“How will I write my dissertation?”

Work with experienced faculty, researchers, and advisors in the College of Doctoral Studies to help you develop as a practitioner scholar and support your own personal academic and professional goals.

As you focus your advanced work on solving a meaningful problem in your community or workplace, you’ll conduct practical, independent and scholarly research applying established qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Your original and valued dissertation research serves as the foundation for your field of interest.

Our dedicated doctoral school puts the student at the center of an ecosystem of experienced faculty. We offer resources geared to help you succeed from an introductory doctoral course sequence through all the steps to completing and disseminating your dissertation.

Developing your dissertation

Your dissertation work starts early in your program, applying the models, theories and skills covered in your coursework. An integrative focus lets you produce a solid dissertation that reflects both your subject mastery and your commitment to interdisciplinary and applied research. You’ll have access to the support and tools you’ll need to succeed throughout your dissertation-writing journey.

Your Dissertation Chair will help guide your investigative work as you identify relevant research and bring together the appropriate Dissertation Committee. You will be assigned a dissertation chair from among hundreds of qualified faculty who bring a wealth of experience in scholarship and industry.

Completed dissertations are added to the University Dissertation Library and featured dissertations are added to our monthly Dissertation Abstract Journal.

Tools at your fingertips

Our Research Centers help you identify faculty, fellow doctoral students and doctoral alumni who are researching topics in your discipline. Here you can access doctoral-specific resources, including our doctoral writing lab, orientation workshops, hundreds of online resources – these vibrant scholarly communities help students and faculty find others with similar interests and build relationships to support those interests.

Quality review is available throughout the writing process, as well as doctoral research courses to inform you about methodologies, writing style and requirements.

And with over 100 faculty committed to your success, you can get the help you’ll need to succeed.

Once your dissertation is complete, the College of Doctoral Studies can help you disseminate your research to other scholarly venues, such as online databases and our research library. Our Research Presentation Awards Program provides financial support for qualified learners, alumni and faculty who pursue the opportunity to present their research at professional and scholarly conferences.