This course is focused on independent research and investigation of an area of focus chosen by the student in conjunction with their dissertation committee. The area of focus should be related to social economic, and/or environmental justice. The student will produce a substantial document that demonstrates scholarly inquiry. The student is expected to successfully pass an oral and written dissertation defense. Prerequisite: None; Completion of 33 credit hours that has been approved department. The results in the accumulation of core course, electives, and successful defense of the dissertation proposal allowing students to matriculate to the status of candidacy. (F;S;SS)