Thesis & Dissertation
Matt R., former Writing Center tutor
A thesis or dissertation is a lengthy, complete defense of a perspective or argument, usually as a culmination of a graduate program. While dissertation typically refers to the research project conducted by a PhD candidate, thesis usually refers to a similar project performed in a Masters program, though it should be noted that these terms are sometimes used interchangeably. These projects typically involve reviewing existing significant research, conducting original research, and working with a committee throughout the writing process, which may take years in some cases. A student’s completion of a thesis or dissertation often marks his/her entry into the academic conversation, so special consideration should be paid to the way in which this work will interact with that of other scholars. In addition, because these projects represent a serious investment of time and may impact future career opportunities, the topic you choose should be of deep interest to you and the larger academic community.
Theses:
These projects are typically completed towards the end of a Masters program, and may be required for degree conferral in some programs. While similar to a dissertation, a thesis is typically much smaller in scope (typically around 50 pages) and does not necessarily require an original and substantive addition to a field of knowledge, though it may include primary research. Rather, the thesis is a demonstration of a candidate’s ability to identify areas for future research, to develop methodologies for conducting that research, to analyze those findings and to discuss the weaknesses and ramifications of the results.
Dissertations:
Dissertations are designed to demonstrate a doctoral candidate’s mastery of a knowledge area, and their ability to contribute to that field of discourse. As such, the dissertation is typically a substantial research project that results in a document which may exceed 200 pages in length. While other research projects may identify gaps in a discourse, dissertations strive to fill those gaps.
Writing Process
While theses and dissertations vary in length, breadth, and depth, they share an official process which candidates will follow during the completion of the project:
- Identification of a research topic: pick something you not only love, but something that is academically significant. Preliminary review of current research and past class notes may help you here.
- Selection of an advisor and committee. These faculty members will be approving, supervising, aiding, and evaluating your project, so pick members with whom you work well and who have experience in your area of research.
- Development of a proposal for the project. This will include discussions of the question being researched, the significance of the project, research strategies or methodologies, and possible results. This may include a formal literature review and beginning chapters of the project. Resources for help on this stage are provided below.
- Development of project, including multiple reviews by advisor or committee
- Official submission of the project and evaluation by committee, which may include a verbal defense of the project.
Tips and Strategies
- Research the expectations of your institution and department for dissertations and proposals, and find out what resources are available to you.
- Spend ample time thinking about your central claim, and refine it to a few questions you want to investigate—paying attention to the perspective with which you approach the topic and your intended research methodologies.
- Review sample dissertations for an understanding of conventions, format, style, etc. It may also be helpful to research dissertations in-progress at your institution and others for an idea of current trends and research.
- Set deadlines for yourself, work towards them on a daily basis, and periodically review your proposal to make sure you are working through every idea as well as preventing time-wasting tangents.
- Learn about your own writing habits. Find out what times, places, schedules, and strategies work best for you, then organize your time to allow you to be most productive.
- Solicit feedback from your advisors, peers, or publications throughout the writing process. Continual review and revision will help you strengthen your structure, arguments, and writing style; you may also receive helpful suggestions for areas of exploration not yet considered.
Resources
The Claremont Graduate University Writing Center provides useful resources for every stage of writing theses and dissertations, including: choosing a topic, working with your committee, conducting research and others.
The University of California at Berkeley provides a helpful bibliography of academic guidebooks and resources (PDF) on the dissertation writing process.
Samples
ProQuest offers a searchable database of full-text theses and dissertations in all disciplines.
The DePaul Library offers advice and links to find specific dissertations, including those written at DePaul.
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