phd with dissertation only

10 Best All But Dissertation Completion Programs [2024 ABD Guide]

Students who completed their doctoral coursework and received doctoral candidacy but left the program before completing their dissertation may qualify for ABD completion programs.

All but dissertation programs provide doctoral students with the opportunity to finish what they’ve started.

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Let’s take a look at how an accredited dissertation only PhD program may help you achieve your academic goals. You can also discover some of the current degree programs available for returning PhD students.

Universities Offering Online All But Dissertation Completion Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Alverno College

Alverno College offers an ABD to help with the completion of EdD degrees. There is also a concentration in Teaching & Learning in Higher Education available. Most of the program is online with 2 weekend residencies in Milwaukee. The program requires approximately 6 semesters.

Alverno College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

2. American College of Education

An EdD in Leadership is available through the American College of Education. Those who are considered ABD may be able to follow a customized pathway to completion. The program is fully online, and there are no residency requirements. Courses are in an asynchronous learning format.

American College of Education is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

3. Baker College

Those with 32 credits toward a DBA may finish their degree through Baker College’s ABD completion program. The dissertation program requires an additional 28 credits and may be completed entirely online. On average, the program may be completed in 18 months.

Baker College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

4. Bay Path University

Bay Path University offers an EdD in Educational Leadership. Those who have completed doctoral coursework may be eligible for the ABD program. All coursework is online with 1 weekend residency per year. The dissertation requires 21 credits. The school offers multiple concentrations including Higher Education Leadership and Transformative School Leadership.

Bay Path University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

5. Brenau University

Brenau University offers an online EdD in Education program that features an ABD path for those who have completed core courses. There are start dates each fall and spring, and the program follows a semester schedule. The program requires 2 weekend residencies over the course of the program.

Brenau University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

6. Centenary University

An EdD in Educational Leadership through Centenary University’s ABD program. The program requires 13 to 21 credits. Courses are online or in a blended format. A faculty advisor is available throughout the program. Courses follow a semester schedule.

Centenary University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

7. Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Mercy University offers an EdD for ABD students. The program is in an accelerated format. All coursework is fully online with 1 weekend residency required. The required 27 credits can typically be completed in 18 months.

Gwynedd Mercy University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

8. Indiana Wesleyan University

Those classified as ABD can earn an EdD through Indiana Wesleyan University. The program is fully online, and there are no residency requirements. The program is taught through a Christian worldview. The program’s required 30 credits may be completed in as little as 20 months.

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

9. Manhattanville College

Manhattanville College offers an EdD in Educational Leadership for those who have completed all doctoral coursework except the dissertation. Courses may be completed online or on campus. Online programs start each spring. Courses are in an accelerated format. The program requires 30 additional credits for a total of 59 credits.

Manhattanville College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

10. Union Institute & University

A PhD can be earned through Union Institute & University’s ABD program. All coursework is online with 1 week of residency required at the start of each term. There are start dates are in January and July. The program requires 9 to 12 credits. On average, the program may be completed in 3.

Union Institute & University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Online ABD Completion Programs

If you’re interested in completing an all but dissertation (ABD) or dissertation only PhD program, there are a few steps involved.

The process is different for every school and dissertation completion pathway, but you’ll typically be asked to:

• Submit an application . You’ll be asked to share your educational history, including doctorate coursework completed. Each school will determine if and how they will offer transfer credits for the courses you’ve taken.
• Complete coursework . Some schools ask students to complete a few prerequisite courses, often regarding research, writing skills, or communications.
• Seek mentorship and resources . Many schools provide students with a staff mentor who can provide them with support and guidance during the dissertation process.
• Complete your dissertation . Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to complete your dissertation.

Generally speaking, you’re often asked to have a proposal for your dissertation at the time of admissions. So, you may want to be prepared to speak with the program and admissions staff about your upcoming dissertation during the application process.

Select jobs require candidates to have a doctoral degree, though many careers do not. At the same time, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that professionals who have a doctoral degree experience the lowest average levels of unemployment.

Due to many different circumstances, a surprising number of adult students do not complete their dissertation after finishing their doctoral coursework. As a result, they must often start over to earn their PhD—unless they choose an ABD completion pathway.

Why PhD Candidates Quit

Though you may feel alone on an incomplete educational path, there are many other students who find themselves on a dissertation completion pathway.

There are many reasons why a student may find themselves in ABD status, including:

• Finances and personal circumstances . Some students need to take a break in their studies due to practical situations. Whether due to the cost of tuition or the amount of time spent working toward a degree, life may interfere with your studies.
• Intimidation or fear . Dissertations often range from 30,000 to 60,000 words and beyond. Many individuals find researching, organizing, and drafting a document this size to be intimidating.
• Time management challenges . For some students, losing the structure of a school setting can mean losing sight of writing the final dissertation. Without a school and study schedule, they may fall behind in writing their dissertation.

Though a dissertation isn’t an easy challenge to take on, all but dissertation programs help students who are ready for the final step in their doctoral degree. ABD programs could provide resources, mentors, and guidance throughout the process, such as knowing how to decompose the PhD project into distinct dissertation chapters can help in the writing phase.

ABD PhD Completion Programs Admissions Requirements

Schools that offer all but dissertation programs will have their own guidelines and admissions requirements for students. So it’s beneficial to review the admissions process and application for each school carefully.

Some common requirements include:

• GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)
• Complete undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• Doctoral work transcripts demonstrating completion of doctoral coursework
• Minimum GPA standing
• Academic writing samples

You may be asked to provide course descriptions or syllabus-level course details for some of your graduate and doctoral degree work. This will help each school determine which credits apply toward their doctoral completion program.

Unlike many educational opportunities, an ABD program often involves working with admissions and program counselors to determine your placement within their program.

PhD ABD Programs Accreditation

As you review various PhD ABD programs, it’s beneficial to check whether the programs that interest you most are accredited, just like checking online doctoral programs in education without dissertation .

Accreditation is offered to schools and programs that demonstrate a higher level of educational excellence. Organizations such as CHEA, or the Council for Higher Educational Accreditation , provide more information about the regional accreditation process.

There can be many benefits to selecting an accredited program. Many financial assistance opportunities, including federal student aid, are provided exclusively to those who attend accredited schools. Plus, required steps for employment in your field, such as licensing, certification, or membership in a professional organization may require accredited education.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

For many students, the first step toward receiving financial aid is completing the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid . Completing this application helps determine your eligibility for need-based federal assistance.

You can also research what scholarship or grant opportunities the school you will attend may offer. They might also offer financing or repayment opportunities. Other scholarship opportunities might come from your community, local businesses, large corporations, or private donors. There may be financial aid options specifically for those on a dissertation completion pathway.

Additionally, your employer may offer assistance for those who are returning to school. This could potentially include employer-sponsored scholarships, tuition reimbursement programs, or an educational allowance.

What Does ABD Mean?

All but dissertation (ABD) means that a student has completed every step in their doctoral degree program except the final dissertation. Typically, earning a doctoral degree includes 2 to 3 years of classwork followed by exams. After this, students propose, research, write, present, and defend their dissertation in front of a committee.

ABD status means you’ve done everything but the dissertation step. While there is no “ABD degree,” many schools offer all but dissertation (ABD) programs that help provide you with the structure, environment, resources, and timeframe to complete this important final step of earning a PhD.

How Long Are ABD Completion Programs Online?

All but dissertation completion programs online typically take 1 to 3 years to complete, depending on the university and your chosen specialty.

Some universities require students with ABD status to complete a few courses in order to remain eligible for their degree. These prerequisites often highlight helpful skills for dissertation writers, including research, writing, organization, and communication.

In many cases, students are asked to check in regularly with their mentors or advising staff to consider the scope of their projects and findings.

Is an ABD Completion Worth It?

Yes, an ABD completion is worth it for many students. While writing a dissertation can be seem intimidating and stressful, many doctoral candidates find that completing the process is rewarding and beneficial.

Not all careers require a PhD. But the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that professionals who have earned their doctoral degrees typically earn higher median salaries and experience lower incidences of unemployment.

While a dissertation only PhD program can’t guarantee your professional success, it can be helpful for those wishing to gain employment in the highest levels of their field.

Finishing Your Doctorate Degree Online

Plenty of doctoral candidates find themselves unable to complete their degree due to the final dissertation. Selecting a dissertation completion pathway can help students in this situation find the structure and guidance they need to finish this last step.

If you are ready to complete your doctorate or PhD degree, you may wish to consider all but dissertation programs to help you conquer this final challenge. Regardless of what caused the delay, you can still complete your terminal degree.

You can explore some of the accredited ABD programs offered online around the country to take this next step in your academic and professional journey.

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• All But Dissertation (EdD – ABD)

DOCTORAL ALL BUT DISSERTATION (ABD)

Did you get to your dissertation and then have to put your Ph.D. on hold? Union Institute & University’s ABD or “All But Dissertation” program is perfect for you. This new program provides an opportunity for students who have completed all requirements for a Ph.D. at another institution, except their doctoral dissertation. Union Institute & University welcomes all applicants who have achieved this stature in their graduate education and whose work aligns with one of our areas of concentration. Now is the perfect time to finish earning your doctorate.

Total credits

Cost per credit hour

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FINISHING YOUR PH.D.

A number of factors may have inhibited your program completion - quite apart from intellectual potential. There are only a few programs in the country designed to streamline completion of the Ph.D. program for those who have made it to the dissertation stage.

• 9-12 credit hour program
• Full & part-time options
• *Hybrid program
• January & July start dates
• Complete your degree in as little as 3 years

*100% online classes with a one-week residency in Cincinnati at the start of each term.

The successful ABD student will take two advanced courses in their area of concentration - the dissertation literature review and the dissertation proposal. Both are offered in sequential semesters after which students undertake the dissertation, thus enabling completion in as little as two years.

PhD concentrations

Union's Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies focuses on four different concentrations described below.

About the Concentration in Educational Studies

Union’s Educational Studies (EDST) concentration is designed to prepare individuals to address the leading education issues through an integrative, holistic, and critical lens. Union’s strength is demonstrated by close collaboration with diverse disciplines engaged in today’s complex problems. The program stands in support of emergent activist scholars by reflecting voices of the global majority (including, but not limited to Black, Brown, Indigenous, Women, Gender fluid, LGBTQIA+, and neurocognitive diversity).

About the Concentration in Ethical & Creative Leadership

Union’s Ethical & Creative Leadership (ECL) concentration is unique in addressing all forms of leadership, stressing values and their application, cultivating one’s creative power and imagination, and connecting leadership philosophies to practical leadership experiences. ECL offers leaders an intellectual grasp of the makings of effective leadership in a diverse multicultural world, equips them with practical strategies and tools for various leadership roles and prepares them to tackle social justice challenges in their institutions and communities.

About the Concentration in Humanities & Culture

Union’s concentration in Humanities & Culture (HMC) allows you to study the human condition, explore creative ways to advance social justice and acknowledge differences among individuals and social groups. HMC draws on a variety of humanities fields – social and political philosophy, history, religious studies, literature, and aesthetics – that relate to social justice and cultural differences.

About the Concentration in Public Policy & Social Change

Union’s Public Policy & Social Change (PPS) concentration prepares students to critically re-examine the principles and values that undergird the public policy process. PPS challenges students to critically interrogate governmental policies through the lens of ethical leadership, creative problem-solving, social justice, diversity, and global interdependence. Students develop multifaceted expertise through courses such as policy processes, policy analysis, conflict resolution, community development, democratic theory, human rights, and global studies.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must provide:

• All graduate transcripts from accredited institutions, showing award of the master’s degree and subsequent training.
• Documentation of doctoral program completion except for the dissertation by the Registrar or a faculty member affiliated with the prior program.
• Two letters of recommendation, including one reference from someone who holds a Ph.D. (Starting with our January 2022 term, we will require three letters of recommendation).
• A Statement of Purpose which describes the intended dissertation topic, identifies the preferred concentration (HMS, PPS, ECL, or EDST), outlines the circumstances which led to the interruption in doctoral training, and discusses the applicant’s currency in research topics related to the planned dissertation.
• Formal course descriptions for all prior training that supports the selected concentration must also be submitted. If the prior program requires a Comprehensive Exam for doctoral students, that step must have been successfully completed prior to making an application to the Union doctoral program.

Applicants should consult the catalog for the area of concentration requirements. Students whose primary doctoral training is in the biological or physical sciences cannot be considered. Students with credits earned outside the U.S. should have their course work reviewed by AICE or NACES.

Admissions Review Process

The application is reviewed by the Admissions Committee. If materials are deemed appropriate for the next step, the applicant will be interviewed by a member of the Admissions Committee or their designee. If admission is recommended, the course history will be reviewed in light of particular concentration requirements. The admission letter will stipulate which of Union's courses must be completed. Admission may be provisional (to be reassessed after one year), or without condition. Initial review will occur within 48 hours of receipt. 

PROGRAM COMPLETION

Ordinarily, the successful “ABD” applicant will take 850 and 860 courses in their area of concentration in sequential semesters, then undertake the dissertation, thus enabling completion in four semesters. If core learning areas are deemed insufficient in the particular concentration, additional courses may be required. The applicant who has completed a recent dissertation proposal may petition the Dean to waive the 850-course requirement and begin with 860. Students must attend at least one residency, nominate a dissertation Chair who agrees to serve in that role, form a dissertation committee, pass the proposal defense, conduct the dissertation, and pass the dissertation defense. Academic progress is a condition of subsequent term registration.

Dissertation Information and Examples

The program supports a variety of formats for doctoral dissertations, including theoretical, historical, and interpretive research, social action research projects, empirical research using qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods, and creative dissertations. Below are some examples from each concentration

Education Justice & Equity:

• Hopson, J. (2021).  Texas A&M university system website analysis: Disability and diversity 
• Madry, T. S. (2020). Mentoring: A Leadership Tool for Black Greek Fraternities.
• Maples, G.L. (2019). Surviving the Invisible Wounds of War: As Told by the Unseen Heroes.
• Bolton, D. (2018).  Motivating African American Male Readers Through Mentorship.

Ethical & Creative Leadership:

• Crudup, Larry Terrell (2021). Walk Together Children: Black Congregational Leadership-as-Social Ethic .
• Worthen, Merritt (2020). Showing Faith through Work(s): Examining how Christian-Based Businesses are Practicing Faith in a Materialistic Society .
• Bradbury, Douglas S. (2019) . Quantum Reconciliation: A Framework for Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Inescapable Mutuality . ”
• Washington, Michael A. (2019) . Prince Hall Masonic Order Leader and Leadership Development .

Humanities & Culture:

• François, Emery (2021). The Beauty and the Strife: A Memoir of Haiti and Her Legacy in the United States .
• White, Tamara (2020). Visually Representing Diabetes Management for Incarcerated Women in California: A Creative Dissertation .
• Reinstatler, Michelle L. (2019). Becoming Legend: Constructing Paranormal Experience and Cultural Performance in Ghost-Hunting Reality TV shows and Recreational Ghost Hunting .
• Johnson, Jr., James L.  (2018). Sympathy for the Devil: Thawing the Ego and Fostering Empathy through a Theory of Lacanian Reader-response.

Public Policy & Social Change:

• Lewis, Jacinda (2020).   Exploring sex offenders’ experiences through the lens of social justice .
• Nauta, Carmen (2019). Understanding the challenges to lactation initiation and duration among low-income WIC participants in the South Bronx: A phenomenological study
• Rojas, Gina Augon (2018). Navigating Contested Terrain: A Critical Case Study of Guam’s Chamorro Land Trust Residential Land Lease Program.

FINANCIAL AID

All resources available to students who begin the Ph.D. program at Union will be available to “ABD” students unless the length of enrollment at the university is a criterion for a particular scholarship.

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Doctoral Completion Programs: How to Finish Your Doctorate Degree

Doctoral programs are extremely rigorous. Unlike master’s degree programs, doctorate programs are heavily self-driven and require the highest level of scholarly research and writing. For some students who are balancing work and life priorities with a doctoral degree, this can seem overwhelming.

If you started a doctoral program but didn’t finish, you aren’t alone. Nearly 50% of people who start doctorate degrees never complete their program. 

There are many reasons doctorate students stop their studies. Maybe you took time off for personal, financial or professional reasons. Maybe the doctorate program you attended previously wasn’t the right fit. Whatever the reason you decided to pause your doctoral studies, you may still be able to complete the terminal degree you started.

Doctoral completion programs are specifically designed for students who have some doctoral credit, but didn’t meet the requirements to graduate. Let’s dive into what these programs offer to see if a doctoral completion program is right for you.

What is a Doctoral Completion Program?

A doctoral completion program is not a specific doctorate program in and of itself. In reality, doctoral completion programs are another name for transfer-friendly doctoral programs that offer dedicated support for transfer students.

Doctoral completion programs are designed to meet the needs of students who are restarting their doctoral studies in an effort to accelerate their completion of their degree. These programs are unique because many universities will not accept transfer credit at the doctoral level. 

Let’s look at two of the common pathways you can take when completing your doctoral program. 

Doctoral Completion Programs: Choosing The Right Pathway

There are two stages of doctoral study—the required coursework and the dissertation. If you’re looking to complete your doctorate degree, you need to consider which requirements you still need to meet. 

If you still need to complete coursework and pass your comprehensive exam: Look for a university that accepts significant transfer credit and can help you complete your remaining coursework. Make sure you understand:

• How many credits will transfer: Most doctorate programs require around 58 credit hours total to graduate. Some transfer-friendly universities, like Franklin University, will accept up to 24 credits, which is about 40% of the total required.
• Will your credits qualify to be transferred: Doctoral programs typically require credits to be applied directly to the degree, meaning the previous course has to be substantially similar to the required course at the new university. If your previous studies don’t align, you may need to retake coursework. You may also need to meet specific passing grade requirements or time requirements (often credits more than 7-10 years old won’t transfer).

If you’ve reached ABD (all but dissertation) status: Consider a dissertation completion pathway. Some universities will allow you to restart your doctorate degree at the dissertation stage. However, before committing, make sure you understand:

• You may still need to take coursework: Many advertised ABD programs will still require you to take prerequisites, focus area courses or research and writing foundations courses to complete your dissertation at their university.
• Admission requirements may be extensive: Universities that offer dissertation-only completion pathways usually require more than just graduate transcripts. Expect to submit additional documentation, including previous doctoral candidacy, portfolio or work samples, resume, letters of reference or other support materials.
• You need to feel confident about your dissertation topic: Since you will start directly at the dissertation stage, you will need to declare a topic. Some of these programs will require a learning agreement contract to establish milestones for completing your dissertation.

Accelerate your completion time and lower your total tuition cost at every academic level. Download this free guide for tips on maximizing your transfer credit.

How doctoral completion programs work.

Applying to a doctoral program to complete your degree is often very similar to regular doctoral admissions. Here are the steps you will need to take: 

• Research transfer-friendly universities that accept doctorate transfer credit. Based on your previous educational experience, find the best-fit university that will also accept the most transfer credit.
• Apply to the university’s doctoral program. Submit an application and all support materials. Most applications can be submitted online and may or may not require an application fee. 
• Submit official graduate transcripts for the university. You will need to submit official transcripts for all graduate level coursework. It can also be helpful to submit information on the courses you’ve previously taken, including syllabi or course descriptions. These materials can help a university determine whether courses are similar enough to reward transfer credit.
• Receive transfer credit evaluation. You will receive a determination that shows how many credits you received, what courses they apply to and how many credits still need to be completed.
• Get started! Meet with your academic and/or faculty advisors to determine your schedule and complete your doctorate. 

5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Doctoral Completion Program

If you chose to stop your doctorate studies, there was likely a compelling reason. For some, the original doctorate program they chose wasn't a good fit for their needs as a student. You want to make sure that if you return to doctoral studies, the program you choose will set you up for success.

Make sure you ask these questions before choosing a doctoral completion program:

• How many credits will transfer into the doctoral completion program? You want to ensure as many credits as possible transfer into a new doctoral program, especially if you’re at the ABD stage.
• How will this program support you in completing your doctorate? Look for programs that offer dedicated faculty advisors, active student associations and extensive online library systems. All of these resources will help you complete your doctorate.
• Do you feel confident about the dissertation process? Many people fear the dissertation process. It’s why ABD has become a de facto designation for those who stop their doctoral studies before they complete their dissertation. Make sure you understand how dissertation committees work, how to establish milestones and how to defend a dissertation. Knowing all of this in advance can help you formulate a clear plan to finish your dissertation and earn your degree.
• Will this doctorate program work with your schedule? Some doctoral completion programs have a required in-person component. Others are conducted entirely online. The structure and flexibility of the program you choose will ultimately determine if you can successfully complete it or not.
• Are you excited and motivated to complete your doctorate degree? Personal drive and determination are two of the top factors in the successful completion of a doctorate degree. If you put your mind to it, you can achieve what you set out to do.

Finish What You Started: Complete Your Doctorate Degree

In the United States, only 2% of the population holds a doctoral degree. Franklin University is here to help you achieve this lifetime accomplishment. 

Our transfer-friendly, online doctoral programs are designed to support students from all backgrounds to complete their doctorate. From start to finish, a doctorate can be completed in as few as three years. If you maximize your transfer credit , it can be completed even quicker. Our no-fear dissertation process, faculty mentorship and peer support will help you stay on track to graduation.

Explore all of our doctoral programs to see if we offer a doctorate that aligns with your goals.

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• Dissertation

Requirements, deadlines, and other information on preparing and submitting a dissertation.

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PhD candidates must successfully complete and submit a dissertation to qualify for degree conferral. It is perhaps the most important and far-reaching undertaking in the entire doctoral program, having an impact that extends well beyond graduate studies. 

Requirements and Deadlines 

Each graduate program maintains specific requirements for the content and evaluation of the dissertation. Be sure to review your program’s departmental requirements prior to beginning the process. You should also review Harvard Griffin GSAS’s dissertation policies for important information about formatting, submission, and publishing and distribution options, including embargoes.  

Degrees are awarded in November, March, and May. Dissertation submission deadlines are noted in the Degree Calendar section of Policies . 

Help with the Dissertation 

Library research .

It’s never too early to start planning for your dissertation. The Harvard Library can help! The Library maintains a guide for graduate students engaged in scholarly writing titled the Writing Oasis . They also offer access to Overleaf , which is an online LaTeX and Rich Text collaborative writing and publishing tool that makes the process of academic writing, editing, and publishing quicker and easier. Overleaf has a section on Writing Your Dissertation that you may find useful.  

Writing 

Students can find support with planning and preparing to write the dissertation from their academic advisors and programs. The Fellowships & Writing Center also offers workshops on various aspects of dissertation writing, holds brainstorming office hours during which students may discuss their dissertations, and provides written feedback on dissertation chapters.  

Dissertation Completion Fellowships 

Harvard Griffin GSAS provides a dissertation completion fellowship (DCF) for one academic year to eligible PhD students in the humanities and social sciences who anticipate completing their dissertations within the year. Find out more in Policies .

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Guide to writing your thesis/dissertation, definition of dissertation and thesis.

The dissertation or thesis is a scholarly treatise that substantiates a specific point of view as a result of original research that is conducted by students during their graduate study. At Cornell, the thesis is a requirement for the receipt of the M.A. and M.S. degrees and some professional master’s degrees. The dissertation is a requirement of the Ph.D. degree.

Formatting Requirement and Standards

The Graduate School sets the minimum format for your thesis or dissertation, while you, your special committee, and your advisor/chair decide upon the content and length. Grammar, punctuation, spelling, and other mechanical issues are your sole responsibility. Generally, the thesis and dissertation should conform to the standards of leading academic journals in your field. The Graduate School does not monitor the thesis or dissertation for mechanics, content, or style.

“Papers Option” Dissertation or Thesis

A “papers option” is available only to students in certain fields, which are listed on the Fields Permitting the Use of Papers Option page , or by approved petition. If you choose the papers option, your dissertation or thesis is organized as a series of relatively independent chapters or papers that you have submitted or will be submitting to journals in the field. You must be the only author or the first author of the papers to be used in the dissertation. The papers-option dissertation or thesis must meet all format and submission requirements, and a singular referencing convention must be used throughout.

ProQuest Electronic Submissions

The dissertation and thesis become permanent records of your original research, and in the case of doctoral research, the Graduate School requires publication of the dissertation and abstract in its original form. All Cornell master’s theses and doctoral dissertations require an electronic submission through ProQuest, which fills orders for paper or digital copies of the thesis and dissertation and makes a digital version available online via their subscription database, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses . For master’s theses, only the abstract is available. ProQuest provides worldwide distribution of your work from the master copy. You retain control over your dissertation and are free to grant publishing rights as you see fit. The formatting requirements contained in this guide meet all ProQuest specifications.

Copies of Dissertation and Thesis

Copies of Ph.D. dissertations and master’s theses are also uploaded in PDF format to the Cornell Library Repository, eCommons . A print copy of each master’s thesis and doctoral dissertation is submitted to Cornell University Library by ProQuest.

Tips for writing a PhD dissertation: FAQs answered

From how to choose a topic to writing the abstract and managing work-life balance through the years it takes to complete a doctorate, here we collect expert advice to get you through the PhD writing process

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Embarking on a PhD is “probably the most challenging task that a young scholar attempts to do”, write Mark Stephan Felix and Ian Smith in their practical guide to dissertation and thesis writing. After years of reading and research to answer a specific question or proposition, the candidate will submit about 80,000 words that explain their methods and results and demonstrate their unique contribution to knowledge. Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about writing a doctoral thesis or dissertation.

What’s the difference between a dissertation and a thesis?

Whatever the genre of the doctorate, a PhD must offer an original contribution to knowledge. The terms “dissertation” and “thesis” both refer to the long-form piece of work produced at the end of a research project and are often used interchangeably. Which one is used might depend on the country, discipline or university. In the UK, “thesis” is generally used for the work done for a PhD, while a “dissertation” is written for a master’s degree. The US did the same until the 1960s, says Oxbridge Essays, when the convention switched, and references appeared to a “master’s thesis” and “doctoral dissertation”. To complicate matters further, undergraduate long essays are also sometimes referred to as a thesis or dissertation.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines “thesis” as “a dissertation, especially by a candidate for a degree” and “dissertation” as “a detailed discourse on a subject, especially one submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of a degree or diploma”.

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The title “doctor of philosophy”, incidentally, comes from the degree’s origins, write Dr Felix, an associate professor at Mahidol University in Thailand, and Dr Smith, retired associate professor of education at the University of Sydney , whose co-authored guide focuses on the social sciences. The PhD was first awarded in the 19th century by the philosophy departments of German universities, which at that time taught science, social science and liberal arts.

How long should a PhD thesis be?

A PhD thesis (or dissertation) is typically 60,000 to 120,000 words ( 100 to 300 pages in length ) organised into chapters, divisions and subdivisions (with roughly 10,000 words per chapter) – from introduction (with clear aims and objectives) to conclusion.

The structure of a dissertation will vary depending on discipline (humanities, social sciences and STEM all have their own conventions), location and institution. Examples and guides to structure proliferate online. The University of Salford , for example, lists: title page, declaration, acknowledgements, abstract, table of contents, lists of figures, tables and abbreviations (where needed), chapters, appendices and references.

A scientific-style thesis will likely need: introduction, literature review, materials and methods, results, discussion, bibliography and references.

As well as checking the overall criteria and expectations of your institution for your research, consult your school handbook for the required length and format (font, layout conventions and so on) for your dissertation.

A PhD takes three to four years to complete; this might extend to six to eight years for a part-time doctorate.

What are the steps for completing a PhD?

Before you get started in earnest , you’ll likely have found a potential supervisor, who will guide your PhD journey, and done a research proposal (which outlines what you plan to research and how) as part of your application, as well as a literature review of existing scholarship in the field, which may form part of your final submission.

In the UK, PhD candidates undertake original research and write the results in a thesis or dissertation, says author and vlogger Simon Clark , who posted videos to YouTube throughout his own PhD journey . Then they submit the thesis in hard copy and attend the viva voce (which is Latin for “living voice” and is also called an oral defence or doctoral defence) to convince the examiners that their work is original, understood and all their own. Afterwards, if necessary, they make changes and resubmit. If the changes are approved, the degree is awarded.

The steps are similar in Australia , although candidates are mostly assessed on their thesis only; some universities may include taught courses, and some use a viva voce. A PhD in Australia usually takes three years full time.

In the US, the PhD process begins with taught classes (similar to a taught master’s) and a comprehensive exam (called a “field exam” or “dissertation qualifying exam”) before the candidate embarks on their original research. The whole journey takes four to six years.

A PhD candidate will need three skills and attitudes to get through their doctoral studies, says Tara Brabazon , professor of cultural studies at Flinders University in Australia who has written extensively about the PhD journey :

• master the academic foundational skills (research, writing, ability to navigate different modalities)
• time-management skills and the ability to focus on reading and writing
• determined motivation to do a PhD.

How do I choose the topic for my PhD dissertation or thesis?

It’s important to find a topic that will sustain your interest for the years it will take to complete a PhD. “Finding a sustainable topic is the most important thing you [as a PhD student] would do,” says Dr Brabazon in a video for Times Higher Education . “Write down on a big piece of paper all the topics, all the ideas, all the questions that really interest you, and start to cross out all the ones that might just be a passing interest.” Also, she says, impose the “Who cares? Who gives a damn?” question to decide if the topic will be useful in a future academic career.

The availability of funding and scholarships is also often an important factor in this decision, says veteran PhD supervisor Richard Godwin, from Harper Adams University .

Define a gap in knowledge – and one that can be questioned, explored, researched and written about in the time available to you, says Gina Wisker, head of the Centre for Learning and Teaching at the University of Brighton. “Set some boundaries,” she advises. “Don’t try to ask everything related to your topic in every way.”

James Hartley, research professor in psychology at Keele University, says it can also be useful to think about topics that spark general interest. If you do pick something that taps into the zeitgeist, your findings are more likely to be noticed.

You also need to find someone else who is interested in it, too. For STEM candidates , this will probably be a case of joining a team of people working in a similar area where, ideally, scholarship funding is available. A centre for doctoral training (CDT) or doctoral training partnership (DTP) will advertise research projects. For those in the liberal arts and social sciences, it will be a matter of identifying a suitable supervisor .

Avoid topics that are too broad (hunger across a whole country, for example) or too narrow (hunger in a single street) to yield useful solutions of academic significance, write Mark Stephan Felix and Ian Smith. And ensure that you’re not repeating previous research or trying to solve a problem that has already been answered. A PhD thesis must be original.

What is a thesis proposal?

After you have read widely to refine your topic and ensure that it and your research methods are original, and discussed your project with a (potential) supervisor, you’re ready to write a thesis proposal , a document of 1,500 to 3,000 words that sets out the proposed direction of your research. In the UK, a research proposal is usually part of the application process for admission to a research degree. As with the final dissertation itself, format varies among disciplines, institutions and countries but will usually contain title page, aims, literature review, methodology, timetable and bibliography. Examples of research proposals are available online.

How to write an abstract for a dissertation or thesis

The abstract presents your thesis to the wider world – and as such may be its most important element , says the NUI Galway writing guide. It outlines the why, how, what and so what of the thesis . Unlike the introduction, which provides background but not research findings, the abstract summarises all sections of the dissertation in a concise, thorough, focused way and demonstrates how well the writer understands their material. Check word-length limits with your university – and stick to them. About 300 to 500 words is a rough guide ­– but it can be up to 1,000 words.

The abstract is also important for selection and indexing of your thesis, according to the University of Melbourne guide , so be sure to include searchable keywords.

It is the first thing to be read but the last element you should write. However, Pat Thomson , professor of education at the University of Nottingham , advises that it is not something to be tackled at the last minute.

How to write a stellar conclusion

As well as chapter conclusions, a thesis often has an overall conclusion to draw together the key points covered and to reflect on the unique contribution to knowledge. It can comment on future implications of the research and open up new ideas emanating from the work. It is shorter and more general than the discussion chapter , says online editing site Scribbr, and reiterates how the work answers the main question posed at the beginning of the thesis. The conclusion chapter also often discusses the limitations of the research (time, scope, word limit, access) in a constructive manner.

It can be useful to keep a collection of ideas as you go – in the online forum DoctoralWriting SIG , academic developer Claire Aitchison, of the University of South Australia , suggests using a “conclusions bank” for themes and inspirations, and using free-writing to keep this final section fresh. (Just when you feel you’ve run out of steam.) Avoid aggrandising or exaggerating the impact of your work. It should remind the reader what has been done, and why it matters.

How to format a bibliography (or where to find a reliable model)

Most universities use a preferred style of references , writes THE associate editor Ingrid Curl. Make sure you know what this is and follow it. “One of the most common errors in academic writing is to cite papers in the text that do not then appear in the bibliography. All references in your thesis need to be cross-checked with the bibliography before submission. Using a database during your research can save a great deal of time in the writing-up process.”

A bibliography contains not only works cited explicitly but also those that have informed or contributed to the research – and as such illustrates its scope; works are not limited to written publications but include sources such as film or visual art.

Examiners can start marking from the back of the script, writes Dr Brabazon. “Just as cooks are judged by their ingredients and implements, we judge doctoral students by the calibre of their sources,” she advises. She also says that candidates should be prepared to speak in an oral examination of the PhD about any texts included in their bibliography, especially if there is a disconnect between the thesis and the texts listed.

Can I use informal language in my PhD?

Don’t write like a stereotypical academic , say Kevin Haggerty, professor of sociology at the University of Alberta , and Aaron Doyle, associate professor in sociology at Carleton University , in their tongue-in-cheek guide to the PhD journey. “If you cannot write clearly and persuasively, everything about PhD study becomes harder.” Avoid jargon, exotic words, passive voice and long, convoluted sentences – and work on it consistently. “Writing is like playing guitar; it can improve only through consistent, concerted effort.”

Be deliberate and take care with your writing . “Write your first draft, leave it and then come back to it with a critical eye. Look objectively at the writing and read it closely for style and sense,” advises THE ’s Ms Curl. “Look out for common errors such as dangling modifiers, subject-verb disagreement and inconsistency. If you are too involved with the text to be able to take a step back and do this, then ask a friend or colleague to read it with a critical eye. Remember Hemingway’s advice: ‘Prose is architecture, not interior decoration.’ Clarity is key.”

How often should a PhD candidate meet with their supervisor?

Since the PhD supervisor provides a range of support and advice – including on research techniques, planning and submission – regular formal supervisions are essential, as is establishing a line of contact such as email if the candidate needs help or advice outside arranged times. The frequency varies according to university, discipline and individual scholars.

Once a week is ideal, says Dr Brabazon. She also advocates a two-hour initial meeting to establish the foundations of the candidate-supervisor relationship .

The University of Edinburgh guide to writing a thesis suggests that creating a timetable of supervisor meetings right at the beginning of the research process will allow candidates to ensure that their work stays on track throughout. The meetings are also the place to get regular feedback on draft chapters.

“A clear structure and a solid framework are vital for research,” writes Dr Godwin on THE Campus . Use your supervisor to establish this and provide a realistic view of what can be achieved. “It is vital to help students identify the true scientific merit, the practical significance of their work and its value to society.”

How to proofread your dissertation (what to look for)

Proofreading is the final step before printing and submission. Give yourself time to ensure that your work is the best it can be . Don’t leave proofreading to the last minute; ideally, break it up into a few close-reading sessions. Find a quiet place without distractions. A checklist can help ensure that all aspects are covered.

Proofing is often helped by a change of format – so it can be easier to read a printout rather than working off the screen – or by reading sections out of order. Fresh eyes are better at spotting typographical errors and inconsistencies, so leave time between writing and proofreading. Check with your university’s policies before asking another person to proofread your thesis for you.

As well as close details such as spelling and grammar, check that all sections are complete, all required elements are included , and nothing is repeated or redundant. Don’t forget to check headings and subheadings. Does the text flow from one section to another? Is the structure clear? Is the work a coherent whole with a clear line throughout?

Ensure consistency in, for example, UK v US spellings, capitalisation, format, numbers (digits or words, commas, units of measurement), contractions, italics and hyphenation. Spellchecks and online plagiarism checkers are also your friend.

How do you manage your time to complete a PhD dissertation?

Treat your PhD like a full-time job, that is, with an eight-hour working day. Within that, you’ll need to plan your time in a way that gives a sense of progress . Setbacks and periods where it feels as if you are treading water are all but inevitable, so keeping track of small wins is important, writes A Happy PhD blogger Luis P. Prieto.

Be specific with your goals – use the SMART acronym (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely).

And it’s never too soon to start writing – even if early drafts are overwritten and discarded.

“ Write little and write often . Many of us make the mistake of taking to writing as one would take to a sprint, in other words, with relatively short bursts of intense activity. Whilst this can prove productive, generally speaking it is not sustainable…In addition to sustaining your activity, writing little bits on a frequent basis ensures that you progress with your thinking. The comfort of remaining in abstract thought is common; writing forces us to concretise our thinking,” says Christian Gilliam, AHSS researcher developer at the University of Cambridge ’s Centre for Teaching and Learning.

Make time to write. “If you are more alert early in the day, find times that suit you in the morning; if you are a ‘night person’, block out some writing sessions in the evenings,” advises NUI Galway’s Dermot Burns, a lecturer in English and creative arts. Set targets, keep daily notes of experiment details that you will need in your thesis, don’t confuse writing with editing or revising – and always back up your work.

What work-life balance tips should I follow to complete my dissertation?

During your PhD programme, you may have opportunities to take part in professional development activities, such as teaching, attending academic conferences and publishing your work. Your research may include residencies, field trips or archive visits. This will require time-management skills as well as prioritising where you devote your energy and factoring in rest and relaxation. Organise your routine to suit your needs , and plan for steady and regular progress.

How to deal with setbacks while writing a thesis or dissertation

Have a contingency plan for delays or roadblocks such as unexpected results.

Accept that writing is messy, first drafts are imperfect, and writer’s block is inevitable, says Dr Burns. His tips for breaking it include relaxation to free your mind from clutter, writing a plan and drawing a mind map of key points for clarity. He also advises feedback, reflection and revision: “Progressing from a rough version of your thoughts to a superior and workable text takes time, effort, different perspectives and some expertise.”

“Academia can be a relentlessly brutal merry-go-round of rejection, rebuttal and failure,” writes Lorraine Hope , professor of applied cognitive psychology at the University of Portsmouth, on THE Campus. Resilience is important. Ensure that you and your supervisor have a relationship that supports open, frank, judgement-free communication.

If you would like advice and insight from academics and university staff delivered direct to your inbox each week, sign up for the Campus newsletter .

Authoring a PhD Thesis: How to Plan, Draft, Write and Finish a Doctoral Dissertation (2003), by Patrick Dunleavy

Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day: A Guide to Starting, Revising, and Finishing Your Doctoral Thesis (1998), by Joan Balker

Challenges in Writing Your Dissertation: Coping with the Emotional, Interpersonal, and Spiritual Struggles (2015), by Noelle Sterne

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PhD Thesis Guide

This phd thesis guide will guide you step-by-step through the thesis process, from your initial letter of intent to submission of the final document..

All associated forms are conveniently consolidated in the section at the end.

Deadlines & Requirements

Students should register for HST.ThG during any term in which they are conducting research towards their thesis. Regardless of year in program students registered for HST.ThG in a regular term (fall or spring) must meet with their research advisor and complete the  Semi-Annual PhD Student Progress Review Form to receive credit.

Years 1 - 2

• Students participating in lab rotations during year 1, may use the optional MEMP Rotation Registration Form , to formalize the arrangement and can earn academic credit by enrolling in HST.599. 
• A first letter of intent ( LOI-1 ) proposing a general area of thesis research and research advisor is required by April 30th of the second year of registration.
• A second letter of intent ( LOI-2 ) proposing a thesis committee membership and providing a more detailed description of the thesis research is required by April 30th of the third year of registration for approval by the HST-IMES Committee on Academic Programs (HICAP).

Year 4 

• Beginning in year 4, (or after the LOI-2 is approved) the student must meet with their thesis committee at least once per semester.
• Students must formally defend their proposal before the approved thesis committee, and submit their committee approved proposal to HICAP  by April 30 of the forth year of registration.
• Meetings with the thesis committee must be held at least once per semester. 

HST has developed these policies to help keep students on track as they progress through their PhD program. Experience shows that students make more rapid progress towards graduation when they interact regularly with a faculty committee and complete their thesis proposal by the deadline.

Getting Started

Check out these resources  for finding a research lab.

The Thesis Committee: Roles and Responsibilities

Students perform doctoral thesis work under the guidance of a thesis committee consisting of at least three faculty members from Harvard and MIT (including a chair and a research advisor) who will help guide the research. Students are encouraged to form their thesis committee early in the course of the research and in any case by the end of the third year of registration. The HST IMES Committee on Academic Programs (HICAP) approves the composition of the thesis committee via the letter of intent and the thesis proposal (described below). 

Research Advisor

The research advisor is responsible for overseeing the student's thesis project. The research advisor is expected to:

• oversee the research and mentor the student;
• provide a supportive research environment, facilities, and financial support;
• discuss expectations, progress, and milestones with the student and complete the  Semi-Annual PhD Student Progress Review Form each semester;
• assist the student to prepare for the oral qualifying exam;
• guide the student in selecting the other members of the thesis committee;
• help the student prepare for, and attend, meetings of the full thesis committee, to be held at least once per semester;
• help the student prepare for, and attend, the thesis defense;
• evaluate the final thesis document.

The research advisor is chosen by the student and must be a faculty member of MIT* or Harvard University and needs no further approval.  HICAP may approve other individuals as research advisor on a student-by-student basis. Students are advised to request approval of non-faculty research advisors as soon as possible.  In order to avoid conflicts of interest, the research advisor may not also be the student's academic advisor. In the event that an academic advisor becomes the research advisor, a new academic advisor will be assigned.

The student and their research advisor must complete the Semi-Annual PhD Student Progress Review during each regular term in order to receive academic credit for research.  Download Semi Annual Review Form

*MIT Senior Research Staff are considered equivalent to faculty members for the purposes of research advising. No additional approval is required.

Thesis Committee Chair

Each HST PhD thesis committee is headed administratively by a chair, chosen by the student in consultation with the research advisor. The thesis committee chair is expected to:

• provide advice and guidance concerning the thesis research; 
• oversee meetings of the full thesis committee, to be held at least once per semester;
• preside at the thesis defense; 
• review and evaluate the final thesis document.

The thesis committee chair must be well acquainted with the academic policies and procedures of the institution granting the student's degree and be familiar with the student's area of research. The research advisor may not simultaneously serve as thesis committee chair.

For HST PhD students earning degrees through MIT, the thesis committee chair must be an MIT faculty member. A select group of HST program faculty without primary appointments at MIT have been pre-approved by HICAP to chair PhD theses awarded by HST at MIT in cases where the MIT research advisor is an MIT faculty member.**

HST PhD students earning their degree through Harvard follow thesis committee requirements set by the unit granting their degree - either the Biophysics Program or the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS).

** List of non-MIT HST faculty approved to chair MIT thesis proposals when the research advisor is an MIT faculty member.

In addition to the research advisor and the thesis committee chair, the thesis committee must include one or more readers. Readers are expected to:

• attend meetings of the full thesis committee, to be held at least once per semester;
• attend the thesis defense; 

Faculty members with relevant expertise from outside of Harvard/MIT may serve as readers, but they may only be counted toward the required three if approved by HICAP.

The members of the thesis committee should have complementary expertise that collectively covers the areas needed to advise a student's thesis research. The committee should also be diverse, so that members are able to offer different perspectives on the student's research. When forming a thesis committee, it is helpful to consider the following questions: 

• Do the individuals on the committee collectively have the appropriate expertise for the project?
• Does the committee include at least one individual who can offer different perspectives on the student's research?  The committee should include at least one person who is not closely affiliated with the student's primary lab. Frequent collaborators are acceptable in this capacity if their work exhibits intellectual independence from the research advisor.
• If the research has a near-term clinical application, does the committee include someone who can add a translational or clinical perspective?  
• Does the committee conform to HST policies in terms of number, academic appointments, and affiliations of the committee members, research advisor, and thesis committee chair as described elsewhere on this page?

[Friendly advice: Although there is no maximum committee size, three or four is considered optimal. Committees of five members are possible, but more than five is unwieldy.]

Thesis Committee Meetings

Students must meet with their thesis committee at least once each semester beginning in the fourth year of registration. It is the student's responsibility to schedule these meetings; students who encounter difficulties in arranging regular committee meetings can contact Julie Greenberg at jgreenbe [at] mit.edu (jgreenbe[at]mit[dot]edu) .

The format of the thesis committee meeting is at the discretion of the thesis committee chair. In some cases, the following sequence may be helpful:

• The thesis committee chair, research advisor, and readers meet briefly without the student in the room;
• The thesis committee chair and readers meet briefly with the student, without the advisor in the room;
• The student presents their research progress, answers questions, and seeks guidance from the members of the thesis committee;

Please note that thesis committee meetings provide an important opportunity for students to present their research and respond to questions. Therefore, it is in the student's best interest for the research advisor to refrain from defending the research in this setting.

Letters of Intent

Students must submit two letters of intent ( LOI-1 and LOI-2 ) with applicable signatures. 

In LOI-1, students identify a research advisor and a general area of thesis research, described in 100 words or less. It should include the area of expertise of the research advisor and indicate whether IRB approval (Institutional Review Board; for research involving human subjects) and/or IACUC approval (Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee; for research involving vertebrate animals) will be required and, if so, from which institutions. LOI-1 is due by April 30 of the second year of registration and and should be submitted to HICAP, c/o Traci Anderson in E25-518. 

In LOI-2, students provide a description of the thesis research, describing the Background and Significance of the research and making a preliminary statement of Specific Aims (up to 400 words total). In LOI-2, a student also proposes the membership of their thesis committee. In addition to the research advisor, the proposed thesis committee must include a chair and one or more readers, all selected to meet the specified criteria . LOI-2 is due by April 30th of the third year of registration and should be submitted to HICAP, c/o Traci Anderson in E25-518.

LOI-2 is reviewed by the HST-IMES Committee on Academic Programs (HICAP) to determine if the proposed committee meets the specified criteria and if the committee members collectively have the complementary expertise needed to advise the student in executing the proposed research. If HICAP requests any changes to the proposed committee, the student must submit a revised LOI-2 for HICAP review by September 30th of the fourth year of registration. HICAP must approve LOI-2 before the student can proceed to presenting and submitting their thesis proposal. Any changes to the thesis committee membership following HICAP approval of LOI-2 and prior to defense of the thesis proposal must be reported by submitting a revised LOI-2 form to HICAP, c/o tanderso [at] mit.edu (Traci Anderson) . After final HICAP approval of LOI-2, which confirms the thesis committee membership, the student may proceed to present their thesis proposal to the approved thesis committee, as described in the next section.

Students are strongly encouraged to identify tentative thesis committee members and begin meeting with them as early as possible to inform the direction of their research. Following submission of LOI-2, students are required to hold at least one thesis committee meeting per semester. Students must document these meetings via the Semi- Annual PhD Student Progress Review form in order to receive a grade reflecting satisfactory progress in HST.ThG.

Thesis Proposal and Proposal Presentation

For MEMP students receiving their degrees through MIT, successful completion of the Oral Qualifying Exam is a prerequisite for the thesis proposal presentation. For MEMP students receiving their degrees through Harvard, the oral qualifying exam satisfies the proposal presentation requirement.

Proposal Document

Each student must present a thesis proposal to a thesis committee that has been approved by HICAP via the LOI-2 and then submit a full proposal package to HICAP by April 30th of the fourth year of registration. The only exception is for students who substantially change their research focus after the fall term of their third year; in those cases the thesis proposal must be submitted within three semesters of joining a new lab. Students registering for thesis research (HST.THG) who have not met this deadline may be administratively assigned a grade of "U" (unsatisfactory) and receive an academic warning.

The written proposal should be no longer than 4500 words, excluding references. This is intended to help students develop their proposal-writing skills by gaining experience composing a practical proposal; the length is comparable to that required for proposals to the NIH R03 Small Research Grant Program. The proposal should clearly define the research problem, describe the proposed research plan, and defend the significance of the work. Preliminary results are not required. If the proposal consists of multiple aims, with the accomplishment of later aims based on the success of earlier ones, then the proposal should describe a contingency plan in case the early results are not as expected.

Proposal Presentation

The student must formally defend the thesis proposal before the full thesis committee that has been approved by HICAP.

Students should schedule the meeting and reserve a conference room and any audio visual equipment they may require for their presentation. To book a conference room in E25, please contact Joseph Stein ( jrstein [at] mit.edu (jrstein[at]mit[dot]edu) ).

Following the proposal presentation, students should make any requested modifications to the proposal for the committee members to review. Once the committee approves the proposal, the student should obtain the signatures of the committee members on the forms described below as part of the proposal submission package.

[Friendly advice: As a professional courtesy, be sure your committee members have a complete version of your thesis proposal at least one week in advance of the proposal presentation.]

Submission of Proposal Package

When the thesis committee has approved the proposal, the student submits the proposal package to HICAP, c/o Traci Anderson in E25-518, for final approval. HICAP may reject a thesis proposal if it has been defended before a committee that was not previously approved via the LOI-2.

The proposal package includes the following: 

• the proposal document
• a brief description of the project background and significance that explains why the work is important;
• the specific aims of the proposal, including a contingency plan if needed; and
• an indication of the methods to be used to accomplish the specific aims.
• signed research advisor agreement form(s);
• signed chair agreement form (which confirms a successful proposal defense);
• signed reader agreement form(s).

Thesis Proposal Forms

• SAMPLE Title Page (doc)
• Research Advisor Agreement Form (pdf)
• Chair Agreement Form (pdf)
• Reader Agreement Form (pdf)

Thesis Defense and Final Thesis Document

When the thesis is substantially complete and fully acceptable to the thesis committee, a public thesis defense is scheduled for the student to present his/her work to the thesis committee and other members of the community. The thesis defense is the last formal examination required for receipt of a doctoral degree. To be considered "public", a defense must be announced to the community at least five working days in advance. At the defense, the thesis committee determines if the research presented is sufficient for granting a doctoral degree. Following a satisfactory thesis defense, the student submits the final thesis document, approved by the research advisor, to Traci Anderson via email (see instructions below).

[Friendly advice: Contact jrstein [at] mit.edu (Joseph Stein) at least two weeks before your scheduled date to arrange for advertising via email and posters. A defense can be canceled for insufficient public notice.]

Before the Thesis Defense 

Committee Approves Student to Defend: The thesis committee, working with the student and reviewing thesis drafts, concludes that the doctoral work is complete. The student should discuss the structure of the defense (general guidelines below) with the thesis committee chair and the research advisor. 

Schedule the Defense: The student schedules a defense at a time when all members of the thesis committee will be physical present. Any exceptions must be approved in advance by the IMES/HST Academic Office.

Reserve Room: It is the student's responsibility to reserve a room and any necessary equipment. Please contact imes-reservation [at] mit.edu (subject: E25%20Room%20Reservation) (IMES Reservation) to  reserve rooms E25-140, E25-141, E25-119/121, E25-521. 

Final Draft: A complete draft of the thesis document is due to the thesis committee two weeks prior to the thesis defense to allow time for review.  The thesis should be written as a single cohesive document; it may include content from published papers (see libraries website on " Use of Previously Published Material in a Thesis ") but it may not be a simple compilation of previously published materials.

Publicize the Defense:   The IMES/HST Academic Office invites the community to attend the defense via email and a notice on the HST website. This requires that the student email a thesis abstract and supplemental information to  jrstein [at] mit.edu (Joseph Stein)  two weeks prior to the thesis defense. The following information should be included: Date and time, Location, (Zoom invitation with password, if offering a hybrid option), Thesis Title, Names of committee members, with academic and professional titles and institutional affiliations. The abstract is limited to 250 words for the poster, but students may optionally submit a second, longer abstract for the email announcement.

Thesis Defense Guidelines

Public Defense: The student should prepare a presentation of 45-60 minutes in length, to be followed by a public question and answer period of 15–30 minutes at discretion of the chair.

Committee Discussion:  Immediately following the public thesis presentation, the student meets privately with the thesis committee and any other faculty members present to explore additional questions at the discretion of the faculty. Then the thesis committee meets in executive session and determines whether the thesis defense was satisfactory. The committee may suggest additions or editorial changes to the thesis document at this point.

Chair Confirms Pass: After the defense, the thesis committee chair should inform Traci Anderson of the outcome via email to tanderso [at] mit.edu (tanderso[at]mit[dot]edu) .

Submitting the Final Thesis Document

Please refer to the MIT libraries  thesis formatting guidelines .

Title page notes. Sample title page  from the MIT Libraries.

Program line : should read, "Submitted to the Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology, in partial fulfillment of the the requirements for the degree of ... "

Copyright : Starting with the June 2023 degree period and as reflected in the  MIT Thesis Specifications , all students retain the copyright of their thesis.  Please review this section for how to list on your title page Signature Page: On the "signed" version, only the student and research advisor should sign. Thesis committee members are not required to sign. On the " Accepted by " line, please list: Collin M. Stultz, MD, PhD/Director, Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology/ Nina T. and Robert H. Rubin Professor in Medical Engineering and Science/Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

The Academic Office will obtain Professor Stultz's signature.

Thesis Submission Components.  As of 4/2021, the MIT libraries have changed their thesis submissions guidelines and are no longer accepting hard copy theses submissions. For most recent guidance from the libraries:  https://libguides.mit.edu/mit-thesis-faq/instructions  

Submit to the Academic Office, via email ( tanderso [at] mit.edu (tanderso[at]mit[dot]edu) )

pdf/A-1 of the final thesis should include an UNSIGNED title page

A separate file with a SIGNED title page by the student and advisor, the Academic Office will get Dr. Collin Stultz's signature.

For the MIT Library thesis processing, fill out the "Thesis Information" here:  https://thesis-submit.mit.edu/

File Naming Information:  https://libguides.mit.edu/

Survey of Earned Doctorates.  The University Provost’s Office will contact all doctoral candidates via email with instructions for completing this survey.

Links to All Forms in This Guide

• MEMP Rotation Form (optional)
• Semi-Annual Progress Review Form
• Letter of Intent One
• Letter of Intent Two

Final Thesis

• HST Sample thesis title page  (signed and unsigned)
• Sample thesis title page  (MIT Libraries)

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

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Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

Take our quiz and we'll do the homework for you! Compare your school matches and apply to your top choice today.

A Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy, is the highest level of academic degree that you can attain. Consisting primarily of research, a Ph.D. prepares you for a career in academia or research in the field you study.

Students who choose to pursue a Ph.D. online will find it can be completed in less time. Online students also get the added benefit of being able to complete their work from the comfort of home. The overall cost may also be less compared to an in-person program.

We’ve compiled a list of the best accredited online Ph.D. programs to help you start your search.

Are Online Ph.D. Programs Worth It?

An online Ph.D. program is an ideal choice if you want to balance your career and family responsibilities along with your education.

While there are some preconceived notions that online programs aren’t legitimate, as long as the program you choose is accredited, the degree is the same as one earned in person.

While the annual tuition cost to earn a Ph.D. online averages $12,394 for a public institution and $26,621 for a private university, doctoral graduates enjoy a lower unemployment rate and higher weekly salary than those with less education, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Did You Know…

• According to the BLS , workers with a doctoral degree earned a median of $651 more per week than workers with a bachelor’s degree in 2022.
• Doctorate-holders boast some of the lowest unemployment rates at 1%.
• In 2019, research found that 39.8% of graduate students were enrolled in online learning.
• The number of doctorates awarded between 2020 and 2021 dropped by 5.4%.
• Not all Ph.D.-holders end up working in academia.

Top Schools for Online Accredited Ph.D. Programs

Capitol technology university.

• Campus + Online
• In-State $25,830
• Out-of-state $25,830
• Retention Rate 75%
• Acceptance Rate 47%
• Students Enrolled 796
• Institution Type Private
• Percent Online Enrollment 98%
• Accreditation Yes

Clemson University

• In-State $14,118
• Out-of-state $37,110
• Retention Rate 94%
• Acceptance Rate 49%
• Students Enrolled 27,341
• Institution Type Public
• Percent Online Enrollment 49%

Keiser University

• In-State $20,800
• Out-of-state $20,800
• Retention Rate 72%
• Acceptance Rate 96%
• Students Enrolled 19,861
• Percent Online Enrollment 50%

Mississippi State University

• In-State $9,110
• Out-of-state $24,790
• Retention Rate 81%
• Acceptance Rate 76%
• Students Enrolled 23,086
• Percent Online Enrollment 43%

Nova Southeastern University

• In-State $33,510
• Out-of-state $33,510
• Retention Rate 78%
• Acceptance Rate 93%
• Students Enrolled 20,898
• Percent Online Enrollment 52%

Old Dominion University

• In-State $7,029
• Out-of-state $26,664
• Students Enrolled 23,494
• Percent Online Enrollment 76%

Saybrook University

• In-State $0
• Out-of-state $0
• Retention Rate 0%
• Acceptance Rate 0%
• Students Enrolled 915
• Percent Online Enrollment 100%

Texas Tech University

• In-State $8,935
• Out-of-state $21,204
• Retention Rate 85%
• Acceptance Rate 68%
• Students Enrolled 40,542
• Percent Online Enrollment 68%

How We Rank Schools

Accredited Schools Online uses a custom ranking system to evaluate schools on their quality, affordability, and reputation.

We rank schools using factors like graduation rate, admission rate, tuition costs, financial aid, and program offerings. All our ranked schools hold institutional accreditation .

For this page, we created a directory of online accredited Ph.D. programs that meet our criteria. The list is organized alphabetically rather than ranked.

Learn more about how we create school rankings on our methodology page .

Does Accreditation Matter for Online Ph.D. Programs?

A college is accredited after being recognized by an independent institution that verifies the school’s courses and programs meet set quality standards.

The school you choose must be accredited in order for your Ph.D. to be recognized by employers , earn professional licensures, and qualify you for federal financial aid.

Legitimate accreditors are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

How Much Does an Online Ph.D. Cost?

In general, you can expect to pay around $13,000-$30,000 per year in tuition and fees for your online Ph.D.

Several factors affect how much your Ph.D. program will cost, including:

• Whether the program is fully funded
• Whether your school is public or private
• Whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student
• How long your program lasts (most Ph.D. programs take 5-7 years to complete)
• How much financial aid you get

While many in-person and online doctoral programs in the U.S. are fully funded, these tend to be highly competitive.

One way to save money on your online Ph.D. is to attend a program that offers in-state tuition to residents. Make sure you submit the FAFSA each year so you can secure federal financial aid .

You may also need to budget for occasional travel to and from campus and research sites, especially as you work on your dissertation.

What’s the Difference Between a Ph.D. and a Doctorate?

While a Ph.D. and a doctoral degree, or doctorate, both signify the same level of education completed, their uses are different.

Doctorate is the broader term — a Ph.D. is a type of doctorate. Specifically, a Ph.D. is an academic degree that prepares you for a career in research or teaching in your field of study (such as science, English, or economics).

Besides a Ph.D., other types of doctorates include a doctor of medicine (MD), a doctor of education (Ed.D.), and a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). These degrees are typically used in either an academic or professional setting.

Online Ph.D. Programs That Don’t Require a Dissertation

A dissertation is a final written project culminating in a student’s original research at the end of their Ph.D. program. A dissertation is typically presented and defended by its author. It’s typically required for degrees with an academic or research focus.

Not all Ph.D. programs require a dissertation. For example, some Ph.D. programs in humanities, education, business administration, and criminal justice require simple or no dissertations for a quicker completion time .

What Jobs Can You Get After Earning an Online Ph.D.?

Once you finish your online doctoral program, you can explore a variety of career paths both within and outside academia.

Many Ph.D. graduates, especially those who studied the humanities, go on to become professors. Other popular roles include administrator, scientist, and psychologist.

Graduates of online Ph.D. programs earn a relatively high average base salary of $105,000 a year, according to Payscale .

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Ph.D. Programs

What is the quickest ph.d. to get.

The quickest Ph.D. to earn are those that award professional degrees and don’t require extensive research projects or dissertations at completion. These Ph.D. programs can include accounting, business, education, and media.

To finish your degree faster, you can also look for accelerated programs that quicken the pace of a program and shorten the time it takes to complete.

Are online doctoral programs legit?

If the online doctoral program is accredited, it is legitimate. Accreditation ensures that the program meets the rigorous educational standards of other comparative doctoral programs.

With accreditation, employers and other institutions of higher learning will recognize your degree. As more universities turn toward online programs to serve a more diverse student population, there are a growing number of legitimate, accredited online Ph.D. programs.

How long are online Ph.D. programs?

Online Ph.D. programs, like any other doctoral program, can vary in length but typically take 5-7 years to complete. A doctoral degree balances coursework with research. Usually, students must meet a certain number of course requirements before they can start original research.

While coursework may take only a year or two, writing a dissertation that meets the program requirements varies from candidate to candidate.

Can I earn my Ph.D. entirely online?

Yes, many accredited colleges and universities offer 100% online Ph.D. programs. That said, some programs may require on-campus experiences, such as library research and a dissertation defense.

What do employers think of online doctoral programs?

It takes a high level of discipline and persistence to obtain a graduate degree, no matter the context. Most employers will recognize and value the hard work it takes to get a Ph.D., whether you completed your doctorate online or in person.

Make sure you research potential programs. If you’re attending an accredited, well-regarded school, employers will value your online Ph.D. just as much as a traditional one.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed November 20, 2023.

Online Ph.D. programs provide students with flexible schedules and affordable tuition. Check out the top-ranked programs in this comprehensive guide.

Best Accredited Online Master’s Programs 2024

Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2024

Shape your future with an online degree.

Connect with a community of peers, and find a program that will allow you to continue your education in a fast and flexible way.

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5 routes to getting a Doctorate

While most of those studying for a PhD take the PhD by thesis pathway, there are five viable routes to achieving a Doctorate degree

PhD by thesis

This is the most common means of getting a Doctorate degree. Over the three or four years of research at university, your PhD supervisor will support you as you aim to produce a thesis based on your research proposal .

A thesis is typically 60,000-90,000 words in length - although this can vary between institutions. For instance, the University of Glasgow's College of Social Sciences expects a thesis to be 70,000-100,000 words including references, bibliography and appendices, while the University of Cambridge has set an upper limit of 80,000 words.

Once completed, you'll need to defend your PhD thesis in front of a panel of examiners during your viva voce .

PhD by publication

This route involves submitting previously published work - such as books, book chapters and journal articles, which together form a coherent body of work and show evidence of an original contribution to a particular field of study.

It's often taken by mid-career academics that haven't had the opportunity to undertake a standard Doctorate degree.

Generally, a minimum of five to eight published pieces are required, but this varies between institutions and depends on their length. The published work will be assessed to the same rigorous standards as a traditional PhD by thesis.

You must also provide a written supporting statement, which can range from 5,000 to 20,000 words, and present your work to an academic committee. A supervisor will assist you with selecting which publications to submit and with the supporting statement.

Some universities accept only their own graduates for a PhD by publication, while others restrict this route to their academic staff. In general, you should have graduated from your first degree at least seven years ago to be eligible.

For example, The University of Manchester has published its own Guidance for the PhD By Published Work , with eligibility only extending to current members of staff.

Professional Doctorate

Geared primarily towards current professionals in vocational sectors such as healthcare , teaching and education , and engineering and manufacturing , this type of Doctorate degree includes a significant taught component and a smaller research project.

Professional Doctorates are often taken on a part-time basis and can last between two and eight years. Like their standard PhD counterparts, they usually begin in October or January.

While you won't typically be looking to get an academic job , your research is expected to contribute to theory as well as professional practice. Projects often revolve around a real-life issue that affects your employer.

Several professional Doctorates, such as the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), are accredited by a professional body - for instance, the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) and The British Psychological Society (BPS) - and may also lead to a professional qualification .

Common titles for graduates of professional Doctorate degrees include:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Education (EdD)
• Doctor of Engineering (EngD)
• Doctor of Medicine (MD).

Unlike many professional Doctorates, the EngD is typically offered as a full-time course and is aimed at young engineering graduates with little or no professional experience.

Explore what's currently available at Find a Professional Doctorate .

Integrated PhD

This four-year qualification, also known as the New Route PhD, involves studying a one-year research Masters degree (MRes) before progressing onto a three-year PhD.

Offered by a select number of universities across the UK, integrated PhDs are supported by the government and the British Council through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) . Visit Research Council funding for further information on research and funding for different types of PhD.

The integrated PhD involves a combination of taught materials, practical experience and advanced research. This allows you to learn subject-specific methodologies, while building the transferable skills that will enable you to become a leader in your chosen profession.

Institutions can also develop personalised integrated PhD programmes to meet each student's needs. For example, universities may offer you the opportunity to gain a postgraduate certificate (PGCert) in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education - perfect if you're considering a career as a higher education lecturer .

As PhDs are based primarily on independent research rather than time spent in lectures and seminars, distance learning has always been a viable route for many Doctoral students.

PhDs by distance learning offered by course providers such as The Open University are therefore a good option to consider if you've got family or work commitments or are an international student - as this gives you the chance to undertake Doctoral research without having to live close to your chosen institution. It's also a suitable mode of study if your subject requires you to be based in a specific location away from the university.

For the most part, you'll be in touch with your supervisor by phone, email or Skype/Zoom. You'll need to bear in mind that even if you opt for this form of research, you'll generally still need to attend university for one or two weeks of each academic year for meetings and to receive research skills training. Your final examination may be undertaken either face-to-face or virtually.

With online PhDs, you can usually register as a full or part-time student. The level of fees you pay varies between institutions - some charge the same as for a standard PhD while others offer a reduced rate.

Check that any funding you plan to apply for is available to distance learning students, as this isn't always the case.

Search for distance learning PhDs .

Find out more

• Explore what is a PhD?
• Sort out funding for postgraduate study .
• Consider what to do after completing your PhD .

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Capstone Form and Style

Programs: phd dissertation, phd dissertation resources.

• PhD Premise Template

The qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods PhD dissertation templates contain subheadings that align with the required content in the PhD Dissertation Checklists for these methodologies. The generic PhD dissertation template is not methodology-specific and lacks many of these subheadings.

• PhD Dissertation Template (Qualitative)
• PhD Dissertation Template (Quantitative)
• PhD Dissertation Template (Mixed Methods)
• PhD Dissertation Template (Generic)

Beginning June 1, 2020, all prospectus starts should use the new PhD Prospectus Form found on the  Doctoral Prospectus Form  page.

For more information on the prospectus for your program, check the resources for PhD programs on the Office of Research and Doctoral Services'  Doctoral Capstone and Project Resources page .

PhD Management Dissertation Templates

• PhD Management Annotated Dissertation Template (Qualitative)
• PhD Management Annotated Dissertation Template (Quantitative)
• Instructions for Using the PhD Management Annotated Dissertation Templates

To prepare for the form and style review, use the following checklist, which is the same checklist we use when we review capstone manuscripts and the checklist we return to the student and committee along with their completed review.

• Form and Style Review Checklist

Doctoral Capstone Template Guidance

To accompany the doctoral capstone template document, here is some information to note when first beginning to use the template.

• The document may contain various front matter elements (i.e., two title pages, the abstract, a Dedication page, and an Acknowledgements page), a Table of Contents (TOC), Lists of Tables and Figures, the document body text, a References list, and Appendices.
• Students should ensure that the text in brackets [ ] on the two title pages is changed to reflect their own information and then remove the brackets. This includes the title, name, degrees earned, degree program, and date of anticipated completion.
• Begin using the template by copying and pasting the text from a working document into the appropriate headings of the template and references to the reference list.

How to tag headings (so that headings show up in the TOC):

• Most headings are already placed into the document. Headings students add (i.e., primarily for the literature review and results chapters and sections) should be added by creating a new heading and tagging it so that it appears in the TOC when updated.
• Add a heading by first ensuring that the pilcrow [ ¶ ] is turned on—this allows the writer to see hidden formatting in the document that should not be deleted (e.g., page breaks and section breaks).
• Add the heading by placing the cursor where the heading should be inserted and creating a hard return.
• Then type the text for the heading and highlight it with the cursor, ensuring that you do NOT highlight the pilcrow.
• Once the text is highlighted, choose the appropriate APA Style heading from the Styles box on the Home tab. This is called tagging a heading. HINT: The Styles tab may need to be expanded by clicking on the small box with the arrow at the bottom of the Styles section. 

How to update the TOC (to bring in new headings and update page numbers):

• Once new headings have been added or text created or inserted such that the page numbers have shifted, the TOC should be updated.
• Update the TOC by clicking on it with the cursor so that the section becomes grey.
• Then, right click (or control click on a Mac) and choose “Update field.”
• Depending on whether headings or just text has been added, choose “Update entire table” or “Update page numbers only.”

Template and Formatting Resources:

• Form and Style Document Formatting Expectations , including information on APA, margins, pagination, etc.
• SMRTguide on Fixing Errors in the TOC
• Academic Skills Center (ASC) Capstone Template Formatting Videos
• For questions regarding layout formatting in the doctoral capstone, contact [email protected]  

About the PhD Dissertation

Students start the dissertation by documenting their initial investigation into a research topic, which is used to make decisions about the capstone and is provided to prospective faculty members of the supervisory committee. In all PhD programs, this document is called the Premise, which is followed by a Prospectus The Prospectus is a second document used to confirm the topic for the proposal and the structure of the dissertation committee.

Guides for completing these documents can be found on the Office of Research and Doctoral Services website . The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition style should be used for both the Premise and the Prospectus, as well as for the proposal and final study.

The Dissertation Guidebook , available at the Office of Research and Doctoral Services's website, is a complete resource for information on form and style, steps in the dissertation process, and procedures. We also offer a series of capstone webinars on a variety of capstone-related topics.

For questions about writing the proposal, dissertation, thesis, or doctoral study, contact [email protected] .

Confused about assumptions, limitations, and delimitations? See Jen's blog post .

• Previous Page: EdD Dissertation/Project Study
• Next Page: PsyD Doctoral Study
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The European Postgraduate & Research Studies - Avrio Institute

In cooperation with the European Programme of UCN & Azteca Universities | The Official Branch Campus in Switzerland

🇨🇭 Avrio Institute in Geneva 🇨🇭 European Postgraduate & Research Studies

Programme summary, doctor of philosophy in business administration international relations social sciences management psychology economics health sciences international law education management environmental management, recognition.

Please find Clauses: §21, §2, §20 , §19 & §3

Degree Title

Please find Clauses: § 17

Affordable Tuition Fees

Please find Clause: § 22 & Fees section

Study Method

Online & Thesis-Based Programme

Duration and Graduation

One-Year Master, 2-3 Years for Doctorate

Available Intake

Apply today to start within 20 days

Transfer Credits

Yes, Available! Please find Clauses: § 10

Study Areas

Please find Clauses: § 5

The Study Language

English, French, German, Italian, Arabic & Spanish

Online study programme For Master and Doctoral Levels in Business Administration, Economics, Education, Environmental Management, Environmental Sciences, Health Sciences, International Law, International Relations, Management, Psychology and Social Sciences. Avrio Institute Tweet

Thesis Regulations for

Dissertation doctorates.

International Degree-Programme

Dr. / PhD By Thesis

UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua

Doctorates by dissertation thesis in the professional study areas of Management and Business Administration Social and Economic Sciences Education Psychology Health Sciences International Relations and International Law

in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish or Arabic.

International programme of UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua provided as a doctoral Degree-Programme at

Institut Avrio de Genève

Branch Campus of UCN European Programmes

Introduction

In cooperation with and as Branch Campus of UCN University, the Institute offers PhD Degrees in several disciplines, which you find below.

This doctoral programme [1] is a research-based programme, by thesis, with a duration of two years (120 credits for admission at MPhil level) or three years (180 credits). You can enrol to write your doctoral thesis in the language you fluently speak if it is English, French, German, Italian, Spanish or Arabic.

This programme is provided by UCN University and Avrio institute so that the admission decision is jointly made, the course/thesis work is completely done at Avrio Institute as UCN branch campus, and the degree is awarded by the university only [2] ..

Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN

With main campus and satellite extensions in Nicaragua, is a fully autonomous recognised university enjoying the entitlements and degree awarding powers of an autonomous university and recognised body (recognised awarding institution). UCN was approved by CNU, the National Council of Universities, the accreditation body in charge of institutional authorisation of a new university prior to award of autonomy status by Act of Parliament; additionally UCN is subject to participation in the quality assurance programme in accordance with the Act on Quality Assurance in Higher Education audited by the CNEA the National Council of Evaluation and Accreditation in Nicaragua. In 2011 UCN has been awarded “Exemplary Central American University 2010” by the Central American Association in the USA. Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN can issue academic and professional qualifications, enjoys academic autonomy understood as follows: Teaching or academic autonomy implies that a university alone can appoint and dismiss teachers and academic staff, through the procedures and requirements of the laws themselves, select their students, by evidence and necessary conditions to develop and approve plans and programmes of study and research, etc. Autonomy gives also the power to issue certificates of study, graduate letters, certificates, diplomas, academic degrees and titles and equivalency of studies conducted in other universities and higher education institutions, domestic or foreign; authorise professional practice except advocacy and notary, which by law is the responsibility of the Supreme Court. Universities will maintain and develop relationships with academic, scientific and cultural entities based inside or outside the country. Academic freedom is a fundamental principle of higher education in Nicaragua.

Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN is a recognised university listed in the IAU International Handbook of Universities (World Higher Education Database WHED, “AIU-UNESCO list”): WHED number IAU-017332. Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN is a full member of the IAU International Association of Universities. Internationally, UCN offers stand alone and joint provision degree programmes with partners and awards degrees officially recognised due to Law 89 and Law 1088 in Nicaragua. The Campus and Deanship in Austria UCN European Programmes ZVR: 075634205 is an Austrian registered Non-Profit Organisation, approved and registered by Accreditation and Quality Assurance Agency AQ Austria (§ 27 Act on Quality Assurance in Higher Education).

UCN European Programmes does operate a direct Branch Campus extension of the university Universidad Central de Nicaragua via UCN European Programmes on the premises of Institut Avrio de Geneve.

Programme Aim

The research-based Doctor of Philosophy programme in the available disciplines has as a general aim of provision of an academically rigorous education designed to develop skills, expertise, knowledge and vision to enable students, whatever their chosen route, to be critical, analytical and creative. The programme aims to provide opportunity for self-development in relation to career enhancement and as life-long learners. The programme offers students the opportunity to develop their own capabilities, skills and competencies within a supported environment. The philosophy of the programme can be summarized by the following objectives.

• Develop a critical approach to the use of contemporary sources as a means of exploring complex concepts, ideas and issues of relevance and value to the chosen area of study.

Develop the power of critical enquiry, logical thought, creative imagination, and independent judgment.

Expose the student to a range of prospective, which may be applicable to both the interests and work situations as appropriate.

Recognize the variety of sources of learning and an appropriate diversity of means for assessing achievement.

This programme intends to allow the individual student to develop their potential through a carefully selected curriculum of study, which includes elements of a variety of methods of study orientated around both the academic and vocational axis.

The primary objectives of the PhD programme are to:

• Enable the student to achieve an appropriate level of academic competence Achieve personal development and to develop critical awareness of benefit to themselves and to their profession or discipline
• Develop skills of initiation, implementation, and analysis in a range of contexts
• Develop capability in the analysis and evaluation of complex issues and situations

The specific objectives of the program will vary according to the chosen named award and will include the:

• Development of knowledge at an advanced level
• Development of skills in analysis, research and policy formulation and implementation

Unite theoretical analysis and practice through a variety of contexts appropriate to the discipline.

Doctorate Programmes and Titles

• PhD in Administration (Business Administration / Public Administration) (Management)
• PhD in Psychology
• PhD in Health Sciences
• PhD in Education Management
• PhD in International Relations
• PhD in Economics
• PhD in International Law
• PhD in Environmental Management
• PhD in Social Sciences

For Doctor of Business Administration, DBA, please click here .

Dual Award options:

Option1: Avrio Institute, please find clause §  24 Awarding Body

Option2: Azteca University, please find the Azteca University Study Programmes on the Avrio Institute website.

Option3: Azteca University and Avrio Institute.

Each programme curriculum of UCN includes a rationale setting out the aims and objectives of the programme. UCN believes that there is a need for this particular postgraduate programme for advanced researchers in the areas of management and entrepreneurial, social and economic, education, psychology, health or international relations / law sciences. The programme is designed for researchers in the respective area of science and for professional scholars addressing candidates at the global level since the current issues and challenges are neither local nor national rather than global.

The aims for the programme serve the purpose of enabling candidates to become scholars and researchers in the science subject chosen and shall professionially benefit students completing the programme.

The Doctor of Philosophy is offered in English study language internationally with the award Philosophiae Doctor en XXX.

It is available as a general research PhD without any particular emphasis and in a variety of specialisations.

PhD candidates may specialise in areas of mangement and entrepreneurial, social and economic, education, psychology, health or international relations / law sciences or other practical fields for the respective discipline.

The PhD by research provides an excellent opportunity for applicants who have some experience at advanced level in any before-said specialised field offered by UCN to gain a postgraduate doctoral qualification to enhance their career prospects. The PhD is a research doctorate.

Master’s degree or equivalent degree and admission evaluation (120 SUCA or 240 ECTS credits). The entry requirements are a graduate degree of at least 120 SUCA or 240 ECTS credits in total, plus a Master’s degree, or equivalent qualifications of at least 30 SUCA or 60 ECTS credits in total. UCN may also ask for significant experience in a scientific or professional supervisory position involving responsibility for research issues.

Entry Requirements at MPhil stage to thesis:

Graduate degree plus MBA, MA, MSc, MPhil or equivalent Master or Postgraduate Degree qualification or first cycle degree entitling the holder in the country of an award to enroll directly in doctoral research programmes at the MPhil level. (150 SUCA or 300 ECTS credits)

Individual requirements:

Individual admission evaluation and eligibility assessment are required.

After completion of coursework, examinations and written research the thesis (dissertation or comprehensive project report) is defended by the candidate before the panel of examiners.

The total workload of the PhD in corresponds with equivalence of three years of study or 90 SUCA (180 ECTS) credits.

Students must focus on a specialisation or interdisciplinary research. The study area must be offered by UCN as doctoral programme.

The Ph.D. curriculum consists of 90 SUCA or 180 ECTS credits of postgraduate study, offered as modular fashion. Ph.D. candidates complete the required modules/courses (30 SUCA or 60 ECTS credits) prior to admission and enter at the advanced Mphil level, plus a final Thesis/Dissertation (60 SUCA or 120 ECTS credits) focused on a specific field of science.

Modular and research Ph.D. programme workload:

30 SUCA or 60 ECTS in coursework (credits transfer) plus 60 SUCA or 120 ECTS for PhD Thesis Taught curriculum: 30 SUCA or 60 ECTS in coursework (credits transfer).

Research Thesis for PhD: 60 SUCA or 120 ECTS for PhD Thesis.

PhD candidates may write their thesis in areas suitable to their employment contexts, such as mangement and entrepreneurial, social and economic, education, psychology, health or international relations / law sciences, finance, or other practical fields.

3 full study years – advanced programme possible for candidates entering at thesis stage.

The level and range of skill, knowledge, and understanding required to complete the programme requires the period of instruction (one full study year) and the period of research (two full study years). The content of each module is provided in the curriculum section.

Degree options:

UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua MSc (intermediate degree) and PhD (terminal degree).

The Master of Science requires the completion of the taught curriculum (MPhil level), the Doctor of Philosophy requires the completion and successful defence of the thesis.

Programme modality:

Online PhD programme

Postgraduate / Doctorate / third cycle higher education level

The programme requires a number of mandatory and elective modules, to the extent of one full study year.

The modules can be chosen by the candidate to the extent of 30 SUCA or 60 ECTS credits.

In a programme with a specialisation, there are mandatory units for each degree of choice required to complete the award.

The applied assessment of prior learning and the recognition of transfer credits policy will accept identical or similar courses from a postgraduate programme at the same qualification level and in a given specialisation, including transfer credits from recognised institutions of higher education.

The modular Master and Doctor of Philosophy have as a general aim of provision of an academically rigorous education designed to develop skills, expertise, knowledge, and vision to enable students, whatever their chosen route, to be critical, analytical, and creative. The programme aims to provide an opportunity for self-development in relation to career enhancement and as life-long learners. The competencies may be in general executive Management without any specialisation or within a specific field of professional management expertise, Specialisation.

The programme offers students the opportunity to develop their own capabilities, skills, and competencies within a supported environment. The philosophy of the programme can be summarized by the following objectives.

Develop a critical approach to the use of contemporary sources as a means of exploring complex concepts, ideas, and issues of relevance and value to the chosen area of study.

Provide a forum of study that allows each student to build on his or her past academic and vocational experience in a relevant and meaningful fashion.

The PhD is a terminal degree. The degree of PhD is a research doctorate in a professional research setting. The PhD requires coursework and research beyond the Master’s degree requiring a dissertation or journal publication that contributes to management practice. The portion of the programme, consisting of coursework and examination, is equivalent to that of an internationally comparable PhD. The part of the programme, consisting of independent research and the writing of a thesis, is geared towards more applied research in management issues, with the research making a direct contribution to science or practice. The PhD requires a significant thesis, dissertation or final comprehensive project including a formal defence and approval by nominated examiners or an officially sanctioned and qualified doctoral review committee. The PhD aims at the creation of new theory, notwithstanding aims at applying theory to business problems; thereby, the PhD programme has two purposes: (1) to contribute to both theory and practice in relation to business and management; and (2) to develop professional practice and to contribute to professional knowledge. The degree is conferred when all coursework, testing, and written research are completed and reviewed, and approved by the jurors of the examination commission.

The PhD will enable graduates to become independent, self-directed researchers with the tools and motivation to continue investigating, developing, and reflecting on practice throughout their careers.

The primary objectives of the PhD research programme are to:

• Enable the student to achieve an appropriate level of academic
• Achieve personal development and develop a critical awareness of benefit to themselves and to their organization.
• Develop skills in initiation, implementation, and analysis in a range of contexts

Examination Criteria (Dublin Descriptors):

Qualifications that signify completion of the third cycle are awarded to students who:

• have demonstrated a systematic understanding of a field of study and mastery of the skills and methods of research associated with that field;
• have demonstrated the ability to conceive, design, implement and adapt a substantial process of research with scholarly integrity;
• have made a contribution through original research that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work, some of which merits national or international refereed publication;
• are capable of critical analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of new and complex ideas;
• can communicate with their peers, the larger scholarly community and with society in general about their areas of expertise;
• can be expected to be able to promote, within academic and professional contexts, technological, social, or cultural advancement in a knowledge-based society.

The word ‘professional’ is used in the descriptors in its broadest sense, relating to those attributes relevant to undertaking work or a vocation that involves the application of some aspects of advanced learning. It is not used with regard to those specific requirements relating to regulated professions. The latter may be identified with the profile/specification. The word ‘competence’ is used in the descriptors in its broadest sense, allowing for the gradation of abilities or skills. It is not used in the narrower sense identified solely on the basis of a ‘yes/no’ assessment.

The word ‘research’ is used to cover a wide variety of activities, with the context often related to a field of study; the term is used here to represent a careful study or investigation based on a systematic understanding and critical awareness of knowledge. The word is used in an inclusive way to accommodate the range of activities that support original and innovative work in the whole range of academic, professional, and technological fields, including the humanities, and traditional, performing, and other creative arts. It is not used in any limited or restricted sense, or related solely to a traditional ‘scientific method’.

Third Cycle Qualifications

Core competencies for phd candidates:.

During their training, PhD candidates are expected to become independent researchers skilled in general or special field of their discipline (financial, project management, etc) policy/decision making and research. These types of skills provide doctoral graduates for an academic career and for the professional job market beyond the university programme.

The PhD aims to provide the following competencies as identified and categorised by Barthélémy Durette, Marina Fournier, and Matthieu Lafon (The core competencies of PhDs, Barthélémy Durette, Marina Fournier, and Matthieu Lafon, Studies in Higher Education Vol. 41 , Iss. 8,2016):

A- Knowledge and technical skills B-Transferable competencies that can be formalized B.1-Knowledge of the professional environment B.2-Professional conduct B.3-Communication skills B.4-IT skills B.5-Innovation management B.6-Project Management B.7-Languages B.8-Commercial skills B.9-Administrative management C-Transferable competencies that cannot be formalized C.1-Lateral thinking C.2-Capacity for innovation C.3-Cognitive abilities C.4-Complex problems management C.5-Ability to collaborate C.6-Leadership C.7-Ability to question oneself D-Dispositions E-Behaviors F-Meta-competencies

Graduates of the PhD programme will be able to:

• Develop critical self-reflection and self-awareness to enhance personal and professional development at the senior management level.
• Develop research skills for the senior level of management.
• Determine and apply appropriate research methods to business management problems.
• Develop skills, capabilities and understanding in managing and organising research project in line with professional and ethical principles.
• Evaluate and synthesize scholarly literature to general research that will significantly contribute knowledge in the chosen sector.
• Work as an independent researcher to contribute to knowledge through original and independent research.
• Develop and demonstrate: Research skills and knowledge
• Enable and demonstrate: Responsible conduct of science
• Apply and demonstrate: Personal effectiveness
• Enable and justify: Professional development
• Enable, apply and demonstrate: Leadership and management
• Enable and improve: Communication
• Enable and support: General Management
• Enable and investigate: Specialisation field
• Development of skills of analysis, research and policy formulation and implementation
• Unification of theoretical analysis and practice through a variety of contexts appropriate to business administration
• Issues of organization management and the management of people.
• To understand and apply the principles of strategic leadership in a business environment.
• Review and apply the principles of business management within the industry
• To understand and apply the principles of strategic management in a specific environment.
• To improve the employability of learners in the business world.
• Analyse problem-solving techniques specific to business and industry
• elect, collate, review and analyse information from a wide range of sources
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Manage one’s own personal development and growth.
• To enable learners to apply analytical and evaluative techniques to business in the private and public sectors.
• To enhance analytical and evaluative skills relating to business across several industries.
• To develop the learner’s ability to recognise and reflect on the process of personal learning and development, which facilitates the enhancement of key personal, sociable and other transferable skills.
• To encourage the student’s self-reflection, analytical, intellectual and transferable skills.

The UCN online PhD programme will help to develop research qualities and competencies.

– Develop Critical Skills

A credible, online PhD programme motivates to execute more than just consume knowledge. Crossing the category of passive learning will help achieve greater levels of critical thinking that will hone skills. This will help implement the knowledge gained via new and thrilling ways in organization, career, and field of interest.

– Justify Providing Expertise

Holding an online PhD degree will help develop and upskill new procedures and approaches that will allow to lead people in a global society that is increasing. This will also result in gaining effective skills that are required to excel in career. Apart from this, this degree helps upskill your managerial skills in current role and enables to create an impact by sharing prowess outside the organization.

– Demonstrate Scholar-Practitioner

Whether it is a campus program or an online PhD programme, this degree will give the necessary knowledge and the confidence one will need not just to attend conferences and present. Candidates will be able to write a dissertation. They might also find working with peers on various experiments and publishing articles in leading journals from their field. It will help develop managerial qualities and enable professional performance and progress. This, in turn, does make a candidate not only a scholar but also a practitioner.

– Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Teaching and mentoring are two major ways a graduate in this particular field can develop leadership and managerial skills. Being a teacher or a mentor, one will have to find a way to motivate someone to attain their goal. Candiates will also gain experience when it comes to evaluating someone’s work and delivering critical and constructive remarks.

– Apply Research Skills

Even in the field out of academia, research skills are considered highly valuable. This programme will also help to hone own research skills as a trained researcher and develop own managerial qualities. One will be able to ascertain the best approach, discover relevant information and data, find a way to analyze it and comprehend the massive amount of data, and amalgamate the findings. One will even know how to defend the conclusions with the help of research.

– Enable Written Communication

Becoming a good writer takes practice. With a PhD in management degree, one will have years of experience writing papers, dissertations, abstracts for conferences, journals, etc. The feedback you receive for this will help to upskill communication skills, which are a bonus in managerial skills.

– Personal and Professional Development

Enable graduates to focus on Business and Management research. It focuses on students´ personal and professional development through reflective, supportive and sensitised approaches.

– Strategic Management and Leadership in Organisations

Prepare students for the complexity of strategic decisions and the global business environment. Students will be able to conduct research that will help them define, create, and evaluate further strategic direction for the organisation’s effectiveness.

– Managing Project for Applied Research

Prepare candidates for the complexity of strategic decisions and the global business environment.

– Advanced Research Techniques

Prepare students to understand different research philosophies, techniques and methods to prepare them to apply relevant research theories and methodology to their research project.

Research – Thesis

The research project provides an opportunity for candidates to apply the research skills gained during the curriculum. Candidates can use any philosophical assumption, research design, method and approach to integrating their professional practice to research theories. PhD thesis enables learners to identify issue relating to their professional context in any organisation regardless of sector, consider relevant literature, collect data, apply research techniques and analyse data to implement change to meet research objectives.

Wordcount limit for a PhD thesis is 60,000-100,000. The standard followed for the thesis will be identical to the referencing style of UCN or an accepted standard.

PhD by Thesis

The PhD by thesis is a research doctorate, requiring course-work beyond the Master´s level plus research and dissertation contributing to theory or practice in relation to the discipline as well as to the development of the professional practice by contributing to field-specific knowledge and hence impact practice beyond research.

PhD by Prior Output

Doctorate by publication.

A doctorate for scientific publications is possible in compliance with the exclusion clause of doctorate by thesis, as far as this procedure is provided in the particular plans and programmes of study and the conditions thereof are regulated by these plans and programmes.

This is not a short cut to a PhD, however, offered to recognised busy researchers and full time professionals who have been publishing academic work or the equivalent. The PhD by Publication, Prior Output or Achievement is quite common among British Universities, having introduced this doctorate to academia.

The PhD by Prior Output aims to demonstrate that the work submitted is of high distinction, does constitute an original and significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge or to the application of knowledge or to both, and does establish that the applicant is a leading authority in the field or fields of study concerned, and that the work put forward is already ‘published’.

The objective is not to review all of an applicant’s published output, but a selection that presents a substantial coherence and linked original contribution. The PhD by Prior Output should be as original and coherent as a conventional PhD degree. The work presented should be already ‘published’ work, open to critical academic peer scrutiny, including written publications in peer reviewed refereed journals and/or published under an academic or University Press, academic publisher, monographs from an academic press, official reports for organisations, portfolios of creative works, or alike. The submitted work presents an original contribution to knowledge and will include work that has been published recently. The submission should be conceived of as adding to a current debate. The publications should emphasise a common academic research area, with a reasonable core argument, and must be original, research-based, of doctoral thesis quality and embedded in an academic discourse.

Applicants can submit published work for examination only after a minimum period of six months from enrolment.

The doctoral degree of PhD by Prior Output is awarded by UCN after the successful presentation of prior output and a covering document of 10,000 to 15,000 words, and an examination. The covering document should contextualise the prior output, demonstrate that it constitutes a coherent entity, and underline the independent and original contribution to knowledge achieved.

Tuition fees vary by the duration of programme (short or regular) and the single or dual degree options.

Tuition fees are due in full with enrolment for the complete programme.

Please check out the fees page

Refund policy

Course fees are due in full with enrolment. Once the programme has started (tuitions collected) no tuitions will be repaid. Students, who do not pay tuition after admission are not enrolled.

The applicable degree regulations for Doctorates and postgraduate degree programmes of UCN apply.

The level and range of skill, knowledge and understanding required to complete the programme requires the period of instruction (one full study year) and the period of research (two full study years). The content of each module is provided in the curriculum section.

Duration and workload of a course

Successful completion of a course with a workload of 3 SUCA or 6 ECTS credits is estimated to be approximately 150 hours. Students should allocate approximately eight hours a week for reading, personal study, completion of reflection activities and submission of assignments. There is one marked assignment per module. Courses are offered on a part- time basis and are designed to be completed within four months. The asynchronic e-learning mode of the programme allows students to proceed at their own pace. Official study time for the PhD programme is three years with a workload of 90 SUCA credits(180 ECTS).

1 ECTS credit = 0,5 SUCA créditos (credit hours)

60 ECTS credits = 30 SUCA créditos (credit hours) (1 full study year)

Study language

The international programme is conducted in English (German upon approval). English or German proficiency is required for the doctoral programme.

Exclusively at Avrio Institute, the UCN University accepted research in French, Italian and Arabic.

Student Support

The programme is administered and provided by UCN European Programmes. Students are eligible for UCN European Programmes student support regarding tutoring and assistance in the programme.

Principles of Assessment

• Students’ assessment activities must show evidence of assessment by tutors
• Assessment must be rigorous, fair and free from bias
• Candidates may only submit their own Copied plagiarised work be disqualified
• Time-constrained assessments should be supervised under examination conditions
• Computer Marked Assignments and/or Tutors Marked Assessment records and internal verification of these will be part of the UCN quality audit process
• The assessments should cover all the learning programme outcomes

Assessment Criteria

• The assessment criteria should cover all the learning outcomes for the module/programme that have been listed above. They should describe the quality of work the learners must produce.
• The assessment strategy must clearly indicate the baseline achievement for the learner to pass the programme and the procedures for credits transfer and APL, acceptance of late work and re-sits/re-submissions.

Grading Criteria

• UCN requires the use of grades in an accredited programme. Minimum grade for passing a course at postgraduate level with UCN is 80%.

Assessment Methods

• Assessment methods reflect the level of the programme being offered. Assessment activities and assessor’s records include Computer Marked Assignments, Tutor Marked Assignments and Commissional Examination.

Alternative / Special Arrangements for Assessment

• Candidates with special needs may apply for alternative, special arrangements for assessment to UCN. UCN will as far as possible enable such alternative assessments.

UCN is an autonomous university, authorised by the CNU National Council of Universities and established by Act of Parliament and Presidential Decree in Nicaragua. As such UCN takes part and is subject to quality assurance and institutional accreditation by the CNEA National Council of Evaluation and Accreditation, established by law in Nicaragua.

International programme quality assurance is provided by CONIES, the Council on International Higher Education Supervision, a university membership quality certification and programme accreditation council based on the following criteria:

CRITERIA FOR PROGRAMME PROVISION

I – general criteria.

• Learning outcomes
• Internal verification / review and evaluation
• Market needs
• Target group of learners
• Resources (general)
• Tutor details
• Examination materials
• Self evaluation for accreditation
• Internal auditor qualification

II- Provision Criteria

• Collaborative Provision
• Cross-border Higher Education
• Trans-national Quality Assurance
• Trans-national Academic Recognition
• Trans-national Professional Recognition
• Collaborative Trans-national Provision
• Recruitment

III- E-Learning Criteria

• Quality of Education
• Technical Quality
• The catalogisation of multi-media applications
• The quality of visual features
• Learning and cognitive theories
• The functionality of the application

IV- Criteria for Quality of Online Education

• Online learning is appropriate to the institution’s mission and purposes
• The institution’s plans for developing, sustaining, and, if appropriate, expanding online learning offerings are integrated into its regular planning and evaluation processes
• Online learning is incorporated into the institution’s systems of governance and academic oversight
• Curricula for the institution’s online learning offerings are coherent, cohesive, and comparable in academic rigor to programs offered in traditional instructional formats
• The institution evaluates the effectiveness of its online learning offerings, including the extent to which the online learning goals are achieved, and uses the results of its evaluations to enhance the attainment of the goals
• Faculty responsible for delivering the online learning curricula and evaluating the students’ success in achieving the online learning goals are appropriately qualified and effectively supported
• The institution provides effective student and academic services to support students enrolled in online learning offerings
• The institution assures the integrity of its online offerings

V- Online Education and Open Educational Resources OER Auto-Evaluation

• Extent of actual use of online education and OER in the institution
• Assessing vision of openness and strategy for open educational practices
• Implementing and promoting Open Educational Practices

The application process is conducted in the following sequences:

• The prospective student asks for the application form for a given programme of
• Application form signed as scan (PDF, black/white) and personal data processing agreement
• Scans (PDF, b/w, legible!) of all relevant higher education credentials and qualifications (degrees, diplomas, certificates, with all transcripts). If those original credentials are not in English, Spanish or German, pls, provide an English translation.
• Curriculum vitae, highlighting the academic and professional background. (doc or PDF)
• Scan of the passport (or ID card) page with personal data and photo. (PDF in colour)
• Passport style facial photo of applicant (colour, JPG)
• NOTICE: Only complete applications will be considered for
• The University conducts an evaluation report and reserves the right to charge the applicant for this service.
• The University issues the evaluation report and in case of possible admission issues an invoice to the student for the tuition and fees of the given programme.
• Student accepts evaluation report and pays the full tuition and fees in order to
• Payment of tuition activates the enrolment of the given student. Once a student is enrolled and discontinues a programme, no tuition payment is refunded.

Examination Criteria

(Dublin Descriptors):

Thesis Grading Standards / Criteria

Additional criteria for assessment, general regulations.

Professional Doctorate “Dr.”

PhD Research Doctorate “Philosophiae Doctor”

International University programme of UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua provided as doctoral Degree-Programme

§ 1 Objective – Qualification

• UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua (Managua, Nicaragua) – called “University“– conducts postgraduate and doctoral programmes for international students in distance learning mode.
• The examinations and defences of dissertations (theses) before the examining committee are conducted in compliance with the provisions of applicable Nicaraguan study laws and with the study and examination regulations of the university.
• The examination and defence of the thesis are to prove, on the basis of his/her independent study and research in the given field of study, that the Applicant has gained a deeper insight in the wider basis of the discipline and is capable of acquiring latest theoretical and practical knowledge, s/he is also capable of creative and independent application of the gained knowledge and experiences in practice.
• The examination and thesis defence are conducted in the subject field for which the admission has been approved by the University subject to the degree programme of the University in order to conduct examination and thesis defence.
• The doctoral study programme is available to graduates of Master and postgraduate studies.
• The distance learning study programme has asynchronous design aiming at the transfer and acquisition of knowledge at a high level of independent self-study and research. The opportunity of networking collaboration via the eLearning platform of the University provides practical integration for the participants of the programme, resulting in high-end theses.
• The research findings gained in this programme qualify the alumni as specialists in their given study area.

§ 2 Accreditation

All programmes and degrees offered by UCN are duly and legally registered with the CNU “ C onsejo N acional de U niversidades” (National Council of Universities) the national agency responsible for the authorisation of universities and registration and authentication of HE programmes, and degrees awarded by universities in Nicaragua. UCN as recognised autonomous university is subject to quality assurance and institutional accreditation system conducted by CNEA National Council on Evaluation and Accreditation according to Nicaraguan law.

The programmes provided at the Branch Campus on the premises of Institut Avrio de Geneve are under the direct supervision and responsibility of the Dean of European Programmes of the university as postgraduate Master and Doctor degree programmes offered by the university and the degrees awarded by the university in accordance with Art. 7 and 9 of the Law 89 on the Autonomy of Institutions of Higher Education.

UCN University degrees are officially recognised in Nicaragua by law and hence “official degrees”.

In 2011 UCN was awarded “Exemplary Central American University 2010” by the Central American Association in the USA.

Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN is listed in the IAU-WHED International Handbook of Universities and an approved member of the International Association of Universities IAU . 

UCN is a member of ODAEE ORGANIZACIÓN DE LAS AMÉRICAS PARA LA EXCELENCIA EDUCATIVA.

For more details, please visit the Accreditation page

§ 3 UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua

Nicaraguan higher education law is embedded in the principle of freedom of instruction, guaranteeing in Article 125 of the Nicaraguan Political Constitution full autonomy being implemented by Law no. 89 about the Autonomy of the Institutions of Higher Education (No. 89 [3] ). The law 89 determines in Articles 7 and 9 that the institutions of higher education can award academic degrees. UCN is a fully autonomous accredited university with the unrestricted right to award certificates, diplomas, academic degrees and titles and to issue certificates of recognition and validation of studies on equivalent level, completed at other university or centres of higher education, domestic or abroad, entitled to recognise academic degrees, titles and diplomas awarded by foreign university, entitled to award professional rights, except for lawyers and notaries for whom, by law, the Supreme Court is in charge. Furthermore, UCN is entitled to establish relations with academic, scientific and cultural establishments located domestically or abroad. According to Article 82 of the Ley General de Educación 2006 [4] the explicitly mentioned “Doctorates” constitute – literally quoted –the “nationally and internationally fully recognised academic degrees“ in Nicaragua.

The new law No. 1088 published on 27 October 2021 on the Recognition of Titles and Academic Degrees of Higher Education and Technical Higher Education regulates the official recognition of degrees by the Nicaraguan State as well as the form of awards of academic titles and degrees awarded by autonomous Universities authorised to award them and the creation of the National Register of Titles and Academic Degrees.

The Institutions of Higher Education authorised to award titles and academic degrees in compliance with the corresponding laws are the only institutions empowered to emit and award these titles and academic degrees.

The State only recognises the following as academic degrees:

1 . At the undergraduate and graduate level:

• Higher Technician (Associate level)
• Licenciado, Physician (Medic), Architect, Engineer

The National Council of Universities CNU by approving the academic programmes or professional graduate degrees of the public, private and community universities has to determine the title and the level of the academic degree to be awarded.

Applicants must have a corresponding graduate degree in order to enroll in an academic postgraduate programme.

Students are entitled to be awarded the respective degree when meeing all requirements of the degree without requirement to attend a graduation ceremony.

All professionals can apply for the replacement of his degree to the awarding university or in case of dissolution of the university the National Council of Universities is in charge.

A National Register of Titles and Academic Degrees shall be created as a responsibility of the National Council of Universities CNU for the purpose of inscription, consulting, verification and certification of titles and academic degrees, awarded by the universities empowered to award titles and who have been recognised and incoroporated in conformity with this given law.

The CNU is in charge of administration and maintainance of the National Register of Titles and Academic Degrees as well as for the approval of the technical norms regulating the management and the administrative, technical procedures and the security thereof.

All Register services are free of charge.

The universities empowered to award titles are obliged to enter in the National Register of Titles and Academic Degrees the titles and academic degrees emitted and provide all information related to them, as required for the content.

It is the responsibility of the National Council of Universities CNU as a public entity to issue the certification of the registers of titles and academic degrees awarded by the universities empowered to award them.

§ 4 Examining Committee

The University establishes an examining committee for the evaluation and examination of doctoral candidates (theses). Detailed provisions are given in §14 .

§ 5 Study Areas

The study areas include:

• Business Administration
• Public Administration
• Economic and Social Sciences
• Health Sciences
• International Relations and International Law

§ 6 Master’s degree and Doctorate degree

The Master degree is the period of study and intermediate degree to the doctoral research programme. The doctorates are differentiated as

• Professional Doctorates with the academic degree “Doctor en…” abbreviated “Dr.”; and
• Research Doctorates with the academic degree “Philosophiae Doctor en …”, abbreviated “Dr.” or “PhD” in English.

§ 7 Workload and Structure of the Study Programme

• The volume of the study programme is determined by the workload, given in creditos (in brackets: ECTS points).
• The Master degree requires a minimum workload of 30 SUCA or 75 SATCA creditos (60 ECTS points) with an admission level of 120 SUCA creditos or 300 SATCA creditos (240 ECTS points). The Master level comprises a total of 8 to 10 semesters and a workload of 120 to 150 SUCA creditos or 300 to 375 SATCA creditos (240 to 300 ECTS points).
• The professional doctorate requires as thesis doctorate a workload of 60 SUCA creditos or 150 SATCA creditos (120 ECTS points), to be achieved in the event of Applicants with 150 SUCA creditos or 375 SATCA creditos (300 ECTS) on admission by thesis only; in the event of Applicants with 120 SUCA creditos or 300 SATCA creditos (240 ECTS) on admission to be achieved by thesis of 30 SUCA creditos or 75 SATCA creditos (60 ECTS points) and by transfer of credits from positively completed postgraduate courses in the extent of 30 SUCA creditos or 75 SATCA creditos (60 ECTS points). This corresponds with a duration of 4 semesters. The accumulated minimum requirement for the professional doctorate is 180 SUCA or 450 SATCA creditos (360 ECTS points).
• The research doctorate requires a workload of 90 SUCA creditos or 225 SATCA creditos (180 ECTS points), to be achieved by thesis of 60 SUCA creditos or 150 SATCA creditos (120 ECTS points) and by transfer of credits from positively completed postgraduate courses in the extent of 30 SUCA creditos or 75 SATCA creditos (60 ECTS points). This corresponds with a duration of 6 semesters. The accumulated minimum requirement for the research doctorate is 240 SUCA creditos or 600 SATCA creditos (480 ECTS points).

§ 8 Admission

• Applicants can be admitted to the asynchronic distance education programme throughout the year.
• Persons meeting the following requirements can be admitted to the Professional Doctorate: Completed university or college study programme of at least 8 semesters with no less than 120 SUCA creditos (240 ECTS points) from a diploma programme with a recognised university or college at level 2 and entitling for admission to doctoral programmes in the country of origin of the awarding institution; and a postgraduate specialisation or master degree of at least 30 SUCA creditos (60 ECTS points). (Master level)
• Persons meeting the following requirements can be admitted to the Research Doctorate: Completed university or college study programme of at least 10 semesters with no less than 150 SUCA creditos (300 ECTS points) from a diploma programme with a recognised university or college at level 2 and entitling for admission to doctoral programmes in the country of origin of the awarding institution; and a postgraduate specialisation or master degree of at least 30 SUCA creditos (60 ECTS points). (MPhil level)
• The admission-commission of the university rules on the grounds of the formal requirements and the application per single case and upon request of the Applicant according to available enrolments and tutoring capacities, as well as of the submitted research proposal for the thesis. The admission-commission can require an admission-test.
• Application procedure and admission: Applications for admission to the respective doctoral programme must be submitted with the required documents (application form, curriculum vitae, proof of degrees earned, and professional experiences gained, passport copy, passport photo). The admission-commission may require the submission of “original transcripts” directly from the awarding tertiary education institutions.
• Persons who have been admitted to the programme and who have paid the programme tuitions and fees, will be admitted by the study department of the university as international students

§ 9 Application

• The Applicant submits his/her application to the admission-commission.
• the subject field in which s/he has obtained a university degree,
• the subject field chosen for the thesis examination in line with these regulations,
• the topic of the thesis,
• the research project of the thesis.
• The Applicant can choose the subject field in which s/he has completed university study or a related subject field.
• The Applicant can suggest his/her own topic of the thesis.
• the completely filled and signed application form,
• copy of the Diploma and Diploma Supplement (transcript),
• the graduate of a foreign university has to include the proof that the awarding institution is a recognised institution of higher education in the country of its origin, this requirement can be waived, however, if this fact is evident,
• Curriculum Vitae of the Applicant,
• copy of passport or identification document of the Applicant,
• passport photo in colour.
• The admission commission shall examine the application for the thesis examination and within 30 days from its delivery shall announce the decision to the Applicant in writing.
• In the event the application complies with the requirements as stated in the Paragraphs 2, 3 and 5, the admission commission shall, according to available enrolments and tutoring capacities, confirm its acceptance in writing. The admission commission shall simultaneously notify the Applicant of the subjects which shall become part of the postgraduate specialisation as the wider basis of the discipline in the chosen subject field.
• In the event the application does not comply with the requirements as stated in the Paragraphs 2, 3 and 5, the admission commission shall ask the Applicant to complete the missing data before the stated deadline.

§ 10 Transfer Credits

Doctorate by transfer credits and degree validation is possible.

• The evaluation of degrees and transfer-credits is subject to the provisions of UCN. In the international evaluation of credits UCN applies the full study year transfer-factors on the credits.
• Total autonomous UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua offers the doctoral programme according to Nicaraguan study law. In evaluating degrees and transfer-credits UCN applies the standards in compliance with Article 9 Paragraph 2 of the Law no. 89 on the Autonomy of the Institutions of Higher Education [5] .
• 3) 30 SUCA créditos (60 ECTS points) earned in postgraduate specialisations or Master programmes must be transferred by Applicants with 120 SUCA créditos (240 ECTS) on admission into the curriculum of the Professional Doctorate, as far as they match the research topic of the chosen specialisation.
• 4) 30 SUCA créditos (60 ECTS points) earned in postgraduate specialisations or Master programmes must be transferred into the curriculum of the Research Doctorate, as far as they match the research topic of the chosen specialisation..
• 5) Credits can be accepted from coursework taken with recognised institutions of higher education, recognised degree programmes, or programmes validated by the University, or from course-work taken with the University at the postgraduate level, according to a study plan matching the chosen specialisation.

§ 11 Doctorate by Publication

A doctorate for scientific publications is possible in compliance with the exclusion clause of § 13 Paragraph 4, as far as this procedure is provided in the particular plans and programmes of study and the conditions thereof are regulated by these plans and programmes.

§ 12 Duration of Programme

• The thesis examination programme starts with the confirmed acceptance of the application form by the admission-commission of the University and is becoming effective upon the payment of the non-refundable study-tuitions by the Applicant with the receipt of the payment by the University.
• by the act of granting and awarding the academic title by the university,
• by the decision of the examining committee that the Applicant did not meet the requirements including the retake options,
• by delivering the written request to the examining committee to terminate the thesis examination,
• by failing to complete thesis examination programme within the allowed retake options in compliance with the Letter b.

§ 13 Dissertation Thesis

• The range of themes for theses, their extent and particulars, as well as the requirements for theses are announced by the University based on the proposals examining committee for the thesis examination.
• A doctoral thesis is a monothematic work which brings about new findings, it is not a compilation of literature, as a rule it presents personal original research pursued by the Applicant.
• In general, the thesis is written in Spanish language. An Applicant of different nationality or a foreign Applicant shall ask the admission commission for a possibility to write the thesis in a foreign language. In case of available language capacity, the admission commission shall approve the request. A thesis written in a language other than Spanish, or English shall include a summary written in Spanish or English language in extent of up to 10 pages. According to available enrolments and tutoring capacities particularly the following study languages are approved: Spanish, English, German.
• The use of Master-theses or doctoral theses having already been used for the award of an academic degree is not allowed. The Applicant cannot submit as a rigorous thesis his/her diploma thesis or any other qualification thesis, neither the work of a compilation character. The University can accept a prior dissertation and doctorate only for the purpose of revalidation of the degree in order to award the equivalent degree.
• The Applicant submits to the examining committee the thesis. The thesis has to be written in text editor, printed and bound in hard cover. Upon request of the Applicant or order recommendation of the examination committee the submission of an electronic version is permitted. Two hardcopy editions of the thesis must be sent to the University.
• To evaluate a thesis the examining committee nominates at least one staff member possessing the “assistant professor” or “professor” title or the academic title PhD, Dr. or an equivalent degree at doctoral level. The evaluator/s are appointed by the examining committee.
• The evaluator first evaluates the methodological aspect of the thesis. In the event of the positive evaluation, the thesis shall be evaluated from a specialized, subject-specific perspective. Positive evaluations of the thesis are necessary preconditions for the invitation of the Applicant to the thesis defence and examination.
• The nominated evaluator shall submit to the examining committee within 60 days from the delivery of the thesis to the evaluator the evaluation of the thesis in which s/he shall state if the thesis does or does not meet the requirements determined by the examining committee and this given study plan. In the evaluation the evaluator shall also present comments on the content of the thesis and, in conclusion of the evaluation, state if s/he does or does not recommend the thesis for the oral defence, or if s/he recommends rewriting the thesis.
• In the event that the evaluator does not recommend the thesis for the defence, the Applicant can rewrite the thesis and resubmit it for evaluation on the next deadline for theses submission as determined by the examining committee. If s/he fails to submit the thesis on the given deadline s/he shall be excluded from the registration of Applicants for examinations and thesis defences. The Applicant can ask the examining committee in writing for the extension of the thesis submission deadline not more than twice.
• Within the six months from the thesis submission before the thesis examination the examining committee shall notify the Applicant in writing of the place, date and time of the online-examination and at the same time notify him/her the result of the evaluation of the thesis.
• Precondition of the invitation to the thesis defence and examination is the positive evaluator evaluation.

§ 14 Examining Committee

• The examination and thesis defence take place in front of the examining committee via video conference.
• The right to act as examiners is granted only to university teachers occupying the posts of professors or assistant professors or other experts possessing at least the academic title PhD, Dr. or comparable qualification at doctoral level, approved by the University.
• The committee is appointed by the University; the nominees are selected from the eligible staff members as stated in Paragraph 2.
• The committee consists of a chairman and a minimum of two other members. An external evaluator is appointed.
• As a general rule, the committee is appointed for a period until dismissal.

§ 15 Examination and Defence of Thesis

• The examination can take place only when a chairman and a minimum of two other members are present online. The procedure of the examination is delivered by means of electronic tele-communications media (video conference).
• The examination is generally conducted in the language of the thesis.
• The examination consists of two parts. It starts with the thesis presentation and defence and continues immediately by the oral examination by the examining committee. In defence of thesis the Applicant responds to the comments and answers the questions of the committee members.
• The committee members vote upon the result of the examination in the non public part of the session on the day of the doctoral examination. The examination result is expressed in words as “passed” or “failed”.
• The examination procedure is recorded in writing. All documents including the notation and the evaluation are kept in the Archive in compliance with the valid regulations.

§ 16 Retaking Examinations

• In the event the Applicant cannot take the online examination on the given date and gives a written apology for his/her absence within seven days thereafter, the examining committee shall provide on the basis of Applicant’s request and consultation with the committee chairman a substitute date for taking the examination.
• In the event the Applicant fails to appear in the stipulated time for the onlineexamination without giving a written apology within seven days thereafter, s/he shall be evaluated as if s/he had “failed” in the examination.
• In the event the Applicant failed in the defence of the thesis or in the oral examination, the examination can be repeated on the next date announced for the examinations; the examining committee shall determine the date of the repeated examination. The examining committee can permit two further repetitions of the examination.

§ 17 Academic Degree

• Professional Doctorate: Doctor en Administración de Empresas, abbreviated “Dr.” (English diploma: DBA Doctorate in Business Administration)
• Research Doctorate: Philosophiae Doctor, abbreviated “Dr.” or “PhD.“
• The doctoral degree of the fully autonomous UCN Universidad Central de Nicaragua, validating and offering the programme, is a fully recognised doctoral degree in the sense of Article 82 of the Ley General de Educación (Nicaragua) and Article 4 of the Law 1088 published on 27 October 2021 on the Recognition of Titles and Academic Degrees of Higher Education and Technical Higher Education, and legally awarded in compliance with Articles 7 and 9 of the Law 89 on Autonomy of the Institutions of Higher Education (Nicaragua).

§ 18 Distance Learning Mode

Notification: The International Doctoral Programme – Double Degree Programme is a distance education programme only to be completed by means of electronic media of tele-communications and e-learning directly at the University in Nicaragua [6] .

§ 19 Quality Assurance

• Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN was founded in 1997 as a private, non-profit, and authorized by the National University Council in session CNU No. 10-98 of 18. November 1998 and approved by the Assembly of the Republic Decree No. 2822 according to the Constitution of Nicaragua and the Law No. 89 on the Autonomy of Institutions of Higher Education. Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN is a fully autonomous Nicaraguan university participating in the mandatory programme of auto-evaluation and quality assurance of National Council of Evaluation and Accreditation CNEA in Nicaragua. All professional titles and academic degrees are recognised by the professional associations and public services; UCN in 2010 is again among the best university in Central America and has been awarded by the Central American Coalition USA as “Exemplary Central American University 2010“ in the United States of America. UCN is internationally accredited by ASIC Accreditation Service for International Colleges (ENQA and CHEA listed), a UK government Home Office approved and recognised Accreditation Body: systems accreditation of UCN covers the range of educational establishments and courses as Premier University (2013-2017).
• Written Assignments will be checked with a plagiarism-analysis-programme for authenticity.
• Online-examinations are standardised “Computer-Marked-Assignments”.
• Written assignments and course-papers are “Tutor Marked Assignments”.
• Scientific articles and publications are subject to a “peer-review”.

§ 20 Degree Recognition

The professional and research doctorates subject to these thesis guidelines are validated and approved as distance-education programmes of postgraduate study by Universidad Central de Nicaragua UCN, and, therefore, all academic degrees and titles awarded by UCN are fully recognised in compliance with Articles 7 and 9 of the Nicaraguan Law 89 on the Autonomy of Institutions of Higher Education in the sense of Article 82 of the Nicaraguan General Law of Education in combination with Article 4 of the Law 1088 published on 27 October 2021 on the Recognition of Titles and Academic Degrees of Higher Education and Technical Higher Education.

§ 21 Graduation

The University will award the respective degrees, postgraduate certificates and diploma supplement to a graduate no later than 120 days. The graduation Package includes the following documents:

• Degree diploma in Spanish and a second version in English for completion of postgraduate doctor programme according to Art. 7 and 9 of the Law 89 on Institutions of Higher Education in Nicaragua and the format defined by UCN for the official university degree awarded by the University;
• Diploma Supplement or transcript.
• Required: National Council of University CNU authentication and Foreign Ministry Apostille of the degree (Spanish version only)
• Apostille of the Diploma Supplement or Transcript by Ministry of Foreign Affairs

§ 22 Tuitions

This program is not subject to the terms, conditions, policies, regulations, and rules of the institute, as well as tuition fees. The tuition and administrative fees you find on the “Fees” page do not include nor belong to this study programmme, unlike the optional fees of the Institute.

Please click here to find in details all fees

Tuitions are due with enrolment. Once the programme started (tuitions collected) no tuitions will be repaid. Students, who do not pay tuitions after admission are not enrolled.

§ 23 Study Language

The programme is conducted in Spanish, English, German. French, Italian or Arabic Language, therefore proficiency is required for the PhD programme.

Regardless of the language of study, all official administrative correspondences are done exclusively in English, as well as documents issued by the institute. The English language is the official language adopted by the institute, as well as by the partner university.

Therefore, the candidate will submit, upon successful completion, the thesis summary in English (it can be written in the language of the thesis, and then translated by the candidate, or upon request by the institute).

For other Languages, please contact us.

§ 24 Awarding Body

All degrees are issued by the UCN University. However, Avrio Institute may issue second award upon the candidate request and if applicable and available at the Institute. Also, it’s possible to obtain a degree from Azteca University as a dual Award program with an additional fee.

Upon request and if applicable, Avrio Institute may issue;

§ 25 Policy, Terms & Conditions

The UCN University, UCN European Program, and Avrio Institute Policies, Terms & Conditions are applicable and must be followed and respected respectively.

In the event of a conflict, the terms and conditions of the partner university must be followed and respected first, as they are legally responsible for admission, quality, and degrees issuance.

[1] If you do not have a master’s degree, you can enrol in the program that qualifies for a master’s and then a doctorate in three years. (Institute) [2] For Management and Business Administration, Avrio Institute may issue its own certificate upon request. (Institute) [3] Ley de Autonomia de las Instituciones de Educación Superior, 89/1990, Kapitel II, Art. 7-9 (University) [4] Ley General de Educación, 382/2006, Art. 82 (University) [5] Ley de Autonomia de las Instituciones de Educación Superior, 89/1990 (University) [6] Through Avrio Institute (Institute) [12] Ley No. 89 Ley de Autonomía de las Instituciones de Educación Superior, published in the Official Journal on April 20, 1990 (University) [13] Ley General de Educación, Ley 582 de 2006 (University) [14] Ley No. 704, law on creation of the national system for quality assurance of education and regulating the national council of evaluation and accreditation – Law No. 704 (University)

Avrio Institute   at Glance

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Avrio Sarl Institute in Geneva is not responsible for admission, certification, or quality assurance. The role of the institute is limited to providing pre and after-registration services, including education delivery. Therefore, all the information you find on this website is a compilation made by the Institute of what has been written on the websites that belong to both Universities and their European Pogrammes, and/or the documents that had been sent to the Institute directly from the Deanship of Europe Universities. Bearing in mind that there are some paragraphs that have been etranslated from German or Spanish into English. The website was reviewed by the Deanship of the European Program, and on February 3, 2022, the contents of the website were approved after the proposed amendments were made, and accordingly, and based on these facts, the Institute disclaims any responsibility for the content of this website and therefore does not bear any legal or moral responsibility for what is stated on the pages of this site.

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UT Electronic Theses and Dissertations

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This collection contains University of Texas at Austin electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs). The collection includes ETDs primarily from 2001 to the present. Some pre-2001 theses and dissertations have been digitized and added to this collection, but those are uncommon. The library catalog is the most comprehensive list of UT Austin theses and dissertations.

Since 2010, the Office of Graduate Studies at UT Austin has required all theses and dissertations to be made publicly available in Texas ScholarWorks; however, authors are able to request an embargo of up to seven years. Embargoed ETDs will not show up in this collection. Most of the ETDs in this collection are freely accessible to all users, but some pre-2010 works require a current UT EID at point of use. Please see the FAQs for more information. If you have a question about the availability of a specific ETD, please contact [email protected].

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This policy is in keeping with the  American Library Association code of ethics  to resist efforts to censor library resources, and the  Society of American Archivists code of ethics  that states "archivists may not willfully alter, manipulate, or destroy data or records to conceal facts or distort evidence." Please see UT Libraries'  Statement on Harmful Language and Content  for more information.

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Qualitative research questions, published by steve tippins on may 17, 2024 may 17, 2024.

Last Updated on: 17th May 2024, 05:05 am

If you’re writing a proposal for a qualitative dissertation, you will need to create qualitative research questions. Getting these right the first time means you’ll save time revising and going back and forth with your committee. So, how do you do that? The key is alignment. 

By the time you write your qualitative research questions, you should have already written your Problem Statement and Purpose Statement. Your qualitative research questions should be based on your Problem Statement and Purpose Statement. 

If your research questions start heading in a different direction from your problem statement, purpose, and title, then your committee will say you’re not in alignment. This means that your research questions will not allow you to address the problem you’ve identified.

Examples of Qualitative Research Questions

Some examples of a qualitative research question include:

“What are the perceptions of teachers in central Arkansas about the use of a high-quality math curriculum?”

“What are the lived experiences of first responders who have worked through a traumatic event?”

“What are the perceptions of hourly employees about policies related to sick time?”

“What do employees in the private security industry report as their perceptions of increased overtime work?”

“What do doctoral students perceive to be the optimal level of support from their committees?”

The research questions will be supported by interview questions. These are the questions you will actually ask study participants. They will provide many rich responses that will then allow you to develop codes and ultimately themes, which will then be used to answer the qualitative research questions.

How to Write a Qualitative Research Question

If you’re doing a qualitative study, you’ll  want to make sure that your problem statement says that you’re looking for something like “perceptions” or “lived experiences” as opposed to “significance” or “relationships.” That’s because in qualitative research, we don’t deal with significance or relationships. We don’t involve enough people to be able to use statistical tests that generate reliable and significant results.

However, what we can do in qualitative research is understand people’s perceptions, lived experiences, and the approaches they take to address problems.

With qualitative research questions, we do not have null and alternative hypotheses as we do in quantitative research. We just have research questions.  Null and alternative hypotheses are part of quantitative testing, and we aren’t testing in qualitative research.

Keep Your Research Questions Specific

In the design of the qualitative research question, if you stick to the problem statement and purpose, you will not find yourself with questions that, while interesting, will not allow you to address the problem statement.

For example, let’s say the Problem Statement is, “Hourly employee’s perceptions of transformational leadership in the food and beverage industry in Northern Illinois is unknown.”

A too-broad research question is, “What are employees perceptions of their leaders?” Here you’ll find out about their leaders, but you won’t find out about transformational leadership. You might also find out about leaders in other industries or other locations.

A better research question would be: “What are employee perceptions of leaders who use transformational leadership style in the food and beverage industry in Northern Illinois?”

Over 50% of doctoral candidates don’t finish their dissertations.

Avoid Leading Questions

You want to make sure that your research questions and interview questions are as objective as possible and not designed to get a specific answer. For example, if an interview question was, “how much do you like the new healthcare plan?” you’ve pretty much defined the field as they like it. You’re assuming they like it. You’ve come up with a biased question. And biased questions give you biased answers and your results end up having little validity.

This gets to the notion of “just answering the question” as opposed to “I know that I want to prove a specific idea or concept when doing my research.” Your job is to answer the question. You add a little more information to the pile of knowledge so that we overall start to understand things.

For example, in 1930, we proved that Pluto was a planet. Then in 2007, we determined that Pluto was no longer a planet. And now, we’re reconsidering it. The word “proof” is difficult in any research. Rather than trying to prove something, we simply add a little more knowledge to the field. Then over time, it becomes the preponderance of evidence that leads us to support a certain position, until there’s evidence contrary.

So in the creation of knowledge in the scientific method, if you come up with a new theory, it has to do everything the old theory did and more, if it’s going to take its place. 

Qualitative Research Questions: Summary

Qualitative research questions work best when they are designed in concert with your problem statement and purpose, are specific, are not leading, and lead to the ability to address the problem as stated in the research.

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

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17-Year-Old Black Teen Who Started College At 10 Earns Doctoral Degree

A Chicago teenager who took her first college course at age 10 recently earned a doctoral degree at 17.

Dorothy Jean Tillman defended her dissertation at Arizona State University in December, becoming the youngest person to earn a doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health at the school. She participated in ASU's commencement ceremony early this month, marking her latest achievement in higher education.

“It’s a wonderful celebration, and we hope ... that Dorothy Jean inspires more students,” associate professor Leslie Manson told Good Morning America . “But this is still something so rare and unique.”

Tillman's journey in higher education began in middle school when her mother enrolled her in classes at the College of Lake County in Illinois. Tillman majored in psychology and earned her associate's degree in 2016.

She went on to receive her bachelor's degree in humanities from New York’s Excelsior College in 2018. Roughly two years later, Tillman held a master's degree from Unity College in Maine. Tillman was accepted into Arizona State's Behavioral Health Management Program in 2021.

Tillman completed most of her schooling online. She attended the commencement ceremony at ASU in person, delivering a speech to the graduating class.

Tillman credited her grandmother and mother's guidance for her success in her educational pursuits.

“Everything that we were doing didn’t seem abnormal to me or out of the ordinary until it started getting all of the attention,” Tillman, now 18, said.

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