CSCR Dissertation

Dissertation Proposal

After attaining dissertator status, students must reach two remaining milestones to graduate: (1) successful defense of the dissertation proposal, and (2) successful defense of the dissertation. The typical dissertation proposal includes: literature review/background, research questions, methods (e.g., research design, data analysis), and outline for the proposed dissertation. CSCR students should also include a preliminary dissemination plan, or description of where/how results might be published or shared. The committee reviews the written proposal and an oral defense is scheduled. A student who has successfully defended their dissertation proposal is approved to carry out the proposed plan of research for their dissertation. The dissertation proposal process will typically take 6 – 12 months to complete.

Dissertation

The dissertation should be a unique and substantial contribution to the PhD candidate’s area of study. CSCR dissertators may opt for a multi-chapter “classic” social science dissertation, or a multi-article format with at least three publishable pieces based on one framework; typically these pieces would be one conceptual framework/ critical review article, one or more empirical articles, and one practical application or policy article/report. Selection of the optimal format for a particular dissertation should be determined in consultation with a student’s chair and committee.

The time it takes to complete a dissertation and defend it can require one year (following a proposal defense) or more, depending on the scope of the research, format of the dissertation, writing quality and type of research performed. It is wise to work with your advisor on establishing a timeline and benchmarks for completing your dissertation. A dissertation writing group with graduate student peers can also be helpful for making progress and adhering to your timeline. Once the dissertation has been completed, it is circulated to the committee, and an oral defense is scheduled. In addition to the formal defense, it is suggested that students seek other audiences for presentations of their dissertation results, including stakeholders in their research, and colloquia in the School of Human Ecology.