My advisor expects a three‑chapter methodology plan but the rubric only mentions two sections, what structure should I follow?

You should prioritize your advisor’s three-chapter structure because they are ultimately the one who will approve your final dissertation, regardless of what the general course rubric suggests. While rubrics are designed to standardize grading across many students, your advisor’s expectations are tailored to the specific requirements of your research project and the standards of your committee. It is common for course materials to be slightly broader or less nuanced than the specific needs of an individual thesis, so aligning your work with your advisor’s vision is the safest way to ensure you are on the right track for your defense. Think of it this way: if you were analyzing employee turnover for a company, your advisor might want a chapter on the study’s purpose, a chapter on your survey design, and a final chapter on how you plan to interpret the resulting data. If you strictly followed a two-section rubric, you might cram the purpose into the design section, making it feel rushed and disorganized. Instead, use your advisor’s framework to distribute your 2,500 words more effectively. You can start by drafting a brief outline that maps your content into these three chapters, then send it to your advisor to confirm that this organization meets their expectations before you write the full draft. If you are still worried about the rubric, you could add a small note at the beginning of your submission explaining how your three chapters map onto the two required rubric sections, which shows the grader that you have addressed all necessary components. By proactively communicating your structure, you demonstrate that you are taking ownership of your research process while still respecting the formal requirements of the course. Following your advisor's lead will help you build a much stronger foundation for your final dissertation.