SECTION IX. DISSERTATION PROCESS

As the culminating scholarly experience, the dissertation serves as a performance assessment of the doctoral candidate’s ability to conduct original scholarship on an important question in CES, and to present and interpret the findings in a clear, logical, and appropriate form. The dissertation must make a significant contribution to the professional body of knowledge in the area of study. The dissertation document describes the research conducted, reports the results obtained, shows the relationship of the research to the scholarly work that preceded it, and shows the significance the research has in furthering understanding of the issues under investigation. Ph.D. students are encouraged to conduct a manuscript-based dissertation; however, they have the option of conducting a traditional dissertation. Ph.D. students work with their advisors to determine the best fit for the dissertation process.

Manuscript-Based Dissertation

A manuscript-based dissertation provides a number of benefits to the Ph.D. student, the Advisor and the scientific community: for instance, experience in the manuscript writing process, an easily accessible demonstration of original research and ability to communicate, timely dissemination of results, and a direct measure of the investment provided by funding agencies.

Ph.D. students who conduct a manuscript-based dissertation have the opportunity to develop a research agenda and submit 2-3 manuscripts for publication as first author. The manuscript-based dissertation engages Ph.D. students in the research process under intensive mentorship by their dissertation advisor. Students typically begin working with their dissertation advisor on a research project in Year 1. The process is designed to be developmental so that the student moves from the role of a research assistant to becoming fully independent in conducting all phases of a research project. In Year 1, the student works alongside the advisor, assisting the advisor with data collection or analysis of data already collected. In Year 2, the student takes a more active role in running the research protocol, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. In Year 3, the student leads all aspects of the research project including study design, IRB approval, data collection, data analysis, and manuscript preparation.

While the benefits are substantial, the manuscript-based option will challenge students as the process for peer- reviewed publications is rigorous and the journal articles will need to be supplemented with additional information in order to ensure a cohesive dissertation/thesis. Multiple first-author manuscripts are required for the manuscript-based Ph.D. dissertation and least one manuscript must be in press by the time you defend. All other manuscripts must be submitted by the time you defend.

Manuscript-based Format

For a manuscript-based Ph.D. dissertation, each publication stands as a chapter. As publications are very concise documents of research findings, supplemental text must be included within the dissertation to not only support the publication, but to also seamlessly integrate the publication into the dissertation. As such, in addition to the requirements outlined in the Graduate College’s Standards and Guidelines for Theses and Dissertations handbook, a manuscript-based Ph.D. dissertation must include the following:

• An abstract that clearly and succinctly summarizes the overarching scope of work that includes the motivation, hypothesis and objectives of the research, approach, key results and concluding remarks.
• The first chapter should be an introduction that includes the background needed to clearly relate the publication(s) to the entire body of work associate with the dissertation.
• For each publication (i.e., chapter), a paragraph must be included prior to the references that clearly specifies the role and contributions of the author and co-authors.
• A concluding chapter that outlines the principal findings and implications of the total research effort.

In addition, the Advisor or supervisory committee may request additional supplemental information (introduction, background, literature review, methods/experimental, results, discussion and appendices) that supports the total research effort.

Registration for Dissertation Credit

Following admission to candidacy, a candidate may register for dissertation credit. Once initially registered for dissertation credit, the student must be in continuous enrollment (fall and spring semesters) until the dissertation is completed. Each semester a student should consult with the dissertation committee chair to determine the variable credits (1-12) for which to register. A student will receive a grade of “IP” (in progress) each semester until the dissertation is completed. If an unexpected emergency arises, the candidate may request a leave of absence, but during that leave, assistance may not be received from the dissertation committee. 

Dissertation Advisor and Committee

The dissertation advisor and a minimum of three committee members have the responsibility of guiding research and assessing the quality of the finished product. The advisor must have expertise in the area of the candidate’s research. The program advisor may continue with the candidate as the dissertation advisor, but the candidate may invite another member of the faculty to serve as dissertation advisor. In consultation with the dissertation advisor, the student forms a dissertation committee consisting of graduate faculty. Emeritus professors are eligible to serve. At least one member from outside the College of Education should participate. The committee is approved by the Graduate College. Once formed the composition of the committee may be changed per approval to assure that the candidate receives the most useful support possible.

Responsibilities of the dissertation advisor include:

• Guiding the student in the selection of committee members
• Assisting the student in defining and developing a proposal for the dissertation research
• Overseeing the dissertation research
• Assisting the student in the organization of the dissertation defense and the dissemination of research results

Responsibilities of dissertation committee members include:

• Reviewing the dissertation proposal and providing assistance and support for the research activities of the candidate
• Judging the quality of the dissertation and recommending approval and further action to the Dean of the Graduate College

The Dissertation Proposal

For students conducting a traditional dissertation, following admission to candidacy and in consultation with the dissertation advisor and committee, a candidate develops a dissertation proposal. The dissertation must follow guidelines of the current Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. The proposal must include the following:

• Statement of the research question, including its potential to contribute to knowledge in the area of study
• Review of relevant research
• Methods/procedures
• Timeline for completion of the dissertation

Students conducting a manuscript-based dissertation will discuss with their advisor the content included in the proposal. The proposal must at least include the items described above.

With permission of the dissertation advisor, the candidate disseminates the proposal to the dissertation committee. It is the committee’s responsibility to ensure that the candidate is prepared and that there is agreement among committee members regarding each aspect of the proposal before the presentation meeting is held. Upon agreement between the candidate and committee members, a date for a proposal defense is selected and the candidate notifies the program coordinator of the scheduled date. Students need to submit the Graduate College online announcement form at least two weeks in advance of the oral defense; earlier if the information is available. The program coordinator will then notify the graduate faculty and students in the Ph.D. program of the time, date, and location of the oral evaluation.

The candidate is responsible for providing the program coordinator with an electronic copy of the committee-approved proposal (including a 100 word abstract) two weeks in advance of the proposed meeting.

• The program coordinator will apprise all graduate faculty of the meeting, post the time and site, and disseminate the abstract electronically.
• The meeting is to be open to all faculty and students who wish to attend. Once agreement is reached and the committee approves the proposal, the Dissertation Contract is signed and added to the student file.

Dissertation Style and Format

The candidate has the responsibility of assuring that all elements of the dissertation conform to appropriate standards as specified in the Graduate College Standards for Preparation of Theses and Dissertations, and in the current edition of The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. A Dissertation that does not conform to the Standards and Guidelines for Theses and Dissertations will be returned by the Graduate College to the student for corrections.

Dissertation Defense

The purpose of the dissertation defense is to provide an opportunity for the educational community to engage with candidates in thoughtful dialogue and discussion regarding issues raised from the research. The defense is a public event, and all graduate faculty in the university will be invited to attend.

Following approval by the Dissertation Advisor, the dissertation committee must receive the completed dissertation at least two weeks prior to the scheduled date of the defense.

The candidate is responsible for completing BOTH the College of Education online announcement form AND the Graduate College online announcement form at least two weeks in advance of the oral defense; earlier if the information is available. The program coordinator will then notify the graduate faculty and students in the Ph.D. program of the time, date, and location of the oral defense.

The Oral defense:

• The Graduate College will assign a Graduate Faculty Representative, who begins the proceedings and oversee the defense process.
• The candidate’s dissertation advisor chairs the defense.
• The oral defense includes a public portion that includes the presentation and questions from the public, and a private portion that includes a more in depth questioning of the candidate.
• The candidate conducting a traditional dissertation should prepare a 20-30 minute presentation that covers the following areas:
  • Background of study
  • Brief review of relevant literature
  • Research question(s)
  • Methodology
  • Findings
  • Discussion
  • Implications and Recommendations
• The candidate conducting a manuscript-based dissertation includes the following areas:
  • Introduction
  • 2-3 manuscripts as Chapters which include:
    • Brief Review of the Literature
    • Research Question(s)
    • Methods, Findings
    • Discussion including Implications and Direction for Future Research (if appropriate) and Limitations
  • Conclusion including overall Implications and Recommendations
• At the conclusion of the discussion, the committee retires to decide whether the dissertation is (a) approved as is, (b) approved with minor revisions—to be reviewed by the Dissertation Chair, (c) approved with major revisions—to be reviewed by the entire committee, or (d) not approved.
• Upon final revisions, it is the responsibility of the dissertation chair to read and sign an approval sheet indicating that the dissertation meets the standard of the program.
• The final copy of the dissertation is then submitted to the Graduate College.

Final Dissertation Copies

Upon submission, the student is required to sign a form that authorizes limited duplication privileges by the Library. The Library will pay for binding one circulating copy. Duplication and binding costs for all additional copies of the dissertation are the responsibility of the student. Final bound copies of the dissertation must also be distributed to each member of the candidate’s committee and one to the Dean of the College of Education.

Completion of the Program

No later than the semester prior to the anticipated completion of the dissertation, the candidate must complete an “Application for Graduate Degree” form, which can be obtained from the Graduate Admissions Office or online. This form, along with the required diploma fee, is to be submitted to the Graduation Office, by the stipulated deadline stated in the Academic Calendar. If there are changes in the expected date of graduation, the candidate must notify the Graduate College.

All requirements for the degree must be completed within 7 years of the enrollment of any course included in the candidate’s program of study.

Student Rights to Appeal

A student may appeal to the Department Chair, Associate Dean of the College of Education, and Graduate College decisions made by program advisors and dissertation committees. If the student is not satisfied with the decision, an appeal is made to the Department Chair. The next appeal is to the Associate Dean of the College of Education and finally to the Dean of the Graduate College. At anytime, the student may use the University grievance process described in the Boise State Student Handbook, available from the Office of the Dean of Student Special Services.