Dissertation Prospectus

Students are required to prepare a written prospectus of the dissertation project for approval by the Dissertation Committee in an oral defense. The goal of the Prospectus Defense is for the student and all committee members to arrive at a shared understanding of the work the student needs to complete an acceptable dissertation, and to clarify each committee member’s role in guiding the dissertation. Students should aim to complete their prospectus within one year of advancing to candidacy.

Prior to scheduling the Prospectus Defense, students are encouraged to establish a timeline with their Dissertation Chair that ensures time for the student to meet independently with each member of the Committee prior to the defense to receive feedback on their proposed research ideas during the semester preceding the Defense.

In the written prospectus, all students should complete a thorough literature review, define the key research questions, describe appropriate methods to address these questions, define the outline and format for the dissertation, and lay out a schedule for completing the dissertation. Beyond this, the content of the written prospectus and the process of the oral prospectus defense itself will vary depending on the style of the Committee Chair and the type of research project (e.g., primary vs. secondary data collection).For instance, some Committees may require students to conduct preliminary data analysis or complete a manuscript, if appropriate. These decisions should be made between the student and the Dissertation Committee Chair in discussion with the full Committee.

Regardless of this variation, a prospectus should be approximately 30‐60 pages, and the following standard guidelines should be followed:

1. The prospectus contains an abstract, which should provide a brief statement of not more than 250 words, which concisely and clearly states the problem to be investigated. The abstract should contain the dissertation title, the student's name, and the dissertation committee members.
2. The prospectus describes the problem to be examined and relates the proposed research to previous theoretical and empirical literature in the area. A bibliography should be included.
3. The prospectus lists the specific research questions to be addressed. If appropriate, these questions should be stated as hypotheses.
4. The prospectus describes the research design and research techniques that are to be used. This section should specify the overall design and whatever problems are associated with it, specific research techniques to be employed, the relevant controls that must be introduced (if applicable), and expected problems of data analysis. If appropriate, the candidate should present some of this analysis in the form of example tables.
5. The prospectus explains the sources of data to be used and should evaluate their apparent adequacy for the candidate's purposes.
6. The prospectus may estimate whatever logistical problems are foreseeable and how they are to be handled. Such problems include access to funds, data, computer services, and expert advice.
7. The prospectus should outline whether the student proposes to complete the dissertation in book form or in the 3 paper format. If the latter, the 3 papers should be described.
8. The prospectus should include a tentative time schedule.