Dissertation topic – perspectives and questions to consider
In my experience as an academic advisor and a dissertation coach, I have come across a great variety of ways in which learners are approaching the choice of the dissertation topic. There is a relatively small group of those who have the clarity of knowing “exactly” what they want to do. On the other side of the spectrum are those who know there is a dissertation and not much more. Some of them start with the blissful feeling that there is a lot of time to “figure it out” and there are still others who are gripped with anxiety demanding to know if there is a magic number of “pages” they need to produce to satisfy this requirement… The rather common approach is to start with one idea and then change it or come up with several and eventually distill this into the final topic.
There is a legitimacy to all of the above.
The degree certainly provides credential, but dissertation research provides content expertise, and since valuable time and energy is spent on this project, it should be crafted to support the learner’s career objective to the highest possible degree.
Here are some important factors and questions, from the advising perspective, that learners can consider making the process more structured, more meaningful and more doable.
It is never too early to start thinking about the topic. As an advisor, I start feeling the learner’s interest orientation from the get-go or more specifically from the initial advising call by asking a few diagnostic questions:
– What do you hope that this degree will help you accomplish professionally?
– Are you building on anexisting career or shifting into a new area?
Regardless of the response to the above questions, we talk about the relationship between the expertise gained by doing the dissertation research and its potential impact on career/professional standing.
– Would this topic provide the “edge” needed?
– Could the dissertation be published?
– Can learners draw on this expertise if they wish to consult, teach, or move within the organization?
– Is there a split between what learner feels passionate about and his professional goal?
– What would be the best way to reconcile this split?
– What are some other question that we need to ask?
Looking to hearing from you.
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November 28th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
This was verry helpful information. I am pursuig a DBA and have been struggling with my doctoral study project. I know where I wnt this DBA to lead me but connecting the project to the career isn’t working out as smoothly as I thought it would. I plan to graduate in the Fall of 2010 but I’m worried that I wan’t have my project complete. Can you provide guidance to students who do not attend this University? If not, this information provided on this site truly is beneficial.
Thanks,
Karen
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:05 am
Dear Karen,
Thanks for your thoughtful comment. You have addressed the challenge of the split between your topic and the capacity to apply it professionally, as well as a concern about finishing on time. These are two important considerations. Here are some points to consider:
1. Each school has a different way or philosophy about the necessity of linking dissertation topic with potential career.
2. In today’s world with the expectation of being situationally nimble, which means that there is a certainty to change careers multiple times, the topic may not be necessarily in sync with each position.
3. On a more pragmatic level, to address your anxiety of completing your dissertation on time I suggest to:
- discuss this situation with your academic advisor or faculty from your school
- consult with a professional career counselor about the potential career options, which may tell you what are the employers looking for, and what may be the trends looking into the future
- do some search on the web for the many dissertation coaches and their services
- subscribe to dissertation coaching e/zine
Karen, at this time, I don’t work outside of Capella. However, I am sure you will be able to find many resources on the web, by searching either for “dissertation coaching” or “dissertation doctor”. Please see one of the resources below:
THE ALL-BUT-DISSERTATION SURVIVAL GUIDE
>Devoted to practical steps for completing your doctoral dissertation.
>http://www.abdsurvivalguide.com/
My best wishes for a successful academic journey and thank you for your post.
Vera Kovacovic
December 7th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
I have been teaching “at-risk” students for ten years now and this is my field. The research question is why these students succeed at alternative schools such as charter schools but failed to do so at regular public high schools where they got expelled from, became drug/alcoholic addicts, became pregnant and were problematic students. How did they succeed at these alternative schools? What teaching methods/techniques alternative schools employ to keep these students from dropping out of school before graduating? Why and how did they fail from regular public schools?
My doctorate degree reseach will prepare me to answer these questions and the degree will not be just for personal fullfillment, but also for professional growth and community gain as well.
December 8th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Vera,
With technology moving at such a fast pace, I am eager to lock in on a dissertation topic, but also worry that it will be “old news” when it’s time to submit the dissertation. Any suggestions?
I am hoping to begin the IT PhD program within the next year and one of my concerns is being able to come up with the dissertation topic.
December 14th, 2008 at 9:43 am
To all:
I am about to finish my masters and I’m scheduled to start the PhD program in April. I started looking at thesis subjects about four months ago. I consulted several of my former professors and mentors who were more than happy to help me narrow the subject and topic to a manageable level. As soon as I’m able to pick my mentor, we can discuss the topic and get started on the work. I recommend starting your search as early as possible. It will allow you to ‘hit’ the ground running once your courses start. Good Luck to all in this journey.
Sais
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:43 am
Megan,
There is no such thing as an original research. Sorry, I did not mean to burst your bubble
, but just do what makes most sense for you, that you are passionate about and that has blessings of your mentor and committee.
Have a great holidays and my best wishes for successful New Year!
Vera