Guides to Dissertation and Thesis Writing

By: Graduate Student Knowledgebase

Dissertation and thesis writing can be one of the most challenging tasks a graduate student undertakes. The process requires a deep dive into research, critical thinking, and the synthesis of vast amounts of information, often pushing students to the limits of their intellectual capabilities. It demands meticulous planning, time management, and the ability to persevere through setbacks and revisions. However, despite these challenges, the experience is incredibly rewarding. Completing a dissertation or thesis not only marks the culmination of years of hard work but also contributes original knowledge to your field of study.

In this blog, we are offering several guides we think can help you on your journey to writing your dissertation or thesis.

Four Useful Guides:

1. A Practical Guide to Dissertation and Thesis Writing by Mark Stephan Felix and Ian Smith.

   1. This guide is a comprehensive guide for graduate students navigating the process of writing a dissertation or thesis. It provides step-by-step guidance from the initial stages of choosing a research topic and framing the research question, to conducting a literature review, developing a research methodology, and defending a proposal. The book also covers the practical aspects of carrying out fieldwork, analyzing results, and presenting findings. Additionally, it offers advice on writing key sections such as the introduction, literature review, discussion, conclusion, and abstract. By breaking down the dissertation or thesis writing process into manageable parts, the book aims to help students overcome challenges and achieve success in their academic work.

      
      

2. The Dissertation Handbook: A Guide to Submitting Your Doctoral Dissertation and

   Completing Your Doctoral Degree Requirements by Assistant Dean John Godfrey,

   with extensive contributions by the staff of Rackham Academic Records and Dissertations.

   1. Although this guide is tailored for University of Michigan graduate students, it is an excellent resources for those you want to learn about preparing for their dissertation as well as the format of the dissertation.

      
      

3. Guidelines for Writing a Thesis or Dissertation by Linda Childers Hon, Ph.D. and Kurt Kent, Ph.D.

   1. This guide offers a breakdown of the contents of both a thesis and dissertation. It offers students a chance to understand the purpose of each section as well as how the content should serve the thesis or dissertation. Lastly, it offers advice to how to complete a thesis, including how to find the time, place, and reward in the entire writing process.

      
      

4. Dissertation Writing Tips by Harvard University

   1. This is a quick guide on how to format your dissertation for your readers.