The Creative Component offers a non-thesis option for students interested in completing a practitioner's - based scholarly project.With the guidance and approval of their advisor and advisory committee, students select a creative component topic or project. Creative Component projects involve rigorous research with results that are directly applicable to program development, formal/non-formal teaching, policy and community development. Participatory action research and community arts projects that employ the best practices exemplified in the public scholarship and engagement works from CLD courses are appropriate for creative component work. The final step will be a defense of the student's work in a closed session with her or his advisory committee and the submission of a final copy of their Creative Component project to the Department of Community and Leadership Development. Submission to the Graduate School is not required.