Writing a Thesis or Dissertation

The conventions for writing a dissertation may differ dramatically from field to field, but one common feature remains: the process is a daunting one. The dissertation is by far the most exhaustive, comprehensive, and lengthiest scholarly project that you've undertaken. Your dissertation research often forms the basis of your first articles in major scholarly journals and your first published work. The subject matter of your dissertation also defines the direction your scholarly work will take in your first years out of graduate school. For this reason, it's important to choose a research topic that is both interesting to you and relevant to current scholarly debates in your field. Going through the lengthy and often isolating process of writing a dissertation can be made easier by communicating clearly and frequently with your principle dissertation advisor and with other members of your dissertation committee. The particulars of your dissertation-- its methodology, argumentation, and contribution to your discipline-- should be worked out in close consultation with the members of your dissertation committee.

The resources listed below also offer advice on how to weather the process of writing a dissertation: from handling committee members, to devising a schedule and sticking to it, and more.

Brown University Resources

  • The Dissertation Discussion Group—Sponsored by Carla Hansen, Associate Dean of the Graduate School, the Dissertation Discussion Group meets monthly. All levels of dissertation writing and all fields are welcome. Meet other graduate students in the throes of writing, get some helpful advice, exchange procrastination techniques (always good for a laugh), and learn how to avoid writer's block! For more information, contact Dean Carla Hansen at Carla_Hansen@brown.edu
  • The Graduate School Website—Lists the procedures, deadlines, and format guidelines for submitting a dissertation to the Graduate School.

Print Resources

Career Services also recommends these books, all of which offer outstanding advice on how to get through your dissertation:

  • Write your Dissertation in 15 Minutes a Day by Joan Bolker (H. Holt, 1998.)
  • Surviving Your Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process by Kjell Erik Rudestam (Sage, 2nd ed. 2001.)
  • How to Complete and Survive a Doctoral Dissertation by David Joel Steinberg (St. Martin's, 1981.)

Web Resources

  • All-But-Dissertation Survival Guide—A free monthly e-mail newsletter written by Ben J. Dean, Ph.D., founder of Mentorcoach.com, a professional coaching firm. Visit the ABD Survival Guide website to browse back-issues or subscribe to the newsletter.

  • PhinisheD—A discussion and support group for people who can't seem to finish their dissertations. The website and listserv truly foster community among members, including a calendar to which members can post their upcoming deadlines.
  • Dissertationdoctor.com—Articles and advice on the dissertation process, from choosing a topic to getting it finished. The site also advertises its own dissertation coaching service, which you have to pay to use.

  • The Successful Academic—Offers coaching services, advice and resources for graduate students, post-docs and junior faculty. Includes advice on how to write and finish your dissertation, how to get and stay organized, how to avoid procrastination and burnout and more.

Other Resources

  • Scholar's Retreat ("Dissertation Boot Camp") Scholars' Retreat is designed to provide the opportunity for intensive, focused, non-distracting, supervised writing time so that you may make significant progress toward the completion of your dissertation, thesis, or writing project. Retreats are usually held in Denver, Colorado in June.