What is a dissertation?

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

A dissertation is an original work of scholarly research that contributes to a field of study. It is typically the final step in completing a PhD program.

Jonathan Gehrz, academic director of Research Integrity & Compliance at Capella University highlights some of the differences between a dissertation and a capstone. “A dissertation for a PhD program focuses on unique contributions and ways to bring new knowledge to the discipline. Some doctoral programs require capstone projects, which are focused more on applying theory to different settings.”

Learn more about the differences between a dissertation and doctoral capstone.

Gehrz goes on to explain the content and format of this important piece of scholarship.

From student to scholar

Doctoral programs cultivate expertise while helping students become independent researchers. A dissertation is one way to demonstrate those research skills. While not all doctoral programs require a dissertation, it is typically a component of PhD programs.

Initial coursework helps narrow down the research topic and develop it into something that will add to the body of knowledge in the chosen field. Before starting the dissertation phase, the topic should be selected and ready for formal research. At this point, the student develops a proposal, which encompasses the research plan and methodology as it pertains to the selected topic. The student works with a faculty mentor during this process.

The next step is research and analysis, which starts once the proposal has been approved by the student’s mentor, committee and the university review board. The dissertation is largely an independent project during which the student will dive more deeply into research and writing than they have done before.

Learn more about the dissertation development and approval process.

Dissertation format

The dissertation is a much deeper exploration of a research topic than a traditional essay would be. Most dissertations include at least five chapters.

1. Overview: A brief look at the research question, containing a preview of the subsequent chapters.
2. Literature review: An extensive critique and synthesis of the current literature in the field.
3. Methodology: The procedures and methods used to collect and analyze data. Some programs may require a dependability plan – that is, a detailed breakdown that articulates the steps of your research project so that your findings can be replicated and validated.
4. Analysis: Details covering how the data analysis applies to the collected data.
5. Findings: A summary interpretation of the data and comparison to existing literature, as well as a discussion of possible future research on the topic.
   
   

Why it matters

“Now, perhaps more than ever, it’s important to ask why research is still important,” Gehrz says. “In an age of misinformation, what makes you stand out as credible is your research.”

Earning a PhD is about the pursuit of knowledge in a chosen profession. For those who are considering a doctoral degree, Gehrz recommends, “Whatever your goal is, think about how you’re going to apply your education and the relevance that it has in that space.”

Capella University offers PhD and professional doctoral degree programs across various fields of study. Learn more about our online PhD and doctoral programs.