Dissertation

As a requirement for an advanced university degree, the dissertation is usually the last requirement a candidate fulfills for a doctorate. Probably its most salient characteristic is that it is a unique product, one that embodies in some way the creativity of the author—the result of research and of original thinking and the creation of a physical product. Depending on departmental tradition, some dissertations are expected to be solely originated by the candidate; in others, the topic (and sometimes the approach as well) is given by the major professor. But even in the latter case, the candidates are expected to add something of their own originality to the end result.

This description of some relatively common features of the dissertation requirement applies primarily to higher education in the United States. That there are common features owes much to communication among universities, no doubt through such agencies as the Council of Graduate Schools and the American Association of Universities. But the requirement's evolution at the local level has resulted in considerable variation across the differing cultures of universities and even the departments within them.

As a means of maintaining high standards, many universities administer their doctoral program through a graduate school with its own dean. Additionally, some universities designate certain faculty, those who have proven they are researchers, as graduate faculty who participate in setting advanced degree policies and serve as major professors and chairs. This dual faculty status has disappeared at most universities, however.

The dissertation process typically moves through three stages: the proposal stage; the activation stage, in which the research, thinking, or producing work is accomplished; and the final stage of presentation and approval. Though distinguishable for explanatory purposes, these stages are often blurred in practice. This is particularly evident when the area in which one intends to work is known, but not the specific aspect. For example, the proposal and activation stage often merge until the project outlines become clear.

In most cases one faculty member from the department serves as the major professor or committee chair (henceforth referred to as the chair). This is usually at the invitation of the student, although some departments assign chairs in order to equitably balance faculty load. Additional faculty are recruited by the student to serve as readers or committee members, often at the suggestion of the chair. Dissertation chairpersons and committee members are chosen for their experience in the candidate's topic of interest and/or for some special qualifications, such as experience with the research method or knowledge of statistics or experimental design.