Are you a student considering pursuing a graduate degree? If so, you may have come across the terms “dissertation” and “thesis” and wondered what they mean.
While both are academic papers, there are significant differences between them.
In this article, I’ll break down the dissertation vs. thesis debate and explore the key differences between these two important academic milestones.
Table of Contents
What is a dissertation?
A dissertation is a lengthy, in-depth academic paper that is typically required for students pursuing a doctoral degree, such as a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy).
It’s a comprehensive, original research project that aims to contribute new knowledge or insights to a specific field of study.
A dissertation usually takes several years to complete and is guided by a faculty advisor.
Think of a dissertation as a book-length research project that demonstrates a student’s expertise and mastery of their field.
It’s a chance for students to explore a topic they’re passionate about, collect and analyze data, and present their findings in a clear and concise manner.
A dissertation typically includes:
- An introduction to the research topic
- A literature review of existing research
- A methodology section outlining the research approach
- Results and analysis of the data collected
- A conclusion summarizing the key findings
- Recommendations for future research
The goal of a dissertation is to produce an original piece of research that contributes to the academic community and showcases a student’s skills as a researcher and scholar.
What is a thesis?
A thesis is a research paper that is typically required for students pursuing a master’s degree or an undergraduate honors degree.
It’s a shorter, more focused academic paper compared to a dissertation, but still requires original research and analysis.
Think of a thesis as a mini-dissertation that demonstrates a student’s understanding of a specific topic or issue. It’s a chance for students to explore a research question, collect and analyze data, and present their findings in a clear and concise manner.
A thesis typically includes:
- An introduction to the research topic
- A literature review of existing research
- A methodology section outlining the research approach
- Results and analysis of the data collected
- A conclusion summarizing the key findings
The goal of a thesis is to demonstrate a student’s ability to design, conduct, and present original research, and to contribute to the academic community in a meaningful way.
Dissertation vs. thesis in American and British English
One of the most confusing aspects of the dissertation vs. thesis debate is the difference in terminology between American and British English.
In American English:
- A dissertation is typically required for a doctoral degree (Ph.D.)
- A thesis is typically required for a master’s degree
In British English:
- A dissertation is typically required for a master’s degree
- A thesis is typically required for a doctoral degree (Ph.D.)
This means that if you’re studying in the United States, you’ll likely write a dissertation for your Ph.D. and a thesis for your master’s degree. But if you’re studying in the United Kingdom, you’ll likely write a dissertation for your master’s degree and a thesis for your Ph.D.
It’s worth noting that some universities and institutions may use the terms interchangeably, or have different requirements for different programs. So, it’s always best to check with your university or department to confirm their specific requirements.
To avoid confusion, it’s also a good idea to use the terms consistently and correctly in your academic writing and conversations. This will help ensure that you’re communicating clearly and effectively with your peers and professors.
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Differences between a dissertation vs. thesis
While both dissertations and theses are academic papers that require original research and analysis, there are some key differences between the two.
1. Purpose:
- A dissertation is designed to contribute original knowledge to a field of study and demonstrate a student’s expertise and mastery of their field.
- A thesis is designed to demonstrate a student’s ability to design, conduct, and present original research, and to contribute to the academic community in a meaningful way.
2. Length:
- A dissertation is typically longer than a thesis, ranging from 200-400 pages or more.
- A thesis is typically shorter, ranging from 50-100 pages or more.
3. Scope:
- A dissertation is more comprehensive and in-depth, covering a broader range of topics and issues.
- A thesis is more focused and narrow in scope, exploring a specific research question or issue.
4. Research Requirements:
- A dissertation requires more extensive and original research, often involving primary data collection and analysis.
- A thesis may involve secondary research, such as a literature review, or primary research, but to a lesser extent.
5. Academic Level:
- A dissertation is typically required for a doctoral degree (Ph.D.).
- A thesis is typically required for a master’s degree or an undergraduate honors degree.
6. Structure:
- A dissertation typically includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
- A thesis typically includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and conclusion, but may not include a discussion section.
7. Time Commitment:
- A dissertation typically takes several years to complete, often 3-5 years or more.
- A thesis typically takes less time to complete, often 1-2 years or more.
8. Originality:
- A dissertation is expected to make a significant contribution to the field, often involving original research and findings.
- A thesis is expected to demonstrate a student’s ability to conduct original research, but may not necessarily make a significant contribution to the field.
| Characteristics | Dissertation | Thesis |
| Purpose | Contribute original knowledge to a field | Demonstrate research skills and contribute to the field |
| Length | Typically 200-400 pages or more | Typically 50-100 pages or more |
| Scope | Comprehensive and in-depth | Focused and narrow |
| Research Requirements | Extensive and original research | Original research, but may involve secondary research |
| Academic Level | Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) | Master’s degree or undergraduate honors degree |
| Time Commitment | Several years (3-5 years or more) | Less time (1-2 years or more) |
| Originality | Expected to make a significant contribution to the field | Expected to demonstrate original research, but may not make a significant contribution |
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Similarities between a dissertation vs. thesis
While there are some key differences between a dissertation and a thesis, there are also some similarities between the two.
1. Original Research:
- Both dissertations and theses require original research and analysis, demonstrating a student’s ability to design, conduct, and present research.
2. Academic Integrity:
- Both dissertations and theses must adhere to academic integrity standards, including proper citation and referencing, and avoiding plagiarism.
3. Formal Structure:
- Both dissertations and theses typically follow a formal structure, including an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and conclusion.
4. Committee Review:
- Both dissertations and theses are reviewed and evaluated by a committee of experts, who provide feedback and guidance throughout the process.
5. Defense:
- Both dissertations and theses typically require a defense, where the student presents their research and answers questions from the committee.
6. Contribution to the Field:
- Both dissertations and theses are expected to contribute to the field of study, whether through original research, analysis, or insights.
7. Demonstration of Expertise:
- Both dissertations and theses demonstrate a student’s expertise and mastery of their field, showcasing their knowledge, skills, and abilities.
8. Importance of Time Management:
- Both dissertations and theses require effective time management, as students must balance research, writing, and other responsibilities to meet deadlines.
9. Need for Feedback:
- Both dissertations and theses benefit from feedback and guidance from advisors, committee members, and peers, helping students refine their research and writing.
10. Celebration of Achievement:
- Both dissertations and theses represent a significant achievement, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to academic pursuits.
| Characteristics | Similarities |
| Original Research | Both require original research |
| Academic Integrity | Both must adhere to academic integrity standards |
| Formal Structure | Both typically follow a formal structure |
| Committee Review | Both are reviewed and evaluated by a committee of experts |
| Defense | Both typically require a defense |
| Contribution to the Field | Both are expected to contribute to the field |
| Demonstration of Expertise | Both demonstrate expertise and mastery of the field |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a thesis and dissertation the same?
No, a thesis is typically required for a master’s degree, while a dissertation is required for a doctoral degree (Ph.D.). While both involve original research, a dissertation is more comprehensive and in-depth.
Is PhD called thesis or dissertation?
In the US, a PhD is typically referred to as a dissertation, while in the UK and other countries, it’s often referred to as a thesis. Both terms are used interchangeably, but dissertation is more commonly used in the US.
Is dissertation harder than thesis?
Generally, yes. A dissertation requires more extensive and original research, and is typically longer and more comprehensive than a thesis.
Is a PhD just a dissertation?
No, a PhD involves more than just a dissertation. It typically requires coursework, exams, and other requirements, in addition to the dissertation. The dissertation is a major component of a PhD program, but not the only requirement.
