Guidelines in Writing a Dissertation Proposal

Sponsored Links

The purpose of a dissertation proposal is to develop an original research program to be completed by a Ph.D. candidate before graduation. The proposed research study is to be designed wholly by the student in collaboration with the dissertation chair and dissertation committee. You are responsible for the contents of your dissertation. The guidelines Top Gun Term Papers has prepared are to help you prepare for writing and submitting a dissertation proposal.

1. Selecting a Dissertation Topic

A dissertation is an original document borne of your own idea and your own approach. It demonstrates your ability to conduct research. In selecting a topic for your dissertation, Top Gun Term Papers suggests you involve faculty members. Ask them what they think and note their reactions. This will help you determine who is willing and able to serve as chair of your dissertation committee.

2. Appointing a Dissertation Chair and Committee

After passing your qualifying examinations, you will need to select a Dissertation Committee. The selection of the committee must be completed before you schedule your Proposal Defense. Once you have chosen your Chair, he/she will assist you in the selection of the rest of your committee members. Top Gun Term Papers recommends you talk to potential candidates and gauge their willingness to serve on your committee.

3. Preparing the Dissertation Proposal

As mentioned, you will develop you dissertation proposal together with your committee. Top Gun Term Papers’ dissertation format includes the following:

• Purpose of the study
• Nature and importance of the subject under investigation
• A brief review of related literature
• The theory to be developed
• Methodology
• Nature of the hypothesis to be tested
• A timeframe for completion of the dissertation

Your written plan for the dissertation, 20–30 pages in length. It should be no more than 10,000 words, including notes.

4. Scheduling the Dissertation Proposal Defense

The Dissertation Proposal Defense is a public presentation that is open to faculty and other graduate students. The defense is designed to make sure you receive your committee members’ endorsement on your chosen topic as well as your plan for completion of a dissertation that will have a significant contribution to the field. Top Gun Term Papers suggests you reserve a room and have an announcement circulated as soon as you decide on a date.

Assuming that all goes well and your proposal is approved, the chair will ask the committee members and readers to sign the Record of Proposal Defense form to acknowledge that the defense has been successfully completed.