Dissertations & Theses: Getting Started

Dissertations and theses are graduate-level writing projects the describe graduate students' research. The subject of the dissertation/thesis is chosen by the student and their graduate advisor.

• Thesis: Typically submitted in a master's program; allows students to showcase their knowledge and expertise in the field they've been studying.
• Dissertation: Typically submitted in a PhD or higher graduate program; lengthier piece of writing with original research that contributes new knowledge to the field.

Electronic dissertations and theses (ETDs) are openly accessible electronic versions of students' dissertations/theses. Providing open access provides students with:

• Greater visibility.
• Easier contribution to scholarship in your field.
• More ownership over your work; easier citation ability.