✒️ The Researcher’s course

Your Path to Thriving Outside Traditional Academia

life long learning is not just a catch phrase

As non-traditional students and scholars ourselves, our team knows how challenging navigating higher education and research can be (even more so if you are an independent researcher).

Accepted Researcher’s course provides the community, expertise, and structure you need to flourish as an independent researcher or non-traditional student.

The fellows program

Define your scholarly path without the conventions of traditional academia

Complete access to the accepted community

As a ‘Fellow’ you will gain access to the complete suite of resources, study sessions, community spaces included in the Scholars membership, alongside the exclusive Fellows sub-community spaces.

Each week you will meet with your assigned cohort for ongoing communal support. With this intimate cohort you will grow as a scholar and complete a full 25+ page article or written sample, offering peer-review feedback, and connecting beyond the ‘classroom’ to form lasting connections.

Direct 1:1 mentorship


Each month you will meet with one of the Accepted Team Coaches dedicated to assisting you define, navigate, and achieve your scholarly goals while offering direct feedback on your written work. Whether you are looking to draft and submit you first publication, prepare to apply for continuing education, or simply need some guidance on where to start, we are here to support you each step of the way.

Weekly seminar classes


Join your instructors for bi-weekly seminar classes and writing workshops which will guide students through the four step process for developing independent research articles or a graduate admissions written sample:
(1) Research skills and how to craft a research question which contributes to your field of study
(2) Developing a comprehensive literature review
(3) Structuring an article or written sample for submission
(4) Preparing to submit your work for publication, graduate admission, or a conference.

What our members say

  • I joined Accepted Society when I began my journey as an independent researcher. I had recently graduated from my Masters degree and I knew that I wanted to pursue a PhD, but financial and health issues meant that it wasn't an immediate possibility. Instead, I decided to continue to research on my own. However, as a first-generation, non-traditional, mature student... I had no idea what I was doing! Additionally, one of the biggest downsides to going at it on my own was the fact that I didn't have a sense of community (because I didn't have a cohort, and as someone who moved countries, I didn't have my usual support network of friends and family to turn to). Accepted Society became my rock; it grounded me in my dreams and encouraged me to believe in my abilities as a researcher. Not only did the space provide essential accountability, but crucially, the community gave me a sense of belonging and friendship in a space that I never thought I could exist within. So when the time came for me to finally apply for a PhD, I leaned on that supportive community to see me through. When I recieved an offer for a PhD studentship, there was no one I was more excited to share the news with than the Accepted Society community because these were the people who KNEW how much this meant to me and geniunely celebrated my achievements. Joining Accepted Society was the best decision I've ever made in my academic journey.

  • I joined AS because I wanted to find folks who understand the academic experience. I am blown away by how much support is offered by just having dependable weekly meetings. The folks at AS really provide tangible support and meaningful community.

  • My experience with AS has been positive and encouraging as an independent researcher and entrepreneur considering going back to further their education. I enjoy the accountability aspect through study sessions and other events to get myself engaged in the academic community.

  • It’s been heaven sent. I was feeling so lost trying to find a PhD program as a non

    Traditional student. Finding a place that not only provided information, it gave me a sense of community I yearned for.

September

  • Onboarding Week (1:1 Onboarding Calls Start)

    • Seminar 1 (Welcome)

    • 1:1 Onboarding Calls Continue

    • Seminar 2 focuses on what Dr. Tom Mullaney defines as “self-centered research” where we will identify your research interests, articulate the impact you hope to have or the questions you seek to answer, and develop a roadmap for the program.

  • Seminar 3 is dedicated to re-structuring our approach to reading. It is an intentional practice which also coincides with our initial writing stage.

October

  • Throughout the course, we have built in dedicated “reading weeks” where you will work through your research (ideally in a collective study session) and slowly begin building your research & writing practice)

  • Seminar 5 is dedicated to how we approach organizing and thinking through our writing by developing an outline. Additionally, we will discuss methods of analysis and the type of evidence we may use throughout this project.

  • This reading week is intended as space to begin filling out your outline and writing up your initial thoughts (as messy and beautiful as they may be).

  • One of the core tenants of the Researcher’s course and the Accepted Society ethos is that our best work is done in community! During this session you will exchange your works in progress with another student to begin collaborating and working through the challenges of writing, the emotional limitations which may be blocking you, and the discussing your initial findings. Peer-review is a major part of what makes this program special. So show up as you are (regardless of where you are in your project) and feel validated in the progress you have made by discussing it with someone else who understands.

November

  • Oftentimes as researchers we get bogged down by the ideas and work of others. Fear that we have nothing to contribute limits our writing and ability to move forward. This week is all about returning to center and seeing that your analysis is unique and your contributions are important.

  • Now that we have worked through some of the kinks of identifying our voice and becoming clear on our contribution, it is time to write. This week is all about dedicating time to your writing rituals and slowly contributing words to the page.

  • Sharing and being in community is what it is all about! Join your cohort to celebrate the journey and share what you’ve learned.

  • Its now time to come back together and share where you are at at the ¾ mark.

December

  • Armed with feedback and a plan it is time to finally pull together a complete rough draft.

  • Now it is time to finally submit your complete rough drafts and discuss it in collaboration with a cohort-mate. Have no fear. A messy draft is a good draft! Come as you are and we will work together to spin out some gold.

  • You’ve made it! Now at the final hurdle, we will submit our final drafts and come together to celebrate the incredible journey we have completed together.

This program runs very similar to a university course. If students need to miss a session, they will still be required to submit assignments. This is so we can ensure you are able to successfully complete your article or written sample by the end of the program.

What makes this program different?

Unlike generic writing courses, our program combines:

  • Small-group seminars offered weekly

  • Personalized 1:1 coaching sessions throughout the 4 months

  • Step-by-step structured curriculum from research question to completed article

  • Peer collaboration with fellow independent researchers & non-traditional scholars

Who This Program Is For:

  • Independent researchers without institutional affiliation

  • Non-traditional students pursuing higher education after a professional or personal hiatus

  • Professionals looking to contribute to scholarly discourse

  • Anyone with valuable research who needs structure and guidance to publish

Join accepted researcher’s next cohort

Stop trying to navigate the complex world of independent scholarship alone. With Accepted Scholars, you'll gain the mentorship, community, and structure you need to transform your intellectual passion into meaningful contribution.

Investment: $750 for the 4 week program (or $200/month x4 months)

Application Due August 25

Enrollment will begin September 1

Your Journey Begins Here

When you join Accepted Fellows, you're not just accessing resources—you're finding your community. A place where your questions matter, your research is valued, and your unconventional path is understood.

Let Kaelyn, Cait, and our team of experienced coaches guide you toward the scholarly success you've always envisioned—no traditional academic affiliation required.