Thus, the core competencies relating to critical thinking will play an important role here as I familiarize myself with the basic philosophical and research-based premises
which drive today's professional discourse. The refinement of
communication and writing skills will also play an important role here, as
I find ways not just to absorb but also to channel and apply the
information and knowledge here provided.

Phase 2:
The second phase of my degree study will be dedicated to building the
skills and obtaining the knowledge to conduct research and evaluate
findings in my chosen profession. With concern to the core competencies, I
have selected a sequence of courses which will first orient the refinement
of abilities concerning the proper construction of research design and
which will ultimately provide the grounding necessary to pursue a sustained
research process over time. This will incur the demand for the courses
cited above which focus on the Research Methods and on the practical
application of such methods.

Phase 3:
The third phase of the degree program which I have constructed will begin
to simultaneously integrate the communication methods referenced in Phase 1
and the research applications referenced in Phase 2. Namely, I anticipate
that I will here have the opportunity to fully construct and execute a
scientific inquiry into a subject of interdisciplinary interest. Utilizing
the theoretical interests which have been emergent through the course of my
study to this juncture, as well as tools sharpened through my exploration
of research design and methodology, I will begin the execution of a full-
scale research investigation at this juncture.

This investigation will closely coincide in subject matter and focus with
the course that, at this juncture, will both broaden my interdisciplinary
interest and utilize newly refined scholarly sensibilities. To the latter,
a focus on core issues of ethicality; study evaluation; research planning
and organization; and the protection of internal validity will help to
improve the research process. To the former, investigation of such
uniquely focused subjects as psychology and religion, sociology and
ethicality will collectively helping to address the interdisciplinary
desires underscoring my degree process.

Phase 4:
The final phase of my degree process will pay a specific focus to the
interests of proper assessment and presentation of research. Such is to
say that the modes of communication in writing,...

It is anticipated that the skills gained through the course of the degree's completion will have contributed to a core orientation toward
the design, planning, analysis, evaluation and ultimate presentation of
finding that are central to instruction in a field which is always changing
based on research, findings and innovative ways of exploration.

Capstone Project
The capstone project that I intend to engage through the course of my
study will be inherently based in the perspective afforded by my
interdisciplinary focus. It is my intent to channel that which I will have
learned both about research methodologies and about the natural
intercession between psychology and a number of other relevant courses of
study into a research thesis on the inherency of sociological, ethical and
cultural factors in relation to psychological disorder.
Particularly, the tentative thesis for my capstone research paper is
as follows:
The presence of Borderline Personality Disorder is likelier in
individuals who have suffered childhood trauma such as violence, abuse or
social isolation.
This is a premise which naturally calls to relevance the impact of a
wide array of factors beyond clinical disorder, justifying the value of the
interdisciplinary perspective of my degree course. Though the nature of
the thesis may change over time as the research process makes more succinct
hypothesis possible. However, the current thesis represents the dual
interests of my degree study in interdisciplinary impacts on psychology and
in abnormal psychology. It is hoped that this research project would offer
new insights in both regards.

Timeline
The timeline proposed here below would break my degree program up into a
course that will run for approximately two years, or 5 semesters:

Fall 2008:
Advanced Developmental Psychology (GIDS 517)
Research in Physiological Psychology (GIDS 520)

Spring 2009:
Research Methods (GIDS 563)
Psychology of Psychopathology and Diagnosis (GIDS 518)

Summer 2009:
Psychology of Psychotherapy and Counseling (GIDS 519)

Fall 2009:
Psychology of Spirituality and Religion (522)
Psychology: Professional Ethics and Legal Issues (523)

Spring 2010:
Advanced Educational Psychology (521)
Teaching Introduction to Psychology (GIDS 524)