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Embarking on an academic journey often involves deciphering the complexities of advanced research projects like dissertations and theses. While these terms might seem interchangeable, they possess distinctive changes in the world of higher education. A fundamental distinction between a thesis and a dissertation lies in their approach to research. A thesis typically involves synthesizing existing research and knowledge in your field, while a dissertation requires conducting original research, addressing research gaps, and making a substantive contribution to the academic domain.
As you continue your higher education journey in academia, it’s critical to decipher the fundamental differences between dissertation and thesis that set them apart.
A thesis is a long-term academic research paper that presents an in-depth review of existing research on a specific subject. It requires extensive research, data collection, analysis, and critical interpretation of the findings. Although some undergraduate programs may mandate a thesis, it is more commonly expected in postgraduate studies, such as upon completing a master’s degree .
A dissertation is a longer and more comprehensive research project based on original research. It’s a substantial piece of academic writing required for the completion of a doctoral degree . The dissertation is the culmination of years of research, study, and expertise, contributing valuable insights in a particular field of study.
Both theses and dissertations serve as culminating projects for program graduation, demanding a profound grasp of the research subject and analytical skills to substantiate findings. Despite these commonalities, significant differences set them apart. The key differences include:
The academic requirements for a doctoral dissertation are clearly defined hypotheses, a detailed methodology section, rigorous data analysis, and a critical discussion of the results in the context of existing literature.
In contrast, the requirements for a master’s thesis include a thorough literature review, methodology, data analysis, and a conclusion that summarizes the findings.
Research requirements are also more extensive for dissertations compared to theses, as they include conducting original experiments and studies.
The length of a dissertation or a thesis varies according to the topic and the method of analysis, or it can vary based on the departmental requirements. Usually, a master’s thesis is around 40-80 pages, sometimes up to 100 pages. A dissertation, however, is significantly longer, ranging from 100 to 300 pages and sometimes up to 400.
Dissertations and theses also vary on the level of complexity. While the thesis requires a thorough literature review and analysis of existing research, it’s less complex than a dissertation. Moreover, the original research is limited, contrary to dissertations involving extensive original research (experiments and studies).
The research objectives are an essential component that can guide the research project and highlight the specific goals to achieve. Moreover, they outline the grounds for pursuing a particular topic.
However, they can vary depending on the academic level and the nature of the research. In a master’s thesis, the research objectives usually focus on addressing specific research questions related to the chosen topic, to deepen the understanding of existing theories within the field of study. Contrarily, in a doctoral dissertation, the research objectives are broader and are formulated to address complex research gaps, propose new theories, and contribute to the academic field.
The timeframe depends on internal factors like the student’s work pace and personal circumstances and external factors like the complexity of the subject, availability of resources, and academic level. While we can’t give a definitive answer, it usually takes a couple of semesters or 1-2 years to complete a master’s thesis. On the contrary, a doctoral dissertation is more time-consuming and can take 4-7 years to complete.
Although there are many similarities between the milestones for completing a thesis and a dissertation, such as topic selection, literature review, and data collection, their differences lie in the higher complexity of doctoral dissertations, including original research, review by the advisory committee, and publication.
The review and approval process is vital to evaluate the quality of research, analysis, and presentation. Although the overall process is similar for both a master’s thesis and a doctoral dissertation, the scrutiny applied to dissertations is notably more rigorous. For a master’s thesis, a committee of professors or advisors within the university’s department evaluates the thesis for adherence to academic standards, clarity, and coherence. Following the review, approval is granted to the thesis if the evaluators are content with the student’s work. On the other hand, for a doctoral dissertation, the review process includes a committee of experts in the field, often external reviewers, to assess the dissertation’s quality, methodology, and contribution to the academic field. The approval process is more challenging as it may require defending the dissertation orally and answering questions from the committee members and to a broader audience than a master’s thesis presentation.
Lastly, one of the main differences between a dissertation and a thesis is the potential for publication. As the dissertation is more extensive and requires original research contributing to the academic field, theses are less likely to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Although a master’s thesis is more narrowly focused, it can still be published as a single article. In contrast, a doctoral dissertation is generally equivalent to at least three articles.
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While both require extensive research and dedication, the thesis has a narrower scope on a specific topic within the field of study. It aims to illustrate the student’s mastery of the subject matter, ability to synthesize existing research, and ability to present coherent arguments. On the other hand, the dissertation has a broader scope , encompassing a comprehensive analysis of a complex research problem or exploring interconnected topics in the field. It aims to showcase the student’s expertise and ability to conduct original and independent research and contribute new knowledge in the field.
As we draw the curtain in exploring the factors that differentiate a thesis and a dissertation, it becomes evident that both academic endeavors are crucial in unraveling discoveries. A master’s thesis showcases analytical finesse and a deep understanding of existing theories. And a doctoral dissertation displays new groundbreaking insights, original research, and innovative methodologies. Therefore, while they may have substantial differences, they remain a driving force in shaping the future of academia.
While many factors differentiate a dissertation and a thesis, the main difference is their academic level. A thesis is usually required at the end of a master’s degree program. In contrast, a dissertation is necessary to complete a doctoral degree.
The time it takes to complete a thesis or a dissertation depends on the complexity of the research, the availability of resources, and the student’s work pace. Usually, it takes a couple of semesters to complete a thesis at the end of a master’s program. In contrast, completing a doctoral dissertation can take four to seven years.
Although a thesis requires a significant amount of research literature review and analysis of existing studies, a dissertation demands a higher level of original research through identifying research gaps, developing new hypotheses, conducting experiments, and collecting and analyzing data.
Yes, there are specific publication and accessibility differences between dissertations and theses. Doctoral dissertations are usually published and made public through university libraries or digital repositories. Whereas a master’s thesis is less frequently published in academic journals compared to doctoral dissertations. Theses are often made available within the university’s library or department.
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The academic world is filled with many different types of writing assignments, each with its own unique set of requirements and expectations. One common source of confusion for students is the distinction between a thesis and a dissertation. Both are long-form academic works, but there are several key differences between the two that are important to understand.
In Shakespeare’s day, a candidate for a master’s degree would write a thesis, an original paper in which he maintained a certain proposition. Whereas, completion of a doctoral program required submission and defense of a dissertation. He would read his thesis to his committee, after which he sat in silence while two faculty members gave point-by-point refutations of everything the candidate said.
The focus here was on the student’s ideas and his ability to arrange and express them clearly. If a student wished to advance further in academia he could pursue a dissertation. This was more of a literature review . He would read widely in a particular area and write up his findings, discussing the various authorities and their opinions. The point was to demonstrate that he was well-versed in the literature of the field. While the confusion between the two terms is understandable, we shall tackle the dissertation vs. thesis topic in this article and provide unambiguous insights on it.
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A thesis is a critically written scholarly piece of research work. Typically, it is submitted by students graduating from a master’s program. The purpose of a thesis is to allow students to showcase their knowledge and expertise within the subject matter they have been studying as part of the program.
A dissertation is a comparatively lengthier piece of scholarly writing that accounts for your research work throughout the doctoral program. A researcher earns the Ph.D. after submitting and defending his/her dissertation. It includes all information about the original research or expanded research on a new or existing topic conducted by the Ph.D. candidate.
In Europe, the original distinction between a thesis and a dissertation has been largely retained. A doctoral thesis is a focused piece of original research that is performed to obtain a Ph.D. A dissertation is part of a broader post-graduate research project.
However, the thesis has evolved since original research nowadays requires plenty of background research . So, a thesis will contain extensive citations and references to earlier work, although the focus remains on the original work that comes out of it.
In the United States, the definition of a thesis is almost the opposite of that in Europe. Because a thesis is shorter than a dissertation it gradually came to mean a preliminary degree on the way to a doctorate. A thesis is now performed to earn a Master’s degree. In scientific fields, a master’s candidate takes advanced coursework and gains hands-on experience in a research project but does not direct the project to the same extent that he would in a doctoral program. In a master’s project, the student’s ideas are welcomed and expected but the focus is on obtaining technical expertise, not doing original research. Engineering students commonly obtain Master’s degrees and seldom go on to get PhDs. In other fields such as Chemistry, the opposite is true, with a Master’s degree no longer being required as the first step for a doctorate. Almost everyone I know who received a Master’s degree in Chemistry got one because they dropped out of graduate school and wrote their truncated research as a Master’s project.
Needless to say, the dissertation vs. thesis facts are real. Therefore, using one term instead of another is not acceptable as an academic. One must remember the purpose of each and use them accordingly. However, one is not undermined by the other. Whether you are writing a thesis or a dissertation, both must be done with the same seriousness. Both require critical technical and soft skills. Improving your time management and academic writing skills plays a major role in acing both forms of scholarly writing.
How do you decipher dissertation vs. thesis? Should the interchanged usage of these terms be acceptable? How is your approach to writing a thesis different from that of a dissertation? What are the other differences associated with the thesis and dissertation? Let us know in the comments section below!
"Dissertation" and "thesis" are used interchangeably but differ in: Academic Level: Thesis for master's, dissertation for doctoral degrees (US). Scope and Depth: Thesis shorter, demonstrates mastery; dissertation extensive, original research. Originality: Thesis may involve original analysis; dissertation presents significant new insights. Time and Effort: Dissertations require more resources and time than theses.
The length of a dissertation varies depending on factors like academic discipline, research topic, institution, and country. Generally, dissertations are longer than theses, ranging from 10,000 to over 100,000 words. However, word count alone does not reflect the quality or depth of the research. Guidelines from the academic institution should be consulted for specific requirements.
The length of a thesis varies depending on factors like academic discipline, research topic, institution, and country. Generally, the word count ranges from around 10,000 to 50,000 words. Specific guidelines from the academic institution should be consulted for precise requirements.
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If you’ve landed on this article, chances are you’ve got a dissertation or thesis project coming up (hopefully it’s not due next week!), and you’re now asking yourself the classic question, “what the #%#%^ is a dissertation?”…
In this post, I’ll break down the basics of exactly what a dissertation is, in plain language. No ivory tower academia.
So, let’s get to the pressing question – what is a dissertation?
Simply put, a dissertation (or thesis – depending on which country you’re studying in) is a research project . In other words, your task is to ask a research question (or set of questions) and then set about finding the answer(s). Simple enough, right?
Well, the catch is that you’ve got to undertake this research project in an academic fashion , and there’s a wealth of academic language that makes it all (look) rather confusing (thanks, academia). However, at its core, a dissertation is about undertaking research (investigating something). This is really important to understand, because the key skill that your university is trying to develop in you (and will be testing you on) is your ability to undertake research in a well-structured structured, critical and academically rigorous way.
This research-centric focus is significantly different from assignments or essays, where the main concern is whether you can understand and apply the prescribed module theory. I’ll explain some other key differences between dissertations or theses and assignments a bit later in this article, but for now, let’s dig a little deeper into what a dissertation is.
Okay, so now that you understand that a dissertation is a research project (which is testing your ability to undertake quality research), let’s go a little deeper into what that means in practical terms.
The best way to understand a dissertation is to view it as a process – more specifically a research process (it is a research project, after all). This process involves four essential steps, which I’ll discuss below.
The very first step of the research process is to find a meaningful research question, or a set of questions. In other words, you need to find a suitable topic for investigation. Since a dissertation is all about research, identifying the key question(s) is the critical first step. Here’s an example of a well-defined research question:
“Which factors cultivate or erode customer trust in UK-based life insurance brokers?”
This clearly defined question sets the direction of the research . From the question alone, you can understand exactly what the outcome of the research might look like – i.e. a set of findings about which factors help brokers develop customer trust, and which factors negatively impact trust.
But how on earth do I find a suitable research question, you ask? Don’t worry about this right now – when you’re ready, you can read our article about finding a dissertation topic . However, right now, the important thing to understand is that the first step in the dissertation process is identifying the key research question(s). Without a clear question, you cannot move forward.
Once the research question is clearly established, the next step is to review the existing research/literature (both academic and professional/industry) to understand what has already been said with regard to the question. In academic speak, this is called a literature review .
This step is critically important as, in all likelihood, someone else has asked a similar question to yours, and therefore you can build on the work of others . Good academic research is not about reinventing the wheel or starting from scratch – it’s about familiarising yourself with the current state of knowledge, and then using that as your basis for further research.
Simply put, the first step to answering your research question is to look at what other researchers have to say about it. Sometimes this will lead you to change your research question or direction slightly (for example, if the existing research already provides a comprehensive answer). Don’t stress – this is completely acceptable and a normal part of the research process.
Once you’ve got a decent understanding of the existing state of knowledge, you will carry out your own research by collecting and analysing the relevant data. This could take to form of primary research (collecting your own fresh data), secondary research (synthesising existing data) or both, depending on the nature of your degree, research question(s) and even your university’s specific requirements.
Exactly what data you collect and how you go about analysing it depends largely on the research question(s) you are asking, but very often you will take either a qualitative approach (e.g. interviews or focus groups) or a quantitative approach (e.g. online surveys). In other words, your research approach can be words-based, numbers-based, or both . Don’t let the terminology scare you and don’t worry about these technical details for now – we’ll explain research methodology in later posts .
Combining your understanding of the existing research (Step 2) with the findings from your own original research (Step 3), you then (attempt to) answer your original research question (s). The process of asking, investigating and then answering has gone full circle.
Of course, your research won’t always provide rock-solid answers to your original questions, and indeed you might find that your findings spur new questions altogether. Don’t worry – this is completely acceptable and is a natural part of the research process.
So, to recap, a dissertation is best understood as a research process, where you are:
Depending on your specific degree and the way your university designs its coursework, you might be asking yourself “but isn’t this just a longer version of a normal assignment?”. Well, it’s quite possible that your previous assignments required a similar research process, but there are some key differences you need to be aware of, which I’ll explain next.
While there are, naturally, similarities between dissertations/theses and assignments, its important to understand the differences so that you approach your dissertation with the right mindset and focus your energy on the right things. Here, I’ll discuss four ways in which writing a dissertation differs substantially from assignments and essays, and why this matters.
Unlike assignments or essays, where the general topic is determined for you, for your dissertation, you will (typically) be the one who decides on your research questions and overall direction. This means that you will need to:
This is very different from assignments, where the theory is given to you on a platter, and the direction is largely pre-defined. Therefore, before you start the dissertation process, you need to understand the basics of academic research, how to find a suitable research topic and how to source the relevant literature.
A dissertation is a long journey, at least compared to assignments. Typically, you will spend 3 – 6 months writing around 15,000 – 25,000 words (for Masters-level, much more for PhD) on just one subject. Therefore, successfully completing your dissertation requires a substantial amount of stamina .
To make it even more challenging, your classmates will not be researching the same thing as you are, so you have limited support, other than your supervisor (who may be very busy). This can make it quite a lonely journey . Therefore, you need a lot of self-discipline and self-direction in order to see it through to the end. You should also try to build a support network of people who can help you through the process (perhaps alumni, faculty or a private coach ).
We touched on this earlier. Unlike assignments or essays, where the markers are assessing your ability to understand and apply the theories, models and frameworks that they provide you with, your dissertation will be is assessing your ability to undertake high-quality research in an academically rigorous manner.
Of course, your ability to understand the relevant theory (i.e. within your literature review) is still very important, but this is only one piece of the research skills puzzle. You need to demonstrate the full spectrum of research skills.
It’s important to note that your research does not need to be ground-breaking, revolutionary or world-changing – that is not what the markers are assessing. They are assessing whether you can apply well-established research principles and skills to a worthwhile topic of enquiry. Don’t feel like you need to solve the world’s major problems. It’s simply not going to happen (you’re a first-time researcher, after all) – and doesn’t need to happen in order to earn good marks.
In your assignments, you were likely encouraged to take a broad, interconnected, high-level view of the theory and connect as many different ideas and concepts as possible. In your dissertation, however, you typically need to narrow your focus and go deep into one particular topic. Think about the research question we looked at earlier:
The focus is intentionally very narrow – specifically the focus is on:
By keeping the focus narrow, you enable yourself to deeply probe whichever topic you choose – and this depth is essential for earning good marks. Importantly, ringfencing your focus doesn’t mean ignoring the connections to other topics – you should still acknowledge all the linkages, but don’t get distracted – stay focused on the research question(s).
So, as you can see, a dissertation is more than just an extended assignment or essay. It’s a unique research project that you (and only you) must lead from start to finish. The good news is that, if done right, completing your dissertation will equip you with strong research skills, which you will most certainly use in the future, regardless of whether you follow an academic or professional path.
Hopefully in this post, I’ve answered your key question, “what is a dissertation?”, at least at a big picture-level. To recap on the key points:
In this post, I’ve gently touched on some of the intricacies of the dissertation, including research questions, data types and research methodologies. Be sure to check out the Grad Coach Blog for more detailed discussion of these areas.
Hello Derek
Yes, I struggle with literature review and am highly frustrated (with myself).
Thank you for the guide that you have sent, especially the apps. I am working through the guide and busy with the implementation of it.
Hope to hear from you again!
Regards Micheal
Great to hear that, Michael. All the best with your research!
Thank you. That was quite something to move forward with. Despite the fact that I was lost. I will now be able to do something with the information given.
That’s great, Pheladi. Good luck!
Thank you so much for your videos and writing research proposal and dissertation. These videos are useful. I was struggling, but now I am starting to write. I hope to watch your more videos to learn more about the dissertation.
Before this post, I didn’t know where to start my research, today I have some light and do certain % of my research. I may need for direction on literature review. Big thanks to you.
Very very good Derek
Thanks immensely Derek
You’re welcome 🙂 Good luck with your dissertation/thesis.
Thank you Derek for widening my scope on research, this can be likened to a blind man whose eyes can now see.
Remain bless sir🙏
You guys are doing really great… I am extremely grateful for your help… Keep going.. Please activate that research help for indian students as well I couldn’t access it being an indian.
Hello Derek,
I got stuck in the concept paper because I changed my topic. Now I don’t know where to pick up the pieces again. How can I focus and stay on track. I am getting scared.
Thank you so much Derek, I am a new comer, learning for the first time how to write a good research. These in information’s to me is a mind opener, I hope to learn more from you in the future, Thanks and God bless.
Thanks Guys this means so much to me
A pretty good and insightful piece for beginners like me. Looking forward to more helpful hints and guide. Thanks to Derek.
This is so helpful…really appreciate your work.
Great to hear that
On cybersecurity Analytics research to banking transactions
This was of great help to me and quite informative .
Thank you so much GradCoach,
This is like a light at the end of the tunnel. You are a lifesaver. Thank you once again.
hello, I’m so grateful for such great information. It appears basic, but it is so relevant in understanding the research process.
Your website is very helpful for writing thesis. A big well done to the team. Do you have a website for paper writing and academic publishing or how to publish my thesis, how to land a fully funded PhD, etc. Just the general upward trajectory in the academia. Thank you
I have learned a lot from the lectures, it was beneficial and helped me a lot in my research journey. Thank you very much
Thank you for your gifts of enlightenment to a person like me who’s always a student. May your ‘well’not dry out.
It’s quite a fun and superb, now I have come to believe that the way one teach can have an impact in understanding and can change one’s assumption and position about a subject or a problem, before I came here and learn I consider research methodology a hard thing because, I wasn’t taught by a mentor like this one. Thanks so much who ever have make this effort to make this something easy and engaging
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This topic is intended for my MPhil. Work (The perception of parents on Technical and Vocational Education, the impact on educational policy). May you consider the suitability of the topic for me and refine if the need be. Thank you,
Hello here…
i have gone through the notes and it is interesting. All i need now is a pdf file that contain a whole dissertation writing inclusive of chapter 1 to 5 on motivation as a topic… thanks
Remarkable!!! You made it sound so simple
I got stuck in my writing because I need to change my topic. I am getting scared as I have a semester left 🙁
Thanks for such an educational opportunity and support
Thanks for your educational opportunity and support
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A thesis and a dissertation are often used interchangeably, causing confusion among students and academics alike. While they share some similarities, they are distinct in purpose, scope, and requirements. Understanding these differences is crucial for graduate students embarking on their academic journey. In this article, we delve into the world of thesis and dissertation, shedding light on what sets them apart and helping you navigate these essential components of advanced academic research.
In the realm of academia, a thesis is often referred to as the master's magnum opus, representing the pinnacle of a student's academic journey at the master's level. It is a significant undertaking that requires dedication, research acumen, and a commitment to scholarly excellence. Here, we explore the key characteristics and elements that define a thesis:
Academic Level: A thesis is a hallmark of master's degree programs. It serves as the culmination of a student's graduate studies, demonstrating their ability to engage critically with their field of study and contribute meaningfully to it. Unlike undergraduate projects, a thesis delves deeper into the subject matter and requires a higher level of analysis and synthesis.
Purpose: The primary purpose of a thesis is to contribute to the existing body of knowledge within a specific field or discipline. It goes beyond mere regurgitation of facts and concepts; it involves original research or a novel approach to addressing a research question or hypothesis. In essence, a thesis is a scholarly endeavor that aims to add value to the academic conversation.
Scope: Theses typically have a narrower scope compared to their doctoral counterparts, dissertations. While they explore complex topics, they often focus on a specific aspect or dimension within a broader field. This focused approach allows students to delve deeply into their chosen subject matter and demonstrate expertise in that area.
Length: Theses vary in length depending on the institution, program, and field of study. However, they are generally shorter than dissertations. A typical master's thesis can range from 50 to 100 pages. This concise format necessitates precision and clarity in presenting research findings and arguments.
Committee Evaluation: A key aspect of the thesis process is the evaluation by a committee of professors or advisors. This committee plays a pivotal role in guiding the student's research, offering feedback, and assessing the final product. Their expertise ensures that the thesis meets academic standards and contributes meaningfully to the field.
Research and Methodology: Research is at the heart of any thesis. Students engage in systematic inquiry, which may involve data collection, experimentation, surveys, literature analysis, or a combination of research methods. The methodology chosen should align with the research question and contribute to the overall quality of the thesis.
Scholarly Writing: A thesis demands scholarly writing of the highest caliber. Students are expected to adhere to academic writing conventions, including proper citation, referencing, and adherence to a specific style guide (e.g., APA, MLA). Clarity, coherence, and a formal tone are essential elements of thesis writing.
Originality: Perhaps the most crucial aspect of a thesis is its contribution to the field's body of knowledge. It must offer fresh insights, perspectives, or solutions to existing challenges. Originality is the hallmark of a well-executed thesis, distinguishing it from undergraduate assignments.
Dissertation: the doctoral opus.
In the realm of academia, a dissertation is the pinnacle of scholarly achievement within the context of doctoral programs. It represents the culmination of extensive academic preparation and research and is often referred to as the doctoral opus. Here, we explore the defining characteristics and elements that set a dissertation apart in the academic world:
Academic Level: A dissertation is synonymous with doctoral programs, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or other terminal degrees. It marks the highest level of academic achievement and signifies a student's readiness to make a significant contribution to their field.
Purpose: The primary purpose of a dissertation is to make a substantial and original contribution to the existing body of knowledge within a specific field or discipline. Unlike a thesis, which often focuses on a more specific aspect, a dissertation tackles complex research questions that have broader implications for the field.
Scope: Dissertations are renowned for their expansive scope. They typically explore multifaceted research questions that encompass multiple variables, perspectives, and dimensions. Doctoral candidates are expected to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of their field and engage in in-depth analysis.
Length: Dissertations are considerably longer than theses. The length can vary depending on the field of study and the nature of the research, but they often exceed 100 pages and can extend to several hundred pages. This extended format allows for a thorough exploration of the research topic.
Committee Evaluation: A dissertation is rigorously evaluated by a committee of experts in the field. This committee plays a crucial role in guiding the research, offering feedback, and ultimately assessing the quality and significance of the dissertation. Their expertise ensures that the dissertation meets the highest academic standards.
Research and Methodology: Research in a dissertation is not only extensive but also often involves original data collection, experimentation, surveys, case studies, or longitudinal studies. The choice of research methodology is critical and should align with the research questions and objectives.
Scholarly Writing: As with theses, scholarly writing is paramount in dissertations. Doctoral candidates are expected to adhere to the most stringent academic writing conventions. This includes precise citation and referencing, adherence to a specific style guide, and the use of formal and rigorous language.
Originality: The hallmark of a successful dissertation is its originality. It must offer new insights, perspectives, or solutions to complex problems within the field. Doctoral candidates are expected to demonstrate their ability to contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge.
Defending the Dissertation: A distinctive feature of the dissertation process is the formal defense. Candidates present their research findings and defend their methodology, conclusions, and contributions before their committee and often a public audience. This oral defense is a culmination of the rigorous research journey.
Embarking on the journey of crafting a thesis or dissertation is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning, dedication, and resilience. Navigating this process effectively is key to producing a scholarly work that reflects your expertise and contributes meaningfully to your field. Here, we provide an overview of the essential steps and strategies to guide you through this academic odyssey.
1. Define Your Research Question: The first and foremost step in both thesis and dissertation projects is defining a clear and research-worthy question or problem. Your question should be specific, relevant, and capable of generating new insights or solutions. Take the time to conduct a thorough literature review to understand the existing body of knowledge in your chosen area.
2. Assemble Your Committee: Your academic committee will play a vital role in guiding your research and evaluating your final work. Choose committee members who are experts in your field and who can provide valuable insights and feedback throughout the process. Effective communication with your committee is essential.
3. Develop a Research Proposal: Crafting a well-structured research proposal is crucial. It should outline the scope of your project, research methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes. Your proposal will serve as a roadmap for your research journey and will require approval from your committee.
4. Research and Data Collection: The heart of your thesis or dissertation lies in the research phase. Depending on your field and research question, this may involve conducting experiments, surveys, interviews, or extensive data analysis. Ensure that your data collection methods align with your research objectives.
5. Writing and Organization: Writing your thesis or dissertation is an ongoing process that requires discipline and organization. Create a detailed outline or structure to guide your writing. Pay careful attention to proper citation and referencing to avoid plagiarism. Seek feedback from your committee at various stages of writing.
6. Revision and Proofreading: Revising and proofreading are integral steps in producing a polished document. Review your work for clarity, coherence, and logical flow. Check for grammatical errors and ensure that your writing adheres to academic conventions.
7. Formal Defense: Doctoral candidates will typically undergo a formal defense of their work. This involves presenting your research findings, methodology, and conclusions to your committee and often a public audience. Prepare thoroughly for this oral defense, as it is a culmination of your research journey.
8. Submission and Publication: Once your thesis or dissertation is complete and approved by your committee, it's time to submit it to your institution's academic office. Depending on your field and aspirations, you may also consider publishing your work in academic journals to contribute to your field's body of knowledge.
9. Celebrate Your Achievement: Completing a thesis or dissertation is a monumental achievement. Take the time to celebrate your hard work and dedication. Share your research findings with peers and colleagues, and consider how your work can continue to impact your field.
10. Continuous Learning: The process of research and scholarship is ongoing. Continue to engage with your field, attend conferences, and seek opportunities for further research and collaboration. Your thesis or dissertation is a significant step in your academic journey, but it is not the end; it is a foundation upon which you can build your future contributions to your field.
Navigating the thesis or dissertation process is a transformative experience that equips you with valuable research, writing, and critical-thinking skills. Approach it with curiosity, dedication, and a commitment to advancing knowledge in your field, and you will emerge from this academic endeavor not only with a well-crafted document but also as a more accomplished scholar.
In the realm of academia, the terms "thesis" and "dissertation" represent distinct milestones in a student's educational journey. Understanding the differences between these two research projects is essential for selecting the appropriate path in your graduate studies. Whether you're aiming for a master's or doctoral degree, both theses and dissertations are opportunities to engage in meaningful research, contribute to your field, and demonstrate your expertise as a scholar.
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Dissertation and thesis. These words are enough to fill any graduate student with dread. They are both academic endeavors — two kinds of paper that represent the culmination of a graduate student’s many years of study and research. Furthermore, the word “thesis” has another meaning — an argument or main point of an essay or paper — which I’ll discuss later.
These two scholarly endeavors are similar in many respects: They both involve extensive research in a focused area, and they are both “defended” before a committee of experts — more on that later.
The thesis and dissertation are both long-form research papers written by graduate students that demonstrate knowledge in their chosen field. These papers are overseen and approved by a committee of school faculty and sometimes other experts.
While similar in some ways, the dissertation and the thesis are also distinct, and they come at different stages of the academic journey.
A master’s thesis is the culmination of a master’s program, while a doctoral dissertation concludes a doctorate program.
But wait, you say, what about a “thesis statement” or “thesis sentence”? Good question. Any good paper — be it thesis, dissertation, or other — needs a strong thesis statement. Yes, your thesis needs a thesis, but I’ll delve into that later.
For now, let’s look at the master’s thesis and the doctoral dissertation.
A thesis is a long-form paper (50-100 pages) that is the final project of most master’s level graduate students — if you’re getting an M.A., M.F.A., M.S., or other master’s degree, it’s likely you’ll have to write a thesis in order to graduate. (Some programs, though, require an alternative — like a capstone project or comprehensive exam.) A number of colleges and universities also require undergraduate seniors to produce a thesis as a final project as well. Mine did!
While there is wide variation across institutions and programs, a master’s thesis, from inception to research to completion, will generally take about 2 to 3 semesters, or 1 to 1.5 years to complete.
A thesis is a formal research paper that demonstrates a student’s ability to engage in independent research, analyze information, and, particularly for master’s students, contribute to the existing body of knowledge in their field. A student’s paper will focus on a specific topic within a broader field.
For example, someone getting a master’s degree in the rather broad field of English Literature doesn’t write their paper on all of English writing, but focuses on something specific, like 19th-century depictions of monsters in British novels. Someone pursuing a master’s degree in Anthropology doesn’t discuss anthropology generally, but may hone in on something like burial rituals in pre-modern Europe.
When I wrote my MFA thesis in theater, I focused specifically on using the body as a signifier in a small-scale production of Coriolanus — if you have no idea what I just said, that’s ok! Part of being a master’s student means that you become an expert in a very particular area.
Thesis students will have a thesis advisor, typically a faculty member with a master’s or doctoral degree in a related field, who guides the student through the research and the writing. There will also be second readers and sometimes third readers, other mentors who contribute to guiding the student’s work. These folks make up the student’s thesis committee.
At the end of the thesis process, the student will have a thesis defense . At this event, the student meets with their committee to defend their thesis. While the word defend makes the event sound adversarial, in many situations, it is more of a conversation. It is an opportunity for you to discuss your work in depth, and — occasionally, yes — respond to challenges from your committee. But don’t fear! By the time you’ve finished your thesis, it is possible that you know more about the specific topic than your readers — I had one professor who always told students that by the time of the defense, the student was the expert who was teaching him.
A dissertation is a longer paper (100-300 pages) that is the final project of doctoral students. If you’re getting a Ph.D., you’ll likely write a dissertation. (Some doctoral programs, such as those in physical therapy or law, have other requirements in lieu of a dissertation.)
It is an extensive and original piece of research, and, more so than a master’s thesis, is meant to make a substantial contribution to the academic field.
A dissertation can take substantial time to complete. Unlike a master’s thesis, which is often completed within a year or year and a half, a doctoral dissertation may take 3, 4, or 5 years — or even longer — to plan, research, and complete.
Similar to a thesis, a dissertation is supervised by a dissertation advisor, and at the end of the process, the doctoral student will attend a dissertation defense and discuss their work with a committee of experts.
So what about the other use of the word “thesis”?
The term “thesis” can have another meaning in the context of an essay, distinct from its meaning as a research paper as a whole.
In this context, the word thesis refers to the central point or argument of an essay, paper, or any written piece. It represents the main idea or assertion that the author aims to convey and support throughout their work.
Your thesis statement is like your North Star, guiding your writing as well as your reader’s journey through your piece.
So, a thesis and a dissertation are both long-form academic papers that represent the culmination of a graduate student’s work. Additionally, a thesis statement is a sentence that offers the central argument of an essay or paper.
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Thesis and dissertation are extensive research papers that differ in terms of their requirements, length, and purpose, with the former being associated with a master's degree and the latter with a doctoral degree, but are often used interchangeably.
Updated on September 15, 2023
A thesis and a dissertation are both extensive research papers, and both require literature searches and novel findings, but the two differ in various ways. Their definitions also differ across regions. Typically, in North America, a thesis is required for the completion of a master’s degree, while a dissertation is required for the completion of a doctoral degree. The former is long, while the latter is longer and more intensive.
Despite these differences, the two terms are often used interchangeably, especially among those who haven’t completed one or the other. Here, we’ll compare the components, length, and purpose of these two academic documents to clearly understand the differences between these important papers in the life of a graduate student.
The term “thesis” explained here is generally consistent with how the word is used in North America to describe this substantive research paper.
A thesis is an extended argument (PDF). It is a research-based document that displays the student’s/author’s knowledge and understanding of a specific subject within their field of study. It generally presents findings on a particular topic.
See this and this (PDFs) for examples. These superb master’s theses from Canada will give you an idea of the size and format of these papers.
You generally write a thesis if you’re undertaking a research-oriented master's degree program (as opposed to a practical program, which may require a capstone, internship, exam, etc.).
The thesis is the essential part of a program’s research component, demonstrating the student's ability to critically analyze the literature and complete independent research. The process of writing a thesis involves exploring a specific research question, conducting a comprehensive literature review, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting findings in a structured and cohesive way.
A thesis' specific requirements and expectations differ depending on the academic institution, department, and program.
A thesis is typically presented in chapters. How many chapters will vary, but a common structure is:
Within that structure, and in addition to those parts, a thesis may also include:
This is also viewed from a North American perspective, where a dissertation is usually the main research work toward completing a research-based doctoral program.
A dissertation is a comprehensive and in-depth research project completed as part of the requirements for a doctoral degree. It’s a substantial piece of original work that contributes new knowledge to a specific field of study. Naturally, when it’s completed as the major requirement for earning a PhD, it’s longer, more detailed, and the expectations are higher.
Dissertations themselves can add to the literature in the field. For this reason, some students choose to publish them and have them indexed. The research and the data acquired while working on a dissertation can potentially lead to more publications and help define the researcher’s growing area of expertise.
See this and this (PDFs) top-ranking dissertation on ProQuest for good examples.
Completion and defense of a dissertation is a standard requirement for doctoral students to earn a PhD or another doctorate such as an EdD or DM. But some specialized degrees, such as a PsyD (Doctor of Psychology), JD (Juris Doctor) or DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) may have practice-based requirements in place of a research project, as these courses of study are geared more toward practical application.
A dissertation’s components are generally the same as those of a thesis. You can look at the list above for a thesis to see what typically goes into a dissertation. But, if compared with a master’s thesis, most aspects are longer and more rigorous.
The word count requirements for theses can vary significantly, but doctoral dissertations often range 40,000–80,000 words or, per Harvard , 100–300 pages.
As already touched on, the key differences are in where the two documents are used, length, and rigor. There are also regional differences.
A thesis typically demonstrates a master’s degree program student's grasp and presentation of a specific subject in their field of study. It normally involves a literature review, data analysis, and original research, but it is usually shorter and less comprehensive than a dissertation. The standards for rigor and novelty may also be lower.
A dissertation requires more extensive research, original contributions to the field, and a deeper exploration of the research topic. A dissertation is typically the output associated with a doctoral degree program.
The main differences in structure between a thesis and a dissertation are in the scope and complexity.
The word count requirement for theses and dissertations can vary depending on the institution and program.
A thesis is usually 20,000–40,000 words. However, there have been cases of mathematics dissertations that were only a few pages long!
Doctoral dissertations may range 60,000 to upward of 100,000 words, and exceed 100 pages. Many universities, however, seek around 80,000 words.
A thesis may simply be submitted to the student's instructor, though rigorous thesis programs require a committee and defense. A dissertation will nearly always require the student to choose a chair, a committee, and then go through a more rigorous defense and revision (if necessary).
The terms' use varies among (and even within) countries. Here are some general regional differences:
In the United Kingdom, a thesis is commonly associated with both master's and doctoral degree programs. For example, the University College London refers to a thesis for EngD, MPhil, MD(Res), and PhD degrees. At the University of Nottingham , a dissertation is written for a research master’s degree.
In Australia and New Zealand , “thesis” is generally used to refer to a substantial research project completed for a higher degree, though not limited to a master’s (you’ll find ample references to a “PhD thesis”).
In Latin American countries, the thesis is commonly used to refer to both master's and doctoral research projects.
Both theses and dissertations are necessary documents for students in graduate programs. Despite the differences in expectations, and even in definitions of these papers, the student-author must do a diligent and rigorous job to earn their degree.
Here are a few helpful resources if you want to get into greater detail:
Whether you’re submitting a thesis or a dissertation, if it’s in English, it should:
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Home » Dissertation vs Thesis – Key Differences
“Dissertation” and “ thesis ” are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences between them, depending on the context and country in which they are used. Here is a brief overview of their differences:
In the United States and Canada, a thesis is usually associated with a master’s degree, while a dissertation is associated with a doctoral degree. A thesis involves original research and is usually shorter than a dissertation, with a typical length of 50-100 pages. A dissertation, on the other hand, is a longer piece of original research, with a typical length of 100-300 pages or more.
In the United Kingdom, the opposite is true: a thesis is usually associated with a doctoral degree, while a dissertation is associated with a master’s degree. However, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably.
In some other countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, the terms “thesis” and “dissertation” are used interchangeably, and the length and content of these documents depend on the degree program and the requirements of the institution.
In general, both a thesis and a dissertation involve original research and are used to demonstrate the candidate’s expertise in a particular field of study. However, the specific requirements and expectations for each may vary depending on the degree program, institution, and country.
Both a thesis and a dissertation typically involve conducting original research and presenting findings in a formal document. They often include a literature review, methodology section, analysis of data, and conclusions based on the findings.
The purpose of both a thesis and a dissertation is to contribute to the body of knowledge in a particular field and demonstrate the student’s mastery of the subject matter. They are also important for advancing academic and professional careers in fields such as academia, research, and policy-making.
While the requirements and expectations for a thesis or dissertation may vary, it is important for students to work closely with their advisors and follow all guidelines provided by their institution. This includes adhering to formatting and citation styles, conducting ethical research, and submitting drafts and revisions in a timely manner.
Info | Thesis | |
---|---|---|
Purpose | To present original research and findings in order to obtain a doctoral degree | To present original research and findings in order to obtain a master’s degree |
Length | Generally longer, between 100-300 pages or more, depending on the field and program | Generally shorter, between 40-100 pages, depending on the field and program |
Structure | Typically consists of several chapters, including an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and conclusion | Typically consists of several chapters, including an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and conclusion |
Originality | Must present original research and findings that contribute to the body of knowledge in the field | Must present original research and findings that contribute to the body of knowledge in the field |
Defense | Must be defended orally in front of a committee of experts in the field | May or may not require an oral defense, depending on the program and institution |
Field | Typically associated with doctoral programs in the humanities, social sciences, and some scientific fields | Typically associated with master’s programs in a wide range of fields, including science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities |
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Confusingly, the terms dissertation and thesis are often used interchangeably within higher education and university environments (or graduate school in the USA). Depending on the context, someone may refer to a project write up as a thesis while another person may call the same document a dissertation. In another scenario, both terms may refer to very specific and different things. If we take a look at the meaning of dissertation’ and thesis’ in the Cambridge English Dictionary, we find their definitions to be:
The dictionary definitions of these two words are almost identical! Technically and historically this has been the correct however if we look at the definition of ‘dissertation’ and ‘thesis’ in the Collins English Dictionary, we start to get a sense of the modern interpretation of the two words, particularly as they’re used in the United Kingdom:
The definition above succinctly sums up the differences between the terms dissertation and thesis in the UK and much of Europe. Most often students will be asked to write an undergraduate or Master’s dissertation whilst if you continue on to in to a PhD doctoral program, you’ll be writing up a thesis.
The distinction here is that a PhD (also referred to as a doctoral degree) requires the development of a novel body of work that adds new knowledge based purely on original research, whilst an undergraduate or Master’s project follows a period of taught modules and does not require novel research; for example it could consist solely of a review of existing research literature.
A well written dissertation project as part of a Masters degree would be closer in length and formatting to a research paper.
Imperial College London is a good example of an institution where this distinction between the terms is clear; the terminology used for students undertaking original research degrees is that they will be asked to submit a PhD, MPhil, MD(Res) or EngD thesis. Conversely, students enrolled in a taught Masters postgraduate degree are asked to submit Master’s dissertations.
As part of a doctoral degree, it’s also common to write research papers which go through a peer review process and help make your thesis defence that much easier. Publishing papers during a Masters degree is less common (but not impossible) than with a doctorate degree, simply because the emphasis with these is less on performing original research/contributing new knowledge, but more on equipping a student with the ability to do so in the future (i.e if they do eventually pursue a PhD degree).
An important structural difference between the two is that the Masters dissertation structure is usually centred around one primary research question whereas a Ph.D. is likely to contain each chapter to a separate research topic and research methodology.
A Masters degree can be a good way to develop basic research skills such as how to critically review existing literature and previously published papers. You’ll get a sense of what independent research is like and how to formulate a research plan. You’ll be required to submit coursework or another written report format on a given topic throughout the year, in addition to the final 10,000-20,000 word dissertation.
The difference here is that whilst you may perform your subject research, data collection and writing across several months for a Masters project, your PhD thesis work will take much longer. Your data collection alone for doctoral study can take in excess if two years and ideally you should be working towards your thesis writing over much of the three years of your project.
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Whilst this naming convention in the UK and the rest of Europe is used consistently across the vast majority of universities and departments, this is not necessarily the case at graduate schools in the United States of America.
The key thing to be aware of is that in the USA, the definitions are essentially reversed; a Masters degree in the United States is earned following the completion and submission of a Master thesis, whilst a doctoral dissertation is written by a graduate student as part of the journey towards a PhD degree.
Regardless of the precise term used to describe the body of academic work you produce, both of these will be substantial written documents. They will range in length from around 20,000 word dissertation for a Masters degree project write up, to over 50,000 words for a PhD submission; a 100,000 word thesis is usually the maximum permitted by most universities.
Click here to view PhD thesis examples that have been made available online by the University of Warwick
Some element of research work and independent learning will be key to both, however of course for PhDs, the research element will be the core focus that the work is centred on whilst the Maser’s (or undergraduate) project will have flexibility as to the extent of research work conducted.
Both a thesis and dissertation will conclude with the student taking part in a viva to defend the work of their research project. A dissertation defence for a masters degree will involve at least one faculty member and the student. A doctoral candidate will on the other hand have their thesis defense with at least one external examiner.
The confusion for students between the precise meaning of the term thesis and dissertation is completely understandable; this is due to the very similar dictionary definitions of the words combined with the different context they can refer to depending on what part of the world you’re in. Both require a substantial amount of academic writing, forming part of a graduate program to earn the academic degree of a PhD or Masters.
As I’m in the UK, I’ll conclude by saying that a dissertation is typically associated with the work of an undergraduate or Master’s degree, whilst a thesis is written as part of a research project leading to the award of a PhD degree or an equivalent research degree.
See below for a recap of answers to common questions about the differences between the a dissertation and thesis.
Theoretically you should be able to write up the work presented in either document as a research paper or even several papers. You stand a better chance of making it through peer review if your research work contributes new knowledge to the subject matter. This is certainly possible at the Masters level and essential for a doctorate program. An undergraduate dissertation is less likely to lead to an academic paper unless this is something that has specifically been planned for before starting the project.
Both documents are written at the graduate level. In the UK, a dissertation is written at the Masters levels whilst a doctorate dissertation is written to earn a Ph.D.
You will be required to defend your scholarly work in a viva format as part of your postgraduate studies.
As a masters student you will be required to take part in a dissertation defense; the general idea of this is to ensure you’ve understood your chosen topic and have learnt the skills to perform extensive research on a subject. These usually involve giving a 5 to 10 minute presentation, followed by a round of questions and answers with an internal examiner lasting up to 30 minutes (the exact process may vary depending on the educational institution).
A thesis defense or viva however requires a PhD student to present substantial information and supporting evidence to demonstrate how their research has built on previous work to contribute new information to the subject. For this reason, a viva to earn a doctorate degree can often last several hours.
Yes you do. The main difference is that a literature review for a master’s thesis may be 1,000 to 2,000 words in length whilst for a doctoral thesis, it will be a standalone chapter of around 10,000 words.
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What is a dissertation, getting started, staying on track.
A thesis is a long-term project that you work on over the course of a semester or a year. Theses have a very wide variety of styles and content, so we encourage you to look at prior examples and work closely with faculty to develop yours.
Before you begin, make sure that you are familiar with the dissertation genre—what it is for and what it looks like.
Generally speaking, a dissertation’s purpose is to prove that you have the expertise necessary to fulfill your doctoral-degree requirements by showing depth of knowledge and independent thinking.
The form of a dissertation may vary by discipline. Be sure to follow the specific guidelines of your department.
Finding a topic for your thesis or dissertation should start with a research question that excites or at least interests you. A rigorous, engaging, and original project will require continuous curiosity about your topic, about your own thoughts on the topic, and about what other scholars have said on your topic. Avoid getting boxed in by thinking you know what you want to say from the beginning; let your research and your writing evolve as you explore and fine-tune your focus through constant questioning and exploration.
Get a sense of the broader picture before you narrow your focus and attempt to frame an argument. Read, skim, and otherwise familiarize yourself with what other scholars have done in areas related to your proposed topic. Briefly explore topics tangentially related to yours to broaden your perspective and increase your chance of finding a unique angle to pursue.
Critical Reading
Critical reading is the opposite of passive reading. Instead of merely reading for information to absorb, critical reading also involves careful, sustained thinking about what you are reading. This process may include analyzing the author’s motives and assumptions, asking what might be left out of the discussion, considering what you agree with or disagree with in the author’s statements and why you agree or disagree, and exploring connections or contradictions between scholarly arguments. Here is a resource to help hone your critical-reading skills:
http://writing.umn.edu/sws/assets/pdf/quicktips/criticalread.pdf
Conversation
Your thesis or dissertation will incorporate some ideas from other scholars whose work you researched. By reading critically and following your curiosity, you will develop your own ideas and claims, and these contributions are the core of your project. You will also acknowledge the work of scholars who came before you, and you must accurately and fairly attribute this work and define your place within the larger discussion. Make sure that you know how to quote, summarize, paraphrase , integrate , and cite secondary sources to avoid plagiarism and to show the depth and breadth of your knowledge.
A thesis is a long-term, large project that involves both research and writing; it is easy to lose focus, motivation, and momentum. Here are suggestions for achieving the result you want in the time you have.
The dissertation is probably the largest project you have undertaken, and a lot of the work is self-directed. The project can feel daunting or even overwhelming unless you break it down into manageable pieces and create a timeline for completing each smaller task. Be realistic but also challenge yourself, and be forgiving of yourself if you miss a self-imposed deadline here and there.
Your program will also have specific deadlines for different requirements, including establishing a committee, submitting a prospectus, completing the dissertation, defending the dissertation, and submitting your work. Consult your department’s website for these dates and incorporate them into the timeline for your work.
Accountability
Sometimes self-imposed deadlines do not feel urgent unless there is accountability to someone beyond yourself. To increase your motivation to complete tasks on schedule, set dates with your committee chair to submit pre-determined pieces of a chapter. You can also arrange with a fellow doctoral student to check on each other’s progress. Research and writing can be lonely, so it is also nice to share that journey with someone and support each other through the process.
Common Pitfalls
The most common challenges for students writing a dissertation are writer’s block, information-overload, and the compulsion to keep researching forever.
There are many strategies for avoiding writer’s block, such as freewriting, outlining, taking a walk, starting in the middle, and creating an ideal work environment for your particular learning style. Pay attention to what helps you and try different things until you find what works.
Efficient researching techniques are essential to avoiding information-overload. Here are a couple of resources about strategies for finding sources and quickly obtaining essential information from them.
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/writing_in_literature_detailed_discussion/reading_criticism.html
https://students.dartmouth.edu/academic-skills/learning-resources/learning-strategies/reading-techniques
Finally, remember that there is always more to learn and your dissertation cannot incorporate everything. Follow your curiosity but also set limits on the scope of your work. It helps to create a folder entitled “future projects” for topics and sources that interest you but that do not fit neatly into the dissertation. Also remember that future scholars will build off of your work, so leave something for them to do.
Browsing through theses and dissertations of the past can help to get a sense of your options and gain inspiration but be careful to use current guidelines and refer to your committee instead of relying on these examples for form or formatting.
DASH Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard.
HOLLIS Harvard Library’s catalog provides access to ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global .
MIT Architecture has a list of their graduates’ dissertations and theses.
Rhode Island School of Design has a list of their graduates’ dissertations and theses.
University of South Florida has a list of their graduates’ dissertations and theses.
Harvard GSD has a list of projects, including theses and professors’ research.
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Many students get confused between a Dissertation and a Thesis. A thesis is an academic essay or a research paper that is written as a part of a higher degree. The aim of a thesis is to prove your opinion through a statement. It has a specific length limit and takes less time to complete. It is extremely important for a student to complete and submit their thesis on time to obtain a Master’s Degree. On the other hand, a dissertation is an academic piece of writing based on one’s independent research. It is meant to be submitted as a part of one’s PhD , Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree. It can take several months or even years to complete a dissertation. It prepares students to develop problem-solving, project management and numerical skills. Read the whole blog to understand the difference between a thesis and a dissertation, its structure, types of dissertations, thesis and dissertation in India , US , EU and more.
Length | No specific length | 100-150 Pages |
Degree | Doctorate degree | Bachelors or Master’s degree program |
Submission | Done during the doctoral program | Should be submitted during the completion of a graduate program |
Purpose | Done to contribute to the field of study through the research | To mark an end to their study program |
Also Read: What is Research Proposal?
Difference between a dissertation and a thesis, major difference between a dissertation and a thesis, structure of a dissertation, structure of a thesis, similarities between a dissertation and a thesis.
The main difference is the purpose of the submission. A Dissertation is meant to be submitted with the aim of projecting the student’s skills and experience throughout the course of their doctoral program. While a Thesis is meant to be submitted to complete one’s master’s degree.
The primary distinction between a thesis and a dissertation is that a thesis is based on previously conducted research.
A dissertation, on the other hand, will almost certainly require the doctorate student to conduct their own research and analysis. Another significant distinction is that a thesis is for master’s students and a dissertation is for PhD students.
The structural difference between the two lies in the length of the document. A dissertation is a lot lengthier than a thesis which is meant to be at least 100 pages long. The outline of both a dissertation and a thesis is quite similar. Below mentioned are the structures:
The structure must include the 5 chapters of a dissertation that are mentioned below:
Here is the typical outline of a Thesis for your reference:
Some people use the word dissertation as a synonym for a thesis which is not correct. The purpose of a dissertation and a thesis is what makes it complex to understand the difference between the two. This blog has covered almost everything you needed to know about the difference between the two. However, both of them have a lot of similarities but are done for obtaining different degrees. While writing any of them, remember that it is only adding to your skills. The aim is to improve your academic and research skills.
Those who are pursuing a PhD are required to submit a thesis while the ones pursuing an MPhil must submit a dissertation.
A thesis must be submitted to complete a PhD Degree while a dissertation is supposed to be part of a research project.
The purpose of submitting a dissertation and a thesis is completely different. A dissertation is an independent research project to obtain a Doctoral Degree in the US, while a thesis is a shorter research project that is required to obtain a Master’s Degree.
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A master’s dissertation is generally between 15,000 and 20,000 words.
The top PhD subjects include physical therapy, education, administration, chemistry, political science and technology.
Yes, you can complete a PhD Degree in 2 years.
Because it is based on original research, a doctoral dissertation has greater breadth, depth, and intention than a master’s thesis. A master’s thesis is typically 100 pages long, and a doctorate dissertation can be 400-500 pages long.
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Writing a winning thesis or dissertation: guidance for an education graduate student.
Posted on July 31, 2024 on Graduate School , Seahawk Nation
Whether you’re thinking about pursuing an advanced degree in education or are already in such a program, one thing you will need to be prepared for is writing a thesis or dissertation. In most graduate-level education programs, a thesis or dissertation is the culmination of years of challenging work, serving as your own independent research that marks the final step before earning your graduate degree.
If writing a dissertation or thesis sounds like a daunting task, it does not have to be. With a little preparation and some best practices in mind, you can approach writing a thesis or dissertation with confidence.
Before writing a thesis or dissertation, it’s important to understand their general scope and purpose, along with some key differences between a thesis and a dissertation. After all, while there are some similarities between the two, a dissertation and a thesis are not the same thing.
The primary purpose of a thesis or dissertation in an education graduate program is for students to demonstrate what they have learned in their respective programs while applying their own research, theory, analysis and synthesis. Ultimately, the author of a thesis or dissertation should successfully contribute something new to the existing topic. In dissertations specifically, students may also be required to articulate, discuss and defend their research orally in front of professors or other faculty members. This oral defense is not required for a master’s thesis.
When it comes to writing a thesis or a dissertation, the terms “dissertation” and “thesis” are sometimes used interchangeably. That said, it is crucial to understand that these are two different things. Generally, a dissertation is primarily focused on filling a gap in existing literature or extending upon current research regarding a specific topic. The goal is to analyze literature to the point of saturation and determine where there is a need for further research. In a dissertation, a doctoral student will then explain where the problem exists given current research and develop a research study to explore or evaluate the problem, thus filling the gap and contributing meaningfully to the field.
On the other hand, a thesis is more of a presentation of information that’s already out there with no obligation to conduct additional research.
One of the most important aspects of drafting a great thesis or dissertation begins with choosing the right topic. Here, it is paramount to select a topic that not only interests you but is relevant to your future professional goals and aspirations. After all, there’s a good chance you may use your thesis or dissertation as a basis for future work or further research.
In selecting a topic, you will also want to consider current research trends in your field. What is trending in the realm of education and what could you contribute to existing research? There are research gaps or questions that remain unanswered about certain educational topics that could be addressed through your research.
In most graduate programs, you will need to write and present a research proposal before you can really get started on your thesis or dissertation. Most research proposals are reviewed and approved by a professor or other faculty.
A literature review is to discover the research available on your research topic. This review should detail each source you plan to use in your own research with plenty of detail. More specifically, a literature review is a comprehensive summary of the current literature on a given topic that demonstrates the need for additional research to be conducted. Literature reviews comprise a major portion of a proposal, including a summary of each source as it relates to the need for additional research.
Quality is vital when it comes to selecting literature for your research or literature review. Ideally, your literature review should include plenty of recent and reputable sources that come from academic journals, books, articles and even other dissertations.
Once you have a better understanding for what is already out there, you can craft a research proposal that discusses your specific research topic, the current problem, the purpose behind your research, the methodology you plan to use and the relevant literature that further defends a need for your topic to be investigated.
An important part of your research proposal will be your methodology selection, which will explain exactly how you plan to go about your research. For example, will your research be qualitative, quantitative or a mix of both and why? How will the methodology you choose answer your research questions?
After your research proposal is approved, you will have the green light to begin working on your thesis or dissertation. You will receive feedback or thesis guidance from the faculty member who reviewed your proposal. It is important to reflect on the feedback and make revisions as needed.
One of the most helpful things you can do as you get started with your dissertation or thesis is to create an outline. This allows you to develop the most critical aspects of your final project that include your thesis, your main points and other key details to ensure that they flow logically.
For reference, an outline for a dissertation will typically include the following:
In creating an outline, include designated sections for each of your main points with specific research, statistics, or other data to support it. This will ensure that your arguments are made clearly and that your thought process is clear.
Even if writing is not necessarily your strong suit, you will need to be able to put together a cohesive document for your thesis or dissertation. There are some basic strategies worth keeping in mind to help you get started.
First, it can be helpful to write your introduction and conclusion paragraphs last once you have completed all your research. While it might seem counterintuitive to do it this way, it can help set the tone for the rest of your writing. Likewise, this strategy ensures that you include your main points while preparing your readers for the information to come.
Additionally, meet with your advisor or faculty sponsor regularly to gain valuable feedback and keep your project on track.
Whether you are writing a thesis or dissertation, you will need to do a fair amount of your own qualitative or quantitative research. It’s important to understand the various data collection methods available to you, plus the best practices for analyzing and interpreting data.
There are two main types of data collection:
Once you have all the data you need to write your thesis or dissertation, the challenging part is often analyzing and interpreting the data to apply to your own research. The most important thing to keep in mind when looking at hard data is how it relates back to your research and specific research questions.
When working with quantitative data, it can also be helpful to look for specific trends and correlations that you can share in your research.
Once you have completed the first draft of your thesis or dissertation, the process of reviewing, revising and editing your work before submission is important to ensure that the document is free of errors and that it effectively communicates your main points to the reader.
One of the best ways to improve upon the first draft of your dissertation or thesis is through peer review and feedback. By having others read your draft and provide feedback, you can gain some valuable insights into how your arguments are being interpreted. Even if the person you ask to read your draft is not familiar with the subject matter, they can still provide useful feedback on the organization of the information, structure and grammar/spelling.
It may take several rounds of revisions before your dissertation or thesis is approved. Even when you feel like the entire thing is ready to submit, it is important to complete another round of proofreading and editing to be sure that the entire document is polished and in the best shape possible. This includes not just running a basic spell check but taking the time to read your paper word for word.
In most education programs, you will be instructed to use the American Psychological Association (APA) style when writing and formatting your thesis or dissertation. It is important to follow all formatting guidelines here, especially as they relate to citations or references.
In many doctorate programs and some graduate programs, students will also be expected to defend their dissertations in front of other scholars, usually professors or other faculty from the department. This process can be daunting, even for those who know their research well and have crafted thoughtful dissertations.
In preparing for a dissertation defense, it is imperative to craft a presentation that covers the basics of your dissertation topic, how you researched it and what your findings were. Following your presentation, you can expect to be asked questions by those in attendance about your topic and other aspects of your research.
The best way to prepare for a dissertation defense is to practice as much as possible. This way, you will be prepared for the kinds of questions that may be asked, and you will feel a little more confident when completing your defense.
Mock defense sessions can be especially helpful for practicing your presentation and answering questions from a real crowd. Do not hesitate to ask your fellow students or even some trusted professors to practice with you to provide feedback or ask questions.
One of the most difficult aspects of defending a dissertation is often answering questions from the audience. One important tip to keep in mind here is to prepare some answers in advance to some of the questions you think might be asked during your dissertation defense. This way, you will be completely prepared to knock these out of the park.
As you can see, there is a lot that goes into writing a dissertation or thesis as part of your graduate education program. With this dissertation guidance in mind, you will be prepared to craft and even defend your thesis or dissertation with success.
Still looking for the right graduate education program to suit your interests and professional goals? Keiser University is proud to offer a number of advanced degrees in education, including our Master of Science in Education, Teaching and Learning program. If you’re interested in earning your doctorate degree, we also offer a Doctor of Education and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership .
Learn more about any of the graduate programs offered at Keiser University by contacting a graduate admissions counselor today, or get started with your online application for enrollment.
The Ohio State University
Theses & dissertations.
Read: Copyright in Your Thesis or Dissertation
Managing your rights
Using copyrighted material
What is fair use? Fair use is a limitation on the copyright holder's exclusive rights and provides that some uses of copyrighted materials do not infringe copyright. You can evaluate whether fair use may apply to your situation through the analysis and application of the four fair use factors.
Is my use a fair use? You may be able to rely on fair use when reproducing copyrighted material in your thesis or dissertation, but you cannot assume that all such uses are automatically fair use. You must conduct a fair use analysis for each individual use of copyrighted material in your thesis or dissertation.
Use the following resources to learn about fair use and conducting a fair use analysis:
What is NOT fair use? Fair use depends on a fact-specific evaluation of all four factors. There is no single criterion that automatically determines whether or not a particular use is fair use. However, some criteria that may significantly weaken your argument for fair use of copyrighted material in your thesis or dissertation are:
You may choose to address weaknesses in your fair use argument by making changes to your use, such as using a smaller amount of the copyrighted material. You may also choose to seek permission for your use of the material, to reference the material without reproducing it, or to seek an alternative to the material you originally considered using.
The permissions process can take a significant amount of time. Do not wait until the last minute! Consider whether you will need permission to reproduce the material(s) you want to use in your manuscript, and give yourself sufficient time to locate and contact the copyright owner(s).
C ontact Copyright Services for assistance:
Call: 614-688-5849
Email: [email protected]
Website: go.osu.edu/copyright
Visit: Copyright Services Thompson Library, Suite 350 1858 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210
Request a copy of a thesis or dissertation not available in full-text using our interlibrary loan service . Questions may be directed to the Interlibrary Services staff .
Citation Help (OSU Libraries)
American Psychological Association (APA) citation style (Purdue OWL)
Council of Science Editors (CSE) citation style (OSU Libraries)
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An australian professor had some breaking moves, and people had thoughts., by nbc staff • published august 9, 2024 • updated on august 9, 2024 at 3:19 pm.
As Dr. Rachel Gunn, she's a 36-year-old lecturer at Macquarie University in Australia . She holds a PhD in cultural science. She researches and lectures on the cultural politics of breaking .
As Raygun, she's an Olympian breaker, competing for Australia.
Raygun lost all three of her matches, against B-Girls named Nicka, Syssy and Logistx. Yes, that sentence is accurate.
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But Raygun had some moves. And people had some thoughts.
What my nephew does after telling all of us to “watch this” pic.twitter.com/366LjIRl4j — Liz Charboneau (@lizchar) August 9, 2024
There has not been an Olympic performance this dominant since Usain Bolt’s 100m sprint at Beijing in 2008. Honestly, the moment Raygun broke out her Kangaroo move this competition was over! Give her the #breakdancing gold 🥇 pic.twitter.com/6q8qAft1BX — Trapper Haskins (@TrapperHaskins) August 9, 2024
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All I can think about when I see this is the hip hop dance teacher from Bob’s Burgers but if instead she was from Australia and was a 36 year old woman named Raygun https://t.co/nUwYVLnrms pic.twitter.com/Wl5FResHw7 — Shereef Sakr (@ShereefKeef) August 9, 2024
Watch all the action from the Paris Olympics live on NBC
when Raygun hit the kangaroo jawn I couldn't see the screen I was crying so hard pic.twitter.com/jcICfTu11d — Bradford Pearson (@BradfordPearson) August 9, 2024
I think I found the source of inspiration for the Raygun breakdance at the Olympics. https://t.co/t94Iyu1dPZ pic.twitter.com/a7DL9etwRz — Noodson (@noodson) August 9, 2024
Raygun was like pic.twitter.com/KvXVPVGScx — Charles J. Moore (@charles270) August 9, 2024
Raygun did THE SPRINKLER at this breakdance thing, this is the worst thing Australia has ever done. — Luis Paez-Pumar (@lppny) August 9, 2024
Algorithmic reaction explorations based on transition state searches can now routinely predict relatively short reaction sequences involving small molecules across a variety of chemical domains, including materials degradation, combustion chemistry, battery performance, and biomass conversion. Mature quantum chemistry tools can comprehensively characterize the reactivity of species with efficiency and broad coverage, but consecutive characterizations quickly encounter prohibitive costs of reactant proliferation, spurious characterization of irrelevant intermediates, and compounding uncertainties of quantum chemical calculations deep in a network. Application of these algorithms to deeper chemical reaction network (CRN) exploration still requires the development of more effective, comprehensive, and automated exploration policies.
This dissertation addresses the challenge of exploring deep chemical reaction networks (CRNs) in complex and chemically diverse systems by introducing Yet Another Kinetic Strategy (YAKS), an automated algorithm designed to minimize the computational costs of deep exploration and maximize coverage of important reaction channels. YAKS demonstrates that microkinetic simulations of the nascent network are cost-effective and able to iteratively build deep networks. Key features of the algorithm are the automatic incorporation of expanded elementary reaction steps, compatibility with short-lived but kinetically important species, and the incorporation of rate uncertainty into the exploration policy. The automatically induced expansion of reaction mechanisms gives YAKS access to important chemistries that other algorithms ignore, while also maintaining the ability to limit expensive forays into kinetically irrelevant regions of the CRN that would stymie previous methods. Instead of conducting a greedy exploration, YAKS biases network topography to probe beyond short-lived but kinetically important species, which enables YAKS to explore important endergonic reactions deep into the CRN. YAKS further induces rate uncertainty into an ensemble of microkinetic simulations, which positively influences intermediate prioritization deep in a network.
Algorithm effectiveness was validated in a case study of glucose pyrolysis, where the algorithm rediscovers reaction pathways previously discovered by heuristic exploration policies and also elucidates new reaction pathways to experimentally obtained products. The resulting CRN is the first to connect all major experimental pyrolysis products to glucose. Additional case studies are presented that investigate the role of reaction rules, rate uncertainty, and bimolecular reactions. These case studies show that na\"ive exponential growth estimates can vastly overestimate the actual number of kinetically relevant pathways in physical reaction networks. The excellent performance of YAKS demonstrates the ability of automated algorithmic methods to address the gaps outlined above.
The power of YAKS was then demonstrated on radically distinct chemistry from the validation study, chemical warfare agents (CWAs). Despite the almost uniform ban on the use of chemical agents and the widespread neutralization of stockpiles due to treaties, CWAs continue to pose a grave threat around the world. Rogue states, terrorist organizations, and lone wolf terrorists have all conducted CWA attacks within the past few decades. These circumstances make it necessary to prepare against and forensically evaluate the use of CWAs without direct experimentation. YAKS was applied to elucidate degradation reaction networks of three prominent CWAs, mustard gas (SM, HD), sarin (GB), and VX, and identified a range of possible degradant products of real world use cases. This dissertation also computationally interpreted the most common mechanism of action (MoA) associated with each CWA and examined their hydrolysis networks as a method to neutralize these agents. Additionally, agent stability was evaluated during extended microkinetic modeling in arid and humid scenarios, highlighting the potential for computational simulation approaches to fill a capability gap in the broader field of chemical defense.
This dissertation advanced automated CRN exploration, but considerable gaps remain. Future research directions include the accuracy gaps of both density functional theory and conformational sampling on energy calculations. Incorporation of machine learning (ML) methods can accelerate the costly reactivity characterization process, but ML models still require vast amounts of data. A recently released dataset comprehensively explored over 175,000 graphically defined reactions of moderately-sized C, H, O, and N containing molecules. While models trained on such data could readily be applied to glucose pyrolysis systems, chemical agents involve a much wider array of chemistry including Cl, S, P, and considerable quantities of radical and charged species. More comprehensive datasets are required to train a general ML model capable of accelerating geometry or energy calculations. Additionally, microkinetic modeling is hindered by software implementations that are unable to explore diverse chemistry such as multiphase reactions. In light of this, further improvements in exploration policies, reaction prediction algorithms, and simulation software make it feasible that CRNs might soon be routinely predictable in many additional contexts.
Additional committee member 2, additional committee member 3, additional committee member 4, usage metrics.
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What is a dissertation vs. a thesis? In American English, a dissertation is a research paper that's required to earn a doctorate degree, while a thesis is a research paper required to earn a master's degree. Dissertations and theses (the plural of thesis) are often mixed up because they're both lengthy research papers written for higher education, especially as part of a master's or ...
A dissertation is typically the capstone project for a doctorate, while a thesis is the capstone project for a master's degree program (or undergraduate program). Candidates will have to defend their dissertation during an oral presentation in front of their committee. Only some master's theses require this.
Differences between a dissertation vs thesis. The main difference between a dissertation and thesis is the scope of the research. A dissertation develops unique and original concepts in a particular field of research, whereas a thesis is usually a culmination of existing research. The main purpose of a writing a dissertation is to add new ...
Both papers are given deadlines. Differences: A dissertation is longer than a thesis. A dissertation requires new research. A dissertation requires a hypothesis that is then proven. A thesis chooses a stance on an existing idea and defends it with analysis. A dissertation has a longer oral presentation component.
The primary difference between a dissertation and a thesis lies in their purpose and structure. A dissertation aims to contribute new knowledge to a specific field of study and is typically a more extensive and comprehensive project. It involves an in-depth exploration of a research problem or question, often requiring the collection and ...
The difference in the length of a PhD dissertation vs. masters thesis is noteworthy. A thesis is typically between 50 and 100 pages in length and is written during the final year of a master's degree program. A dissertation is generally 100 to 400 pages long and may involve several years of work. Completion process.
Contemporary Trends In Dissertation Vs Thesis. In the 21st century, the thesis and dissertation continue to evolve. Educational institutions are adapting to new forms of scholarship, interdisciplinary research, and varied modes of dissemination. The focus is often on producing high-quality, original research that contributes significantly to ...
Craft a convincing dissertation or thesis research proposal. Write a clear, compelling introduction chapter. Undertake a thorough review of the existing research and write up a literature review. Undertake your own research. Present and interpret your findings. Draw a conclusion and discuss the implications.
A thesis is typically shorter than a dissertation, with an average length of around 50 pages. On the other hand, a dissertation is a much longer piece of work, typically around 100-200 pages in length. However, length isn't the only difference between these two academic research projects. The purpose can be largely different too!
Revised on April 16, 2024. A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a master's program or a capstone to a bachelor's degree. Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Other than a dissertation, it is one of the longest pieces of writing students typically complete.
The words ' dissertation ' and 'thesis' both refer to a large written research project undertaken to complete a degree, but they are used differently depending on the country: In the UK, you write a dissertation at the end of a bachelor's or master's degree, and you write a thesis to complete a PhD.
Lastly, one of the main differences between a dissertation and a thesis is the potential for publication. As the dissertation is more extensive and requires original research contributing to the academic field, theses are less likely to be published in a peer-reviewed journal. Although a master's thesis is more narrowly focused, it can still ...
Dissertation vs. Thesis: Differences. The primary difference between a thesis and a dissertation is the time when they are completed. As mentioned earlier, a thesis is presented at the culmination of a master's program, whereas, a dissertation is presented to earn a Ph.D. A thesis is a compilation of research ensuring that the researcher is ...
A dissertation (or thesis) is a process. Okay, so now that you understand that a dissertation is a research project (which is testing your ability to undertake quality research), let's go a little deeper into what that means in practical terms. The best way to understand a dissertation is to view it as a process - more specifically a ...
Length: Theses vary in length depending on the institution, program, and field of study. However, they are generally shorter than dissertations. A typical master's thesis can range from 50 to 100 pages. This concise format necessitates precision and clarity in presenting research findings and arguments.
A master's thesis is the culmination of a master's program, while a doctoral dissertation concludes a doctorate program. But wait, you say, what about a "thesis statement" or "thesis sentence"? Good question. Any good paper — be it thesis, dissertation, or other — needs a strong thesis statement. Yes, your thesis needs a thesis ...
Typically, in North America, a thesis is required for the completion of a master's degree, while a dissertation is required for the completion of a doctoral degree. The former is long, while the latter is longer and more intensive. Despite these differences, the two terms are often used interchangeably, especially among those who haven't ...
A thesis involves original research and is usually shorter than a dissertation, with a typical length of 50-100 pages. A dissertation, on the other hand, is a longer piece of original research, with a typical length of 100-300 pages or more. In the United Kingdom, the opposite is true: a thesis is usually associated with a doctoral degree ...
While a dissertation can refer to any formal discourse either written or spoken, a thesis is usually associated with the main idea discussed in an essay or research paper. Can you use these interchangeably?
The primary difference between a dissertation vs thesis is the degree programs that require these projects. Students in a master's degree program will write a thesis, whereas students in a doctoral degree program will complete a dissertation. Another difference between the two projects is that a dissertation usually requires an oral defense ...
August 18, 2020. Summary: At universities in the UK, a dissertation, usually around 20,000 words is written by undergraduate and Master's students, whilst a thesis, around 80,000 words, is written as part of a PhD. In the USA, these definitions of dissertation and thesis are usually reversed. Confusingly, the terms dissertation and thesis are ...
A thesis is a long-term, large project that involves both research and writing; it is easy to lose focus, motivation, and momentum. Here are suggestions for achieving the result you want in the time you have. The dissertation is probably the largest project you have undertaken, and a lot of the work is self-directed.
Structure of Dissertation vs Thesis. YouTube: Call Tutors. The structural difference between the two lies in the length of the document. A dissertation is a lot lengthier than a thesis which is meant to be at least 100 pages long. The outline of both a dissertation and a thesis is quite similar. Below mentioned are the structures:
The primary purpose of a thesis or dissertation in an education graduate program is for students to demonstrate what they have learned in their respective programs while applying their own research, theory, analysis and synthesis. Ultimately, the author of a thesis or dissertation should successfully contribute something new to the existing topic.
Remember that your thesis or dissertation will be published online, and any third party copyrighted material that you include in your manuscript will also be openly available online. This means that if you upload an entire musical composition, people who might otherwise have purchased the composition could acquire it for free by downloading it ...
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As Dr. Rachel Gunn, she's a 36-year-old lecturer at Macquarie University in Australia. She holds a PhD in cultural science. She researches and lectures on the cultural politics of breaking. As ...
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Additionally, agent stability was evaluated during extended microkinetic modeling in arid and humid scenarios, highlighting the potential for computational simulation approaches to fill a capability gap in the broader field of chemical defense. This dissertation advanced automated CRN exploration, but considerable gaps remain.