirements are satisfied.
• Submit a student research portfolio with:
  • Title Page that includes name, college department, program, and committee chair
  • Table of Contents
  •  Manuscript submitted for publication
  • Evidence of journal submission
  • Two-page reflective essay

Integrative Reflection Paper

Reflect on the research manuscript you submitted for publication. Briefly describe your research in lay terms. What knowledge, skills, and competencies from the certificate courses did you apply to the research manuscript? Refer to a specific page number in your manuscript that outlines the use of said skills. How will those knowledge, skills, and competencies be helpful beyond your current academic program?

Format: The reflection should be a maximum of two-pages, 12-point font, double-spaced.