MRP Process (2024 and earlier)

Students in the Major Research Paper (MRP) stream are required to complete five (5) core courses, one (1) elective and the MRP.

If you have completed your courses, register for CCJP*6660 Major Research Paper. You are allowed to register your courses until the end of the "add" period. Check the Schedule of Dates for relevant deadlines.

Your MRP should be approximately 40-60 double-spaced pages (with about 250 words per page). If you are writing an MRP, you choose an advisor and a second member of the advisory committee in the same way a thesis student does.

Unlike a thesis, there is no oral defense for an MRP. Instead, your committee will decide on a grade.

Proposal Stage

Your research proposal should be approximately 20 double-spaced pages (about 250 words per page).

Before beginning your proposal, sit down with your advisor to discuss particular content and length. It is expected that you will have a draft of your proposal submitted to your advisory committee before the start of the spring semester.

When your committee has approved your proposal, they will sign a proposal approval form (available from the GPA). The GPC will also review your proposal and sign the form. Submit a copy of your proposal and the signed approval form to the GPA.

At this time, you are ready to proceed with your research.

Developing & Submitting Your MRP

Remain in close contact with your advisor (and committee member as appropriate) when working on your MRP. Be disciplined in managing your time and working on researching and writing your project.

You should anticipate having to submit multiple revisions of material, so do not underestimate the amount of time it will take to produce a finished product. The committee will determine when your paper is ready for final submission.

Your advisory committee is required to thoroughly review and comment on drafts of written material and to provide feedback to guide you in satisfactory completion of the work.

Advisory committee members are required to inform you of the approximate time it will take them to return your submissions with comments. If the expected time exceeds the normal two-week turnaround, committee members must provide you and your advisor with an estimate of the time required.

You are responsible for learning about all appropriate deadlines and regulations associated with registration and graduation requirements. Aim to complete your MRP well in advance of the deadline.

The Finishing Touches

When all your work is complete, the department chair will sign and submit a Recommendation for Graduation form to the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies.

You are not required to submit a hard copy of your MRP, but please email a digital copy to the GPA.

When you are ready to graduate, submit the Application to Graduate form and, if you are eligible, an Early Completion Rebate form.