The goal of the candidacy research paper is to help doctoral students acquire the necessary skills to conduct research. While research skills are taught in the context of the research methods and statistics courses, the candidacy research allows students to practice research skills under the mentorship of one or more faculty members. Counseling Psychology students must complete the candidacy research paper before they can be advanced to doctoral candidacy, which is an eligibility requirement for taking the Comprehensive Exams. With the advisor's approval, a master's thesis may fulfill the candidacy research requirement. (See pgs. 12-14 in the Handbook)

The student selects a research advisor and two other faculty members to serve on the candidacy committee. The committee hears the defense of the project proposal and authorizes the study to take place.