Educational Background and Research Proficiency $(34$ slides$)$

Reflect on the formal and informal learning experiences that compose your educational background, and then explain how these experiences support the direction of study you established in Part I.

Note: You are encouraged to include specifics about your individual knowledge, skills, and accomplishments.

Explain the academic and research proficiencies you bring to the program, and then identify any areas you want to consider for improvement.

Explain your current readiness to engage in academic research.

Note: Honest disclosure will help you gain clarity about any knowledge and$/$or skills on which you may need to improve in order to succeed in your program.

Categories for you to consider when writing this section include the following:

Academic coursework in the social and behavioral sciences

Academic coursework in other fields

Professional presentations, seminars, and workshops

Volunteer activities

Prior experience designing and executing research

Publications and other writing experiences

Teaching assignments

Professional training

Academic strengths and weaknesses

Research strengths and weaknesses

Availability of library, reference, and information technology resources

You should be clear about your plans for preparing for doctoral study, particularly if gaps exist in your background.