2.5. Research Interests

Another way you will want to indicate your motivation is by using the strategy of discussing your Research Interests.

In this strategy, writers discuss their current research interest(s) by suggesting research directions, showing commitment to research, or stating the potential value of prospective research. This can be done by identifying general and specific research topics, possible future research and/or thesis/dissertation topics, and the implications and value of the research. This strategy is especially important for those applying to doctoral programs as articulating research interests can start to show a direct connection to a program and professor. Given the role of research in graduate programs, discussing research interests is considered a required strategy.

Below are some examples of how writers use the Research Interests strategy in their SoPs. Notice how the writers use the language of the discipline in conjunction with key phrases such as “I am interested in studying,” “I would like to study,” and “I would like to center my research on” to directly identify their research interests.