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When it comes to writing a dissertation, one of the most fraught questions asked by graduate students is about dissertation structure. A dissertation is the lengthiest writing project that many graduate students ever undertake, and there are a lot of moving parts to consider before embarking on this journey. Before you get started, take the time to learn a bit more about how dissertations are put together.
These are a few frequently asked questions about dissertation structure:
- How is a dissertation structured?
- What are the chapters in a dissertation?
- How should I structure my dissertation?
How is a Dissertation Structured?
While there are some outliers, dissertations tend to follow a very specific structure. Dissertations, which can range anywhere from 100-300 pages, are usually broken up into five distinct chapters. Each of these chapters serves a purpose in the dissertation, and each chapter is subdivided (using APA headings) into subsections that further organize the document.
There is also front matter in a dissertation, which includes pages for acknowledgements, signatures, and a table of contents. In addition to the front matter and the five chapters, dissertations also contain references and appendices (which feature documents pertinent to the dissertation) at the end.
What are the Chapters in a Dissertation?
There are several stages to completing a dissertation, and each chapter of the dissertation represents a milestone in the dissertation writing process. From finding a gap in the literature to forming a research question, writing a dissertation is a clear and often straightforward process. While it is not easy to write a dissertation, it helps to know that it follows a logical format.
In most dissertations, this is how chapters are structured:
- Chapter One: Introduction
- Chapter Two: Literature Review
- Chapter Three: Methodology
- Chapter Four: Results
- Chapter Five: Discussion/Conclusion
The first three chapters are known as the dissertation proposal, which gets presented to the dissertation committee and must be approved before the study can proceed. There is some variation depending on whether the proposed study is qualitative or quantitative, and additional documentation and approval from your university’s institutional research board (IRB) is required for human subject testing.
How Should I Structure My Dissertation?
When thinking about how to structure your own dissertation, it is a good idea to have a conversation about it with your dissertation chair. While it is true that most dissertations adhere to a five chapter structure, every department is different and will have requirements specific to their program. When you are drafting your dissertation prospectus, take the time to create an outline that maps out each chapter.
Finally, keep in mind that while you are being tasked with producing original research, you are not being asked to reinvent the wheel. Academia is full of dissertations, and it can be a productive exercise to read a few recent contributions written by scholars in your field. Even better, examine dissertations written by recent graduates in your own department for clear guidance on what a successful dissertation looks like in your program.
