Open Access Theses and Dissertations
Thursday, April 18, 8:20am (EDT): Searching is temporarily offline. We apologize for the inconvenience and are working to bring searching back up as quickly as possible.
Advanced research and scholarship. Theses and dissertations, free to find, free to use.
Advanced search options
Browse by author name (“Author name starts with…”).
Find ETDs with:
in | ||
/ | ||
in | ||
/ | ||
in | ||
/ | ||
in |
Written in any language English Portuguese French German Spanish Swedish Lithuanian Dutch Italian Chinese Finnish Greek Published in any country US or Canada Argentina Australia Austria Belgium Bolivia Brazil Canada Chile China Colombia Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Ireland Italy Japan Latvia Lithuania Malaysia Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Norway Peru Portugal Russia Singapore South Africa South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Thailand UK US Earliest date Latest date
Sorted by Relevance Author University Date
Only ETDs with Creative Commons licenses
Results per page: 30 60 100
October 3, 2022. OATD is dealing with a number of misbehaved crawlers and robots, and is currently taking some steps to minimize their impact on the system. This may require you to click through some security screen. Our apologies for any inconvenience.
![](http://2me.site/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
Recent Additions
See all of this week’s new additions.
![where to find phd dissertations](https://oatd.org/static/school-logos/monash_university.png)
About OATD.org
OATD.org aims to be the best possible resource for finding open access graduate theses and dissertations published around the world. Metadata (information about the theses) comes from over 1100 colleges, universities, and research institutions . OATD currently indexes 6,935,463 theses and dissertations.
About OATD (our FAQ) .
Visual OATD.org
We’re happy to present several data visualizations to give an overall sense of the OATD.org collection by county of publication, language, and field of study.
You may also want to consult these sites to search for other theses:
- Google Scholar
- NDLTD , the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations. NDLTD provides information and a search engine for electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs), whether they are open access or not.
- Proquest Theses and Dissertations (PQDT), a database of dissertations and theses, whether they were published electronically or in print, and mostly available for purchase. Access to PQDT may be limited; consult your local library for access information.
Librarians/Admins
- EBSCOhost Collection Manager
- EBSCO Experience Manager
- EBSCO Connect
- Start your research
- EBSCO Mobile App
Clinical Decisions Users
- DynaMed Decisions
- Dynamic Health
- Waiting Rooms
- NoveList Blog
EBSCO Open Dissertations
EBSCO Open Dissertations makes electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) more accessible to researchers worldwide. The free portal is designed to benefit universities and their students and make ETDs more discoverable.
Increasing Discovery & Usage of ETD Research
EBSCO Open Dissertations is a collaboration between EBSCO and BiblioLabs to increase traffic and discoverability of ETD research. You can join the movement and add your theses and dissertations to the database, making them freely available to researchers everywhere while increasing traffic to your institutional repository.
EBSCO Open Dissertations extends the work started in 2014, when EBSCO and the H.W. Wilson Foundation created American Doctoral Dissertations which contained indexing from the H.W. Wilson print publication, Doctoral Dissertations Accepted by American Universities, 1933-1955. In 2015, the H.W. Wilson Foundation agreed to support the expansion of the scope of the American Doctoral Dissertations database to include records for dissertations and theses from 1955 to the present.
How Does EBSCO Open Dissertations Work?
Your ETD metadata is harvested via OAI and integrated into EBSCO’s platform, where pointers send traffic to your IR.
EBSCO integrates this data into their current subscriber environments and makes the data available on the open web via opendissertations.org .
You might also be interested in:
![where to find phd dissertations academic search ultimate web thumbnail](https://www.ebsco.com/sites/default/files/acquiadam-assets/academic-search-ultimate-web-thumbnail.jpg)
- Enroll & Pay
Open Access Theses and Dissertations (OATD)
OATD.org provides open access graduate theses and dissertations published around the world. Metadata (information about the theses) comes from over 1100 colleges, universities, and research institutions. OATD currently indexes 6,654,285 theses and dissertations.
Ask Yale Library
My Library Accounts
Find, Request, and Use
Help and Research Support
Visit and Study
Explore Collections
Resources to Find Dissertations: Home
Description.
This page provides links to databases and websites to find dissertations. This includes links to general databases to find dissertations, databases focused on the humanities, foreign dissertations, dissertations on religion, and dissertations hosted by other universities.
General Databases
Humanities dissertations, foreign dissertations, religion dissertations, dissertations of universities, yale divinity library.
![where to find phd dissertations Profile Photo](https://d2jv02qf7xgjwx.cloudfront.net/accounts/54422/profiles/46353/YUL222_0355_Estelle-Holmer_S.jpg)
Science Dissertations
- Last Updated: Aug 22, 2023 5:35 PM
- URL: https://guides.library.yale.edu/dissertations
![where to find phd dissertations Yale Library logo](https://library.yale.edu/sites/default/files/files/FinalULWhite-1000px.png)
Site Navigation
P.O. BOX 208240 New Haven, CT 06250-8240 (203) 432-1775
Yale's Libraries
Bass Library
Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Classics Library
Cushing/Whitney Medical Library
Divinity Library
East Asia Library
Gilmore Music Library
Haas Family Arts Library
Lewis Walpole Library
Lillian Goldman Law Library
Marx Science and Social Science Library
Sterling Memorial Library
Yale Center for British Art
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
@YALELIBRARY
![where to find phd dissertations image of the ceiling of sterling memorial library](https://libapps.s3.amazonaws.com/accounts/190883/images/70464836_311398909700496_3097514934813065216_n.jpg)
Yale Library Instagram
Accessibility Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Giving Privacy and Data Use Contact Our Web Team
© 2022 Yale University Library • All Rights Reserved
How to find resources by format
Why use a dissertation or a thesis.
A dissertation is the final large research paper, based on original research, for many disciplines to be able to complete a PhD degree. The thesis is the same idea but for a masters degree.
They are often considered scholarly sources since they are closely supervised by a committee, are directed at an academic audience, are extensively researched, follow research methodology, and are cited in other scholarly work. Often the research is newer or answering questions that are more recent, and can help push scholarship in new directions.
Search for dissertations and theses
Locating dissertations and theses.
The Proquest Dissertations and Theses Global database includes doctoral dissertations and selected masters theses from major universities worldwide.
- Searchable by subject, author, advisor, title, school, date, etc.
- More information about full text access and requesting through Interlibrary Loan
NDLTD – Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations provides free online access to a over a million theses and dissertations from all over the world.
WorldCat Dissertations and Theses searches library catalogs from across the U.S. and worldwide.
Locating University of Minnesota Dissertations and Theses
Use Libraries search and search by title or author and add the word "thesis" in the search box. Write down the library and call number and find it on the shelf. They can be checked out.
Check the University Digital Conservancy for online access to dissertations and theses from 2007 to present as well as historic, scanned theses from 1887-1923.
Other Sources for Dissertations and Theses
- Center for Research Libraries
- DART-Europe E-Thesis Portal
- Theses Canada
- Ethos (Great Britain)
- Australasian Digital Theses in Trove
- DiVA (Sweden)
- E-Thesis at the University of Helsinki
- DissOnline (Germany)
- List of libraries worldwide - to search for a thesis when you know the institution and cannot find in the larger collections
- ProQuest Dissertations Express - to search for a digitized thesis (not a free resource but open to our guest users)
University of Minnesota Dissertations and Theses FAQs
What dissertations and theses are available.
With minor exceptions, all doctoral dissertations and all "Plan A" master's theses accepted by the University of Minnesota are available in the University Libraries system. In some cases (see below) only a non-circulating copy in University Archives exists, but for doctoral dissertations from 1940 to date, and for master's theses from 1925 to date, a circulating copy should almost always be available.
"Plan B" papers, accepted in the place of a thesis in many master's degree programs, are not received by the University Libraries and are generally not available. (The only real exceptions are a number of old library school Plan B papers on publishing history, which have been separately cataloged.) In a few cases individual departments may have maintained files of such papers.
In what libraries are U of M dissertations and theses located?
Circulating copies of doctoral dissertations:.
- Use Libraries Search to look for the author or title of the work desired to determine location and call number of a specific dissertation. Circulating copies of U of M doctoral dissertations can be in one of several locations in the library system, depending upon the date and the department for which the dissertation was done. The following are the general rules:
- Dissertations prior to 1940 Circulating copies of U of M dissertations prior to 1940 do not exist (with rare exceptions): for these, only the archival copy (see below) is available. Also, most dissertations prior to 1940 are not cataloged in MNCAT and can only be identified by the departmental listings described below.
- Dissertations from 1940-1979 Circulating copies of U of M dissertations from 1940 to 1979 will in most cases be held within the Elmer L. Andersen Library, with three major classes of exceptions: dissertations accepted by biological, medical, and related departments are housed in the Health Science Library; science/engineering dissertations from 1970 to date will be located in the Science and Engineering Library (in Walter); and dissertations accepted by agricultural and related departments are available at the Magrath Library or one of the other libraries on the St. Paul campus (the Magrath Library maintains records of locations for such dissertations).
- Dissertations from 1980-date Circulating copies of U of M dissertations from 1980 to date at present may be located either in Wilson Library (see below) or in storage; consult Libraries Search for location of specific items. Again, exceptions noted above apply here also; dissertations in their respective departments will instead be in Health Science Library or in one of the St. Paul campus libraries.
Circulating copies of master's theses:
- Theses prior to 1925 Circulating copies of U of M master's theses prior to 1925 do not exist (with rare exceptions); for these, only the archival copy (see below) is available.
- Theses from 1925-1996 Circulating copies of U of M master's theses from 1925 to 1996 may be held in storage; consult Libraries search in specific instances. Once again, there are exceptions and theses in their respective departments will be housed in the Health Science Library or in one of the St. Paul campus libraries.
- Theses from 1997-date Circulating copies of U of M master's theses from 1997 to date will be located in Wilson Library (see below), except for the same exceptions for Health Science and St. Paul theses. There is also an exception to the exception: MHA (Masters in Health Administration) theses through 1998 are in the Health Science Library, but those from 1999 on are in Wilson Library.
Archival copies (non-circulating)
Archival (non-circulating) copies of virtually all U of M doctoral dissertations from 1888-1952, and of U of M master's theses from all years up to the present, are maintained by University Archives (located in the Elmer L. Andersen Library). These copies must be consulted on the premises, and it is highly recommended for the present that users make an appointment in advance to ensure that the desired works can be retrieved for them from storage. For dissertations accepted prior to 1940 and for master's theses accepted prior to 1925, University Archives is generally the only option (e.g., there usually will be no circulating copy). Archival copies of U of M doctoral dissertations from 1953 to the present are maintained by Bell and Howell Corporation (formerly University Microfilms Inc.), which produces print or filmed copies from our originals upon request. (There are a very few post-1952 U of M dissertations not available from Bell and Howell; these include such things as music manuscripts and works with color illustrations or extremely large pages that will not photocopy well; in these few cases, our archival copy is retained in University Archives.)
Where is a specific dissertation of thesis located?
To locate a specific dissertation or thesis it is necessary to have its call number. Use Libraries Search for the author or title of the item, just as you would for any other book. Depending on date of acceptance and cataloging, a typical call number for such materials should look something like one of the following:
Dissertations: Plan"A" Theses MnU-D or 378.7M66 MnU-M or 378.7M66 78-342 ODR7617 83-67 OL6156 Libraries Search will also tell the library location (MLAC, Health Science Library, Magrath or another St. Paul campus library, Science and Engineering, Business Reference, Wilson Annex or Wilson Library). Those doctoral dissertations still in Wilson Library (which in all cases should be 1980 or later and will have "MnU-D" numbers) are located in the central section of the third floor. Those master's theses in Wilson (which in all cases will be 1997 or later and will have "MnU-M" numbers) are also located in the central section of the third floor. Both dissertations and theses circulate and can be checked out, like any other books, at the Wilson Circulation desk on the first floor.
How can dissertations and theses accepted by a specific department be located?
Wilson Library contains a series of bound and loose-leaf notebooks, arranged by department and within each department by date, listing dissertations and theses. Information given for each entry includes name of author, title, and date (but not call number, which must be looked up individually). These notebooks are no longer current, but they do cover listings by department from the nineteenth century up to approximately 1992. Many pre-1940 U of M dissertations and pre-1925 U of M master's theses are not cataloged (and exist only as archival copies). Such dissertations can be identified only with these volumes. The books and notebooks are shelved in the general collection under these call numbers: Wilson Ref LD3337 .A5 and Wilson Ref quarto LD3337 .U9x. Major departments of individual degree candidates are also listed under their names in the GRADUATE SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT programs of the U of M, available in University Archives and (for recent years) also in Wilson stacks (LD3361 .U55x).
- << Previous: Dictionaries and encyclopedias
- Next: E-books >>
Open Access Theses and Dissertations
Direct Link
Jump to navigation
- Off-Campus Login
- My Library Account
- My ILL Requests
- My Special Collections Research Account
- Collections
- Articles & Databases
- Journal Search
- Archives & Manuscripts
- Digital Collections
- Special Research Collections
- Scholarly Communication
- Awards & Fellowships
- Subject & Course Guides
- Course Reserves
- Interlibrary Loan
- Instruction
- Research Data Services
- Ask a Librarian
- Call Numbers & Floor Plans
- Study Spaces
- Computers & Printing
- Events & Exhibitions
- Directions & Parking
![UCSB Library UCSB Library](https://www.library.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/ucsb_library_wordmark_1-0_white_225px.png)
Open Access Dissertations
You are here.
UC Policy on Open Access for Theses and Dissertations
On March 25, 2020, the University of California issued a Policy on Open Access for Theses and Dissertations. The systemwide policy, which aligns with those already in place at individual UC campuses, “requires theses or dissertations prepared at the University to be (1) deposited into an open access repository, and (2) freely and openly available to the public, subject to a requested delay of access (“embargo”) obtained by the student.” Theses and dissertations already made open access can be read in eScholarship, UC’s open access repository and scholarly publishing platform.
Alexandria Digital Research Library (ADRL)
Some UCSB open access theses and disserations are in ADRL. Due to copyright restrictions and a need to obtain permission from the authors, not all years are available.
eScholarship
UC's institutional repository and journal publishing platform. Not all campuses have electronic theses and disseartations in eScholarship. Due to copyright restrictions and the need to obtain permissions from authors, not all years are available online. UC campuses began accepting electronic theses and disserations (ETDs) submissions different years. For details see ETD Preservation and Access Sevice: California Digital Library . UCSB's open access ETDS are in ADRL .
Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
An international organization dedicated to promoting the adoption, creation, use, dissemination, and preservation of electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs). The website includes resources on how to find, create, and preserve ETDs; how to set up an ETD program; legal and technical questions; and the latest news and research in the ETD community.
Open Access Theses & Dissertations
OATD.org aims to be the best possible resource for finding open access graduate theses and dissertations published around the world. Metadata (information about the theses) comes from over 1100 colleges, universities, and research institutions. OATD currently indexes 5,031,307 theses and dissertations.
PQDT Open (Proquest):
Provides the full text of open access dissertations and theses free of charge. The authors of these dissertations and theses have opted to publish as open access.
![where to find phd dissertations logo block](https://www.library.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/ucsb_library_wordmark_1-0_white_225px.png)
Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9010
![where to find phd dissertations Footer Logo](https://www.library.ucsb.edu/sites/default/files/ucsb-logo-footer.png)
UCSB Library - Main (805) 893-2478 | Music Library (805) 893-2641
Copyright © 2010-2024. The Regents of the University of California, All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Use
Office of Scholarly Communication
University of California
- Campus Resources
- Why Publish Open Access?
- Deposit Your Scholarly Articles
- Open Access Policies FAQ
- OA Policy Waivers
- OA Publishing Agreements and Discounts
- OA Thesis & Dissertation Policies
- Publish Your Book OA
- Transition Your Journal to OA
- Collect and share your older publications
- Publishing Funds
- eScholarship Publishing
- University of California Press
- Copyright & Publication Contracts
- Data Sharing Policies & Tools
Home » For Authors & Researchers » Open Access Theses & Dissertations
Open Access Theses & Dissertations
Theses and dissertations produced by students as part of the completion of their degree requirements often represent unique and interesting scholarship. Universities are increasingly making this work available online, and UC is no exception. Find information related to open access theses and dissertations below.
UC has an open access policy for theses and dissertations, but procedures and specifics vary by campus
Several UC campuses have established policies requiring open access to the electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) written by their graduate students. As of March 25, 2020, there is now a systemwide Policy on Open Access for Theses and Dissertations , indicating that UC “requires theses or dissertations prepared at the University to be (1) deposited into an open access repository, and (2) freely and openly available to the public, subject to a requested delay of access (’embargo’) obtained by the student.”
In accordance with these policies, campuses must ensure that student ETDs are available open access via eScholarship (UC’s open access repository and publishing platform), at no cost to students. By contrast, ProQuest, the world’s largest commercial publisher of ETDs, charges a $95 fee to make an ETD open access. Institutions worldwide have moved toward open access ETD publication because it dramatically increases the visibility and reach of their graduate research.
Policies and procedures for ETD filing, including how to delay public release of an ETD and how long such a delay can last, vary by campus. Learn more about the requirements and procedures for ETDs at each UC campus:
- UC Berkeley: Dissertation Filing Guidelines (for Doctoral Students) and Thesis Filing Guidelines (for Master’s Students)
- UC Davis: Preparing and Filing Your Thesis or Dissertation
- UC Irvine: Thesis/Dissertation Electronic Submission
- UCLA: File Your Thesis or Dissertation
- UC Merced: Dissertation/Thesis Submission
- UC Riverside: Dissertation and Thesis Submission
- UC San Diego: Preparing to Graduate
- UCSF: Dissertation and Thesis Guidelines
- UC Santa Barbara: Filing Your Thesis, Dissertation, or DMA Supporting Document
- UC Santa Cruz: Dissertation and Thesis Guidelines (PDF) from the Graduate Division’s Accessing Forms Online page
Open access can be delayed in certain circumstances
Some campuses allow students to elect an embargo period before the public release of their thesis/dissertation; others require approval from graduate advisors or administrators. Visit your local graduate division’s website (linked above) for more information.
Common copyright concerns of students writing theses and dissertations
Students writing theses/dissertations most commonly have questions about their own copyright ownership or the use of other people’s copyrighted materials in their own work.
You automatically own the copyright in your thesis/dissertation as soon as you create it, regardless of whether you register it or include a copyright page or copyright notice (see this FAQ from the U.S. Copyright Office for more information). Most students choose not to register their copyrights, though some choose to do so because they value having their copyright ownership officially and publicly recorded. Getting a copyright registered is required before you can sue someone for infringement.
If you decide to register your copyright, you can do so
- directly, through the Copyright Office website , for $35
- by having ProQuest/UMI contact the Copyright Office on your behalf, for $65.
It is common to incorporate 1) writing you have done for journal articles as part of your dissertation, and 2) parts of your dissertation into articles or books . See, for example, these articles from Wiley and Taylor & Francis giving authors tips on how to successfully turn dissertations into articles, or these pages at Sage , Springer , and Elsevier listing reuse in a thesis or dissertation as a common right of authors. Because this is a well-known practice, and often explicitly allowed in publishers’ contracts with authors, it rarely raises copyright concerns. eScholarship , which hosts over 55,000 UC ETDs, has never received a takedown notice from a publisher based on a complaint that the author’s ETD was too similar to the author’s published work.
Incorporating the works of others in your thesis/dissertation – such as quotations or illustrative images – is often allowed by copyright law. This is the case when the original work isn’t protected by copyright, or if the way you’re using the work would be considered fair use. In some circumstances, however, you will need permission from the copyright holder. For more information, please consult the Berkeley Library’s guide to Copyright and Publishing Your Dissertation .
How to find UC Dissertations and Theses online
All ten UC campuses make their electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) openly accessible to readers around the world. You can view over 55,000 UC ETDs in eScholarship , UC’s open access repository. View ETDs from each campus:
- Santa Barbara
![where to find phd dissertations Share](https://static.addtoany.com/buttons/favicon.png)
Sign up to receive OSC blog post updates
Email address:
Recent Posts
- Follow up from The Right to Deposit webinar: statement and early signatories
- Better together: BTAA Libraries, CDL, and Lyrasis commit to strengthen Diamond Open Access in the United States
- Upcoming webinar: “The Right To Deposit – Uniform Guidance to Ensure Author Compliance and Public Access”
- Fair use rights to conduct text and data mining and use artificial intelligence tools are essential for UC research and teaching
- New Open Access Book from eScholarship Publishing: The Art of Diversity by Susan Carlson
![where to find phd dissertations eScholarship link](https://osc.universityofcalifornia.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/400x100escholarshipbox.jpg)
WordPress Theme by WPZOOM
![where to find phd dissertations Banner](https://d2jv02qf7xgjwx.cloudfront.net/sites/2498/banner/Library_Header_-_2340x160.png)
Dissertation Repositories, Open Access
How to find dissertations, open access repositories, selected university affiliated, open access repositories.
Use the websites listed below to find freely accessible (open access) dissertations from the United States and other countries. While all repositories listed here include doctoral dissertations, Master's theses may be available in some cases as well.
Regis College maintains print copies of Regis student theses and dissertations in the Regis Library. They are not digitized although individual students may have submitted their dissertation to a digital repository.
- American Doctoral Dissertations (EBSCO) A free resource, hosted by EBSCO, this database includes more than 172,000 theses and dissertations in total from 1902 to the present.
- British Library: EThOS, E-theses Online Service EThOS is the UK’s national thesis service. EThOS aims to hold a record for all doctoral theses awarded by all UK universities (institutions). Also available when using Regis Library discovery tool, PowerSearch.
- Digital Commons Network Free, full-text scholarly articles from hundreds of universities and colleges worldwide. Curated by university librarians and their supporting institutions, the Network includes a growing collection of peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, dissertations, working papers, conference proceedings, and other original scholarly work.
- Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD) The Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations (NDLTD) is an international organization dedicated to promoting the adoption, creation, use, dissemination, and preservation of electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs). We support electronic publishing and open access to scholarship in order to enhance the sharing of knowledge worldwide.
- Open Access Theses and Dissertations OATD.org aims to be the best possible resource for finding open access graduate theses and dissertations published around the world. Metadata (information about the theses) comes from over 1100 colleges, universities, and research institutions. OATD currently indexes 4,264,663 theses and dissertations.
- PQDT Open PQDT Open provides the full text of open access dissertations and theses free of charge. The authors of these dissertations and theses have opted to publish as open access.
- Theses Canada Theses Canada is a collaborative program between Library and Archives Canada (LAC) and nearly 70 universities accredited by Universities Canada. It strives to: acquire and preserve theses and dissertations from participating universities; provide free access to Canadian electronic theses and dissertations in the collection.
These digital repositories maintained by various universities enable public access to theses and dissertations. These are just a select sample; there are many other repositories associated with universities.
- Duke University: Duke Space, Theses and Dissertations
- Harvard University: Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard (DASH) Also available when using Regis Library discovery tool, PowerSearch.
- Johns Hopkins University: DSpace Repository
- Northeastern University: Digital Reposity Service: Theses and Dissertations
- University of Washington: ResearchWorks
- Walden University Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
- Last Updated: Jul 12, 2023 8:18 AM
- URL: https://libguides.regiscollege.edu/open_access_dissertations
Theses and Dissertations
Cornell theses.
Check Cornell’s library catalog , which lists the dissertations available in our library collection.
The print thesis collection in Uris Library is currently shelved on Level 3B before the Q to QA regular-sized volumes. Check with the library staff for the thesis shelving locations in other libraries (Mann, Catherwood, Fine Arts, etc.).
Non-Cornell Theses
Proquest dissertations and theses.
According to ProQuest, coverage begins with 1637. With more than 2.4 million entries, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global is the starting point for finding citations to doctoral dissertations and master’s theses. Dissertations published from 1980 forward include 350-word abstracts written by the author. Master’s theses published from 1988 forward include 150-word abstracts. UMI also offers over 1.8 million titles for purchase in microfilm or paper formats. The full text of more than 930,000 are available in PDF format for immediate free download. Use Interlibrary Loan for the titles not available as full text online.
Foreign Dissertations at the Center for Research Libraries
To search for titles and verify holdings of dissertations at the Center for Research Libraries (CRL), use the CRL catalog . CRL seeks to provide comprehensive access to doctoral dissertations submitted to institutions outside the U. S. and Canada (currently more than 750,000 titles). One hundred European universities maintain exchange or deposit agreements with CRL. Russian dissertation abstracts in the social sciences are obtained on microfiche from INION. More detailed information about CRL’s dissertation holdings .
Additional Resources
Please see our resource guide on dissertations and theses for additional resources and support.
News alert: UC Berkeley has announced its next university librarian
Secondary menu
- Log in to your Library account
- Hours and Maps
- Connect from Off Campus
- UC Berkeley Home
Search form
Dissertations & theses: life & health sciences: find dissertations & theses.
- Find Dissertations & Theses
- Copyright & Publishing Your Dissertation This link opens in a new window
Find UCB Dissertations & Theses
UCB Dissertations & Theses Online:
- Dissertations & Theses @ University of California A subset of ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Nearly all of the University of California dissertations filed since 1996 are available full-text; citations are provided for UC dissertations filed prior to 1996. Limit to UC Berkeley dissertations using the University/Institution field, however limiting to individual departments is only available for dissertations published starting in 2009.
UC Berkeley dissertations may also be found in eScholarship , UC's online open access repository.
Please note that it may take time for a dissertation to appear in one of the above online resources. Embargoes and other issues affect the release timing.
Finding UCB Life & Health Sciences Dissertations in the Library Using UC Library Search :
Dissertations have been cataloged using various subject terms. To find these dissertations, try a keyword search University of California, Berkeley [Department/School/Group Name] Dissertations ; this works best if you change the search option to 'UC Berkeley catalog' - select this in the search box as you type,or make the selection above the search box in Advanced Search.
- University of California, Berkeley. Vision Science Dissertations
- University of California, Berkeley. Dept. of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management Dissertations.
- University of California, Berkeley. Dept. of Molecular and Cell Biology Dissertations.
- University of California, Berkeley. School of Public Health Dissertations.
You may find your search results improve by placing the Department/School/Group Name as an exact phrase subject in Advanced Search. Example:
- Any field contains University of California, Berkeley. Dissertations
- AND Subject contains exact phrase Vision Science
Finding Master's Theses using UC Library Search (catalog) :
- Currently, only Master's theses older than 2020 are available in UC Library Search.
- Click Advanced Search, to the right of the search box.
- Change the drop down menu to the left of the search box to Subject and type (for example) University of California Berkeley public health in the search box.
- In the next search box, keep the default Any field and type master* in the search box (adding the * searches for both "master" and "masters").
- Click Search.
Master's theses from 2020 onwards are available via UC Berkeley Library's Digital Collections .
Dissertations Databases
![UCB access only UCB access only](https://d2jv02qf7xgjwx.cloudfront.net/sites/214/icons/748/key_berkeleyblue_16_x_16_transp-01.png)
- Next: Writing >>
- Last Updated: Mar 11, 2024 9:20 AM
- URL: https://guides.lib.berkeley.edu/dissertations
![where to find phd dissertations Harvard University Graduate School of Design](https://libapps.s3.amazonaws.com/accounts/291623/images/GSD_Horiz_Lockup.png)
- Harvard Library
- Research Guides
- Harvard Graduate School of Design - Frances Loeb Library
Write and Cite
- Theses and Dissertations
- Academic Integrity
- Using Sources and AI
- Academic Writing
- From Research to Writing
- GSD Writing Services
- Grants and Fellowships
- Reading, Notetaking, and Time Management
What is a thesis?
What is a dissertation, getting started, staying on track.
A thesis is a long-term project that you work on over the course of a semester or a year. Theses have a very wide variety of styles and content, so we encourage you to look at prior examples and work closely with faculty to develop yours.
Before you begin, make sure that you are familiar with the dissertation genre—what it is for and what it looks like.
Generally speaking, a dissertation’s purpose is to prove that you have the expertise necessary to fulfill your doctoral-degree requirements by showing depth of knowledge and independent thinking.
The form of a dissertation may vary by discipline. Be sure to follow the specific guidelines of your department.
- PhD This site directs candidates to the GSAS website about dissertations , with links to checklists, planning, formatting, acknowledgments, submission, and publishing options. There is also a link to guidelines for the prospectus . Consult with your committee chair about specific requirements and standards for your dissertation.
- DDES This document covers planning, patent filing, submission guidelines, publishing options, formatting guidelines, sample pages, citation guidelines, and a list of common errors to avoid. There is also a link to guidelines for the prospectus .
- Scholarly Pursuits (GSAS) This searchable booklet from Harvard GSAS is a comprehensive guide to writing dissertations, dissertation-fellowship applications, academic journal articles, and academic job documents.
Finding an original topic can be a daunting and overwhelming task. These key concepts can help you focus and save time.
Finding a topic for your thesis or dissertation should start with a research question that excites or at least interests you. A rigorous, engaging, and original project will require continuous curiosity about your topic, about your own thoughts on the topic, and about what other scholars have said on your topic. Avoid getting boxed in by thinking you know what you want to say from the beginning; let your research and your writing evolve as you explore and fine-tune your focus through constant questioning and exploration.
Get a sense of the broader picture before you narrow your focus and attempt to frame an argument. Read, skim, and otherwise familiarize yourself with what other scholars have done in areas related to your proposed topic. Briefly explore topics tangentially related to yours to broaden your perspective and increase your chance of finding a unique angle to pursue.
Critical Reading
Critical reading is the opposite of passive reading. Instead of merely reading for information to absorb, critical reading also involves careful, sustained thinking about what you are reading. This process may include analyzing the author’s motives and assumptions, asking what might be left out of the discussion, considering what you agree with or disagree with in the author’s statements and why you agree or disagree, and exploring connections or contradictions between scholarly arguments. Here is a resource to help hone your critical-reading skills:
http://writing.umn.edu/sws/assets/pdf/quicktips/criticalread.pdf
Conversation
Your thesis or dissertation will incorporate some ideas from other scholars whose work you researched. By reading critically and following your curiosity, you will develop your own ideas and claims, and these contributions are the core of your project. You will also acknowledge the work of scholars who came before you, and you must accurately and fairly attribute this work and define your place within the larger discussion. Make sure that you know how to quote, summarize, paraphrase , integrate , and cite secondary sources to avoid plagiarism and to show the depth and breadth of your knowledge.
A thesis is a long-term, large project that involves both research and writing; it is easy to lose focus, motivation, and momentum. Here are suggestions for achieving the result you want in the time you have.
The dissertation is probably the largest project you have undertaken, and a lot of the work is self-directed. The project can feel daunting or even overwhelming unless you break it down into manageable pieces and create a timeline for completing each smaller task. Be realistic but also challenge yourself, and be forgiving of yourself if you miss a self-imposed deadline here and there.
Your program will also have specific deadlines for different requirements, including establishing a committee, submitting a prospectus, completing the dissertation, defending the dissertation, and submitting your work. Consult your department’s website for these dates and incorporate them into the timeline for your work.
Accountability
Sometimes self-imposed deadlines do not feel urgent unless there is accountability to someone beyond yourself. To increase your motivation to complete tasks on schedule, set dates with your committee chair to submit pre-determined pieces of a chapter. You can also arrange with a fellow doctoral student to check on each other’s progress. Research and writing can be lonely, so it is also nice to share that journey with someone and support each other through the process.
Common Pitfalls
The most common challenges for students writing a dissertation are writer’s block, information-overload, and the compulsion to keep researching forever.
There are many strategies for avoiding writer’s block, such as freewriting, outlining, taking a walk, starting in the middle, and creating an ideal work environment for your particular learning style. Pay attention to what helps you and try different things until you find what works.
Efficient researching techniques are essential to avoiding information-overload. Here are a couple of resources about strategies for finding sources and quickly obtaining essential information from them.
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/writing_in_literature_detailed_discussion/reading_criticism.html
https://students.dartmouth.edu/academic-skills/learning-resources/learning-strategies/reading-techniques
Finally, remember that there is always more to learn and your dissertation cannot incorporate everything. Follow your curiosity but also set limits on the scope of your work. It helps to create a folder entitled “future projects” for topics and sources that interest you but that do not fit neatly into the dissertation. Also remember that future scholars will build off of your work, so leave something for them to do.
Browsing through theses and dissertations of the past can help to get a sense of your options and gain inspiration but be careful to use current guidelines and refer to your committee instead of relying on these examples for form or formatting.
DASH Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard.
HOLLIS Harvard Library’s catalog provides access to ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global .
MIT Architecture has a list of their graduates’ dissertations and theses.
Rhode Island School of Design has a list of their graduates’ dissertations and theses.
University of South Florida has a list of their graduates’ dissertations and theses.
Harvard GSD has a list of projects, including theses and professors’ research.
- << Previous: Reading, Notetaking, and Time Management
- Next: Publishing >>
- Last Updated: Jun 24, 2024 11:19 AM
- URL: https://guides.library.harvard.edu/gsd/write
Harvard University Digital Accessibility Policy
- Peter J. Shields Library
- Blaisdell Medical Library
- Mabie Law Library
- Archives & Special Collections
- Study Spaces
- Print, Scan, Copy
- Events & Workshops
- Library Tours
- Accessibility & Safety
- Library Accounts
- Borrow, Renew, Return
- Course Materials
- Books / Physical Items
- Scanned Articles or Chapters
- Shipping Service
- Suggest a Purchase
- Lending to Institutions
- Equipment & Lockers
- Services for People with Disabilities
- Services for Remote Sites
- Getting Started
- Schedule a Research Consultation
- Research Sources & Search Tools
- Data Analysis & Management
- Open Access
- Author Rights & Copyright
- Preserve Your Research
- Student Research Prizes
- Custom Course Guides
- Course Reserves
- Open Educational Resources (OER)
- Request Library Instruction
- Class Visits to Archives & Special Collections
- Copyright & Teaching
- Videos & Music
- Collections Overview
- Food & Wine
- Digitized Collections
- Points of Pride
- News & Events
- Leadership, Mission & Strategy
- Partnerships & Projects
- Careers & Student Jobs
- Library Policies
- Dissertations and Theses
- Collections
- Archives and Special Collections
- Our Collections
- University Archives
Available Formats
Electronic copies.
As of September 2010 all doctoral dissertations and masters theses are submitted to the Proquest Dissertations & Theses database. Electronic copies of doctoral dissertations began to be available in 1997 while masters theses began to be available in September 2010. After a dissertation or thesis is submitted to Graduate Studies, it can take up to several months for it to appear in the database.
As of Spring Quarter 2021, theses and dissertations are also submitted to eScholarship .
Paper Copies
Masters theses from mid-2003 to September 2010 are located in the Shields Library book stacks.
Microfiche Copies
UC Davis theses and dissertations issued between 1978 and mid-2003 are available for use in the Microcopy Collection, Lower Level, Shields Library. Microfiche copies are available for inter-library loan and for reading, copying, or scanning within the library.
Archival Copies
UC Davis theses and dissertations issued before 1978 are typically only available in Special Collections. These are stored offsite and are for use only in the Blanchard Special Collections Reading Room. They can be requested at aeon.library.ucdavis.edu . Turnaround time is 48-72 hours.
Locating Dissertations and Theses
Via uc library search.
UC Davis dissertations and theses can be located via the library’s online catalog, UC Library Search . The item record will indicate the location of each thesis and dissertation.
Search Tips
Dissertations and theses do not receive standard “subject” headings. Dissertation titles are required to be descriptive, so title word searches are often effective. Another strategy, applicable for dissertations only, is to search in Proquest’s Dissertations & Theses Database (limiting to UC Davis if desired), where one can search titles, abstracts, and subject descriptors.
Note: with our new catalog options, searching by dissertation subject heading is less used, but in case you need to know, UC Davis catalogs its theses and dissertations with a limited subject heading, constructed of the phrase Dissertations, Academic — University of California, Davis plus the name of the department in which the degree is granted, for example:
- Dissertations, Academic — University of California, Davis — Genetics
For 1989 and earlier, use the heading Dissertations, Academic — California plus the name of the department in which the degree is granted, for example:
- Dissertations, Academic — California — Soil science
Via the Dissertations & Theses Database
The Dissertations & Theses Database via Proquest includes citations for theses and dissertations from 1861 to the current year. Entries for dissertations from 1980 forward include 350-word abstracts, written by the author. Citations for master’s theses from 1988 forward include 150-word abstracts. UC Davis submits only doctoral dissertations for inclusion in Dissertations & Theses via Proquest.
Search Dissertations & Theses by:
- The keyword of the title or abstract
- School (“Davis,” for example)
- Advisor name
- Other fields
Some UC Davis dissertations are not sent to ProQuest at the request of the author. In such cases, locate the bibliographic record in the UC Library Search online catalog. There may be a microform or print copy available for use, or you may request retrieval of the archival copy via Special Collections.
The Dissertations & Theses database provides access to the complete full-text of all University of California dissertations in addition to UC Davis doctoral dissertations from the year 1997 forward. Free 24-page previews are available for most other university theses and dissertations listed in the database from 1997 forward. Access to the ProQuest database and full-text is limited to UC computer addresses.
How to Obtain PDFs from the Dissertations & Theses Database
When displaying a citation for a dissertation, the Digital Dissertations database will indicate via a “Full text -PDF” button that the dissertation is available for full-text download. Nearly all of the UC dissertations since 1997 are available in full-text format.
- Plan Your Visit
- Class Visits
- Maps, Directions & Local Amenities
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Find Materials
- Aeon Registration for First Time Users
- How to Request Collection Items
- Request Duplication (Scans & Photocopies)
- Access & Policies
Contact Archives and Special Collections
If you have any questions or requests, please send us an email or leave a voicemail and we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.
![where to find phd dissertations The Classroom | Empowering Students in Their College Journey](https://www.theclassroom.com/public/images/classroom2x.png)
How to Locate PhD Dissertations
![where to find phd dissertations The Difference Between a Published & Unpublished Dissertation](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/180x110/cpi.studiod.com/www_ehow_com/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/106/177/187643450_XS.jpg)
The Difference Between a Published & Unpublished Dissertation
Doctoral students churn out sometimes massive volumes of research in the form of their Ph.D. dissertations without further publishing the work. These Ph.D. dissertations contain a wealth of information, particularly because the requirements for completing them lead to very detailed coverage of a particular research question. In some cases, scholars build the foundations of their careers on Ph.D. dissertation research; the underlying arguments, literature review and detailed methodologies may only be referred to in further publications. Finding Ph.D. dissertations to read and follow up on is quite simple, now that most dissertations are submitted and published electronically.
Search using an Internet search engine, such as Google.com. When searching like this for Ph.D. dissertations, include "dissertation" along with key search terms on your subject of interest, a particular author or an institution; you may find a link to the abstract with directions on how to acquire the full text of a dissertation. Refine your search further on the search engine by selecting an academic or research search; on Google, for example, you would select "Google Scholar."
Go to a library with a subscription to ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database to conduct a more targeted search. ProQuest maintains dissertations from more than 700 institutions from as far back as 1861. From the database, you can access the full text of about half of the indexed Ph.D. dissertations, and you will find citations for others. Citations can direct you to the author or institution where the Ph.D. dissertation may be available.
Search directly at the institution of interest. If you know you want a dissertation from a particular school, start your search at that school's library or thesis office website. Schools may refer to their Ph.D. dissertation collection as an institutional repository. Not all schools participate as publishing partners with ProQuest, and even those that do may have older or more obscure Ph.D. dissertations available.
Contact the author directly. If you have a citation for a Ph.D. dissertation that is of interest to you, call or send a note to the author. Many authors of Ph.D. dissertations go on to work in academia, where their contact information is provided to the public through the institution. If you cannot find the author's contact information, seek out an expert in your field of interest. Someone who is passionate about an area of science may be willing to help you find dissertations in that field.
Related Articles
![where to find phd dissertations How to Reference a Person With a PhD](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/180x110/s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/contentlab.studiod/getty/9bc40fa45e47488fbc94af29a00874c4.jpg)
How to Reference a Person With a PhD
![where to find phd dissertations How to Formulate a Qualitative Research Question](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/180x110/s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/contentlab.studiod/getty/8cf3462b942a4352ad74a66ca250b024.jpg)
How to Formulate a Qualitative Research Question
![where to find phd dissertations How to Write an MBA Thesis](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/180x110/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/171/30/86508090_XS.jpg)
How to Write an MBA Thesis
![where to find phd dissertations Referencing Your Own Knowledge in APA Format](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/180x110/s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/contentlab.studiod/getty/e9505dfda5ff4983b7f81486137f0808.jpg)
Referencing Your Own Knowledge in APA Format
![where to find phd dissertations How to Write a Biography Statement](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/180x110/s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/contentlab.studiod/getty/c7604f97555e45a5b33d8ba571e7aaa3.jpg)
How to Write a Biography Statement
![where to find phd dissertations How to Footnote a Newspaper Article](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/180x110/cpi.studiod.com/www_ehow_com/i.ehow.com/images/a07/c6/lt/footnote-newspaper-article-800x800.jpg)
How to Footnote a Newspaper Article
![where to find phd dissertations How to Write a Seminar Paper](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/180x110/cpi.studiod.com/www_ehow_com/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/151/89/89795017_XS.jpg)
How to Write a Seminar Paper
![where to find phd dissertations How to Write a Dissertation Summary](https://img-aws.ehowcdn.com/180x110/cpi.studiod.com/www_ehow_com/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/94/212/187643463_XS.jpg)
How to Write a Dissertation Summary
- Proquest : Key Facts
Jae Chapman is a sustainability enthusiast who has been writing since 2006. She writes for various websites with a focus on the environment, food, fitness, computer software and other practical topics. She holds a Master of Science in engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Finding Research Instruments
- APA PsycInfo
- Mental Measurements Yearbook with Tests in Print
Finding Instruments in Dissertations & Theses
Proquest dissertations & theses, uconn dissertations & theses, open access dissertation sources.
Many dissertations and theses contain instruments, or portions of instruments, in their appendices. Seeing the instrument is likely to help you decide if it will be useful for your own research. Remember, you still need to obtain permission from the original author of the instrument to use it.
It's best to have the name of the instrument that interests you, and search in the full text of the documents to locate it. Because you're searching very lengthy documents, use the full name, not an acronym. The following dissertation sources are not good places to search by topic for possible instruments to use.
Searching By Title
Approach all the search tools below by searching for the title of your instrument in quotation marks. In ProQuest Dissertations and Theses and the UConn dissertation and theses archives, this is a full text search that will locate the instrument if it's mentioned anywhere in the document, including the references and appendices. In the open access repositories listed below, typically only information about a document is searched, so the instrument name must be mentioned in the abstract or other descriptive data.
- ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global Search and download the full text of doctoral dissertations completed in the U.S. Also includes some master's theses and foreign language dissertations. Contains the full text of most UConn dissertations from 1996-2012 as well as citations going back to 1965.
- University of Connecticut Theses and Dissertations Search and download the full text of UConn theses and dissertations from 2013 to the present, with older materials from 1922-2013 added regularly.
- UConn Doctoral Dissertations via Digital Commons Search and download the full text of UConn dissertations submitted between 2013 and 2020.
- UConn Masters' Theses via Digital Commons Search and download the full text of UConn masters' theses submitted between 2013 and 2020.
There are a number of tools that let you search for open access dissertations across many institutional repositories. Anyone can download and read these documents. As a reminder, because they generally search only information about the documents, not the full text, so if the instrument is not mentioned in the abstract, you probably won't find it.
- EBSCO Open Dissertations Search thousands of open access dissertations.
- Global ETD Search Search electronic theses and dissertations contained in the NDLTD archive.
- Open Access Theses and Dissertations A resource for finding open access graduate theses and dissertations published around the world.
- << Previous: Books
- Next: Websites >>
- Last Updated: Dec 14, 2023 10:47 AM
- URL: https://guides.lib.uconn.edu/instruments
![where to find phd dissertations Creative Commons](https://s3.amazonaws.com/libapps/customers/757/images/by-nc.png)
E-Books at the University of Dayton
- How to Find E-Books at UD
- Tips for eBook Collection (EBSCOhost)
- Tips for ProQuest Ebook Central
- O'Reilly Safari Books Online
- Placing Holds on E-Books
- Arts & Humanities E-Book Collections
- STEM & Biomedical E-Book Collections
- Social Science & Business E-Book Collections
- DEI E-Book Collection This link opens in a new window
- Print Books at UD
- Getting Copies of Books & Chapters You Can't Find
- Find Theses and Dissertations
![](http://2me.site/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
Contact Roesch Library
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 937-229-4234
Text us: 937-412-0023
Twitter: @roeschlibrary
Finding Theses and Disssertations
![where to find phd dissertations UD Logo](https://libapps.s3.amazonaws.com/accounts/294141/images/UD_Logo.jpg)
- << Previous: Getting Copies of Books & Chapters You Can't Find
- Last Updated: Jun 24, 2024 11:16 AM
- URL: https://libguides.udayton.edu/ebook-collections
![where to find phd dissertations Outside view of Roesch Library](https://libapps.s3.amazonaws.com/customers/359/images/Roesch_front.jpg)
![where to find phd dissertations Banner](https://d2jv02qf7xgjwx.cloudfront.net/sites/2204/banner/Google_Form_Headers__1_.png)
History 287: Memory and Identity in the People's Republic of China
- Getting Started
- Reference Sources/Background
- Find Articles
- Find Dissertations & Theses
Find doctoral dissertations and masters theses
Citation management.
- Government Documents
- Memoirs and Oral Histories
- Published Books of Primary Source Collections
- Additional Library Guides
- Chicago: Notes & Bibliography
- ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global (1743 to present) Over 3.8 million citations to doctoral dissertations and masters theses from North America; over 2.1 million of these (most dating from 1997 to present) are available full text. Also includes a growing number of dissertations from international universities, including University College London, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and the Universities of Aberdeen, Bath, Cardiff, Leicester, and Valencia.
Access Zotero Zotero Guide
![where to find phd dissertations where to find phd dissertations](https://libapps.s3.amazonaws.com/accounts/331455/images/Icons_for_Reuse.png)
- << Previous: Find Articles
- Next: Find Primary Sources >>
- Last Updated: Jun 26, 2024 10:09 AM
- URL: https://davidson.libguides.com/His287Fall2024
Mailing Address : Davidson College - E.H. Little Library, 209 Ridge Road, Box 5000, Davidson, NC 28035
Search Icon
Events See all →
Dangerous waters.
Meyerson Hall, 210 S. 34th St.
June 2024 Wellness Walk
![where to find phd dissertations Benjamin Franklin Statue in front of College Hall.](https://penntoday.upenn.edu/sites/default/files/styles/event_small/public/2022-08/Ben%20Franklin.jpeg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=JGhuz876)
Benjamin Franklin Statue
Wawa Welcome America Day
![where to find phd dissertations Penn Museum exterior](https://penntoday.upenn.edu/sites/default/files/styles/event_small/public/2024-01/Museum.jpg?h=06ac0d8c&itok=zQJFhrO4)
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Penn Museum, 3260 South St.
ICA Summer 2024 Opening Celebration
7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Institute of Contemporary Art, 118 S. 36th St.
Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences
New dissertation grants expand global research support
The newly established penn global dissertation grants program provides as much as $8,000 in funding to each of 11 ph.d. candidates to enhance global components in their research..
![where to find phd dissertations A glass globe sitting on a woodend table shows north and south America.](https://penntoday.upenn.edu/sites/default/files/2024-06/penn-global-teaser.jpg)
Penn Global has announced the first recipients of the newly established Penn Global Dissertation Grants program , providing as much as $8,000 each in funding to 11 Ph.D. students across four schools
With dissertations ranging from examinations of artificial intelligence and computational immunology in Vietnam to a look at the intersection of women, food, and freedom in the Dominican Republic, the recipients will use the funds to enhance global components in their dissertation research.
A main priority for Penn Global under its third strategic framework is to develop initiatives that support graduate and professional research with global dimensions. Introducing the Penn Global Dissertation Grants, which will be offered annually, augments global opportunities for graduate and professional students by expanding the scope of Penn Global’s research support.
“This program is the best example of how our strategic plan is responsive to the needs of the University community,” says Amy Gadsden , associate vice provost for global initiatives. “When Vice Provost for Global Initiatives Zeke Emanuel and I met with stakeholders across campus last year to further refine the strategic plan, a discussion emerged among faculty about the need to address a growing gap in support for graduate and professional students pursuing international research, particularly in the humanities and social sciences. It was clear that what we needed was a funding mechanism to support international dissertation research. We ran with this idea and, in close partnership with the Office of the Vice Provost for Education, established the Penn Global Dissertation Grants.”
“It was important for our office to get behind this initiative,” says Karen Detlefsen, Vice Provost for Education. “It met a real need to provide more University support for graduate work that has potential to extend well beyond the boundaries of any discipline. The research many of our students are doing in a global context is inspiring.”
This program is intended to harness the power of Penn’s graduate student community to enhance the University’s global engagement.
“Graduate students are on the cutting edge of research, but finding support for global inquiry can be difficult,” Gadsden says. “This program ensures that Penn’s graduates students can stay on the cutting edge of their fields and do deeply immersive work to advance new knowledge.”
The program offers two tracks for Ph.D. students seeking to incorporate global dimensions into their work: global exploration and global enhancement. Global exploration applicants are still in the development stages of their dissertation and will use this program’s resources to explore and engage global components for their dissertation research. Global enhancement applicants already include a core global focus to their dissertation and will use this program’s resources to broaden and deepen their research, ideally leveraging their dissertation toward future career opportunities in global leadership.
In the School of Arts & Sciences , recipients are Juan Arboleda, a history Ph.D. student whose research focuses on Brazil and Colombia; Adwaita Banerjee, an anthropology Ph.D. student whose research focuses on India; Tayeba Batool, an anthropology Ph.D. student whose research focuses on Pakistan; Nursyazwani Binte Jamaludin, an anthropology Ph.D. student whose research focuses on Myanmar; Jalen Chang, a history of art Ph.D. student whose research focuses on France, Oceania, and New Caledonia; Bonnie Maldonado, a Ph.D. student in Africana studies whose research focuses on the Dominican Republic; Taylor Prescott, a history Ph.D. student whose research focuses on Sierra Leone; and Alexandra Zborovsky a history Ph.D. student whose research focuses on Russia, Ukraine, the Netherlands, and Israel.
In the Perelman School of Medicine , the recipient is Van Truong, whose focus is on genomics and computational biology in Vietnam. In the Annenberg School for Communication , the recipient is Adetobi Moses, whose research focuses on Ghana. In the Weitzman School of Design, the recipient is Hui Tian, whose research focuses on China.
The Penn Global Dissertation Grant program will also offer a platform for these students to share their work and research experience with the broader Penn community. One stipulation of the program is developing individualized post-award commitment plans. The inaugural cohort of awardees is currently finalizing their own plans, which may include Penn undergraduate mentorship programs, panel discussions on their research topics and outcomes, and other forms of publishable multimedia.
Currently enrolled Penn Ph.D. students from all Penn Schools and disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and STEM fields, may apply. Additional program information is available at https://global.upenn.edu/global-initiatives/penn-global-dissertation-grants .
To Penn’s Class of 2024: ‘The world needs you’
![where to find phd dissertations students climb the love statue during hey day](https://penntoday.upenn.edu/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/2024-05/hey-day-love-140X.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=7R2ZPuxD)
Campus & Community
Class of 2025 relishes time together at Hey Day
An iconic tradition at Penn, third-year students were promoted to senior status.
![where to find phd dissertations students working with clay slabs at a table](https://penntoday.upenn.edu/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/2024-04/clay-058X.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=_NngiR1y)
Picturing artistic pursuits
Hundreds of undergraduates take classes in the fine arts each semester, among them painting and drawing, ceramics and sculpture, printmaking and animation, photography and videography. The courses, through the School of Arts & Sciences and the Stuart Weitzman School of Design, give students the opportunity to immerse themselves in an art form in a collaborative way.
![where to find phd dissertations interim president larry jameson at solar panel ribbon cutting](https://penntoday.upenn.edu/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/2024-03/solar-panel-ribbon-cutting-022X.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=gg1z6NdW)
Penn celebrates operation and benefits of largest solar power project in Pennsylvania
Solar production has begun at the Great Cove I and II facilities in central Pennsylvania, the equivalent of powering 70% of the electricity demand from Penn’s academic campus and health system in the Philadelphia area.
![where to find phd dissertations elementary age students with teacher](https://penntoday.upenn.edu/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/2024-03/Image-80a.jpg?h=56d0ca2e&itok=s38W6CRe)
Education, Business, & Law
Investing in future teachers and educational leaders
The Empowerment Through Education Scholarship Program at Penn’s Graduate School of Education is helping to prepare and retain teachers and educational leaders.
Advice for surviving your PhD dissertation
Tips for each step of researching, writing and refining a PhD dissertation
![where to find phd dissertations Surviving a PhD spotlight image](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/featured_image/public/2024-06/1600%20x%201200%20270624.png?h=1851c7f5&itok=yqYVjDIR)
From initial research and writing to revision, defence and award, the journey to completing a PhD is often described as a marathon. Here, academics offer their insight on each step towards producing an original work of scholarship. Starting with choosing a supervisor and establishing healthy habits, the advice goes on to cover how to structure a PhD dissertation, establish a writing routine, write an abstract, prepare for a viva and beat procrastination when motivation flags.
![where to find phd dissertations where to find phd dissertations](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/2024-06/iStock-PhD-student.jpg)
.css-7qmtvr{overflow:hidden;max-height:108px;text-indent:0px;} Get a head start in the first year of your PhD
Andreï V. Kostyrka
University of Luxembourg
How to start writing your PhD thesis
![where to find phd dissertations Female hands with a pen and a blank page](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-06/iStock-blank-page.jpg?itok=WXaq67WW)
Strategies for writing a dissertation: write before you’re ‘ready’
Monique Dufour
Virginia Tech
![where to find phd dissertations A woman takes notes from an open textbook](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-06/iStock-1418063718.jpg?itok=krWcHXtn)
How to navigate the PhD thesis
Luis R. Rojas-Solórzano
Nazarbayev University
![where to find phd dissertations Man working on his PhD thesis](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/iStock-1473810039.jpg?itok=1O8Zxcxs)
How to write a PhD thesis: a step-by-step guide
Kelly Louise Preece
University of Exeter
![where to find phd dissertations A pin stuck in a calendar on a date that reads: "Write your thesis!"](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-06/iStock-698142736.jpg?itok=vnT783Gv)
One thesis, two supports, three months
Mariam Shadan
Dubai Medical College for Girls
![where to find phd dissertations Female runner on a track](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/featured_image/public/2024-06/iStock-marathon-start.jpg?h=74c8bb77&itok=au-vV2l4)
How to tackle the PhD dissertation
Dalhousie University
![where to find phd dissertations where to find phd dissertations](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/2024-06/iStock-1007025050.jpg)
Get your PhD thesis beach ready
John Sinclair
Colorado State University Global
Finding supervision and support
![where to find phd dissertations Choosing the right PhD supervisor](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-01/iStock-1355658095.jpg?itok=STZ4og7F)
Top tips for choosing a PhD Supervisor
Near East University
![where to find phd dissertations College students in the library](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-06/iStock-writing-buddy-system.jpg?itok=sxJ9nkwn)
Buddy system: creating community through writing
Lena Steveker, Laura Spadon
![where to find phd dissertations Cropped image of hands of PhD candidate receiving their certificate](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-04/172-Illustration_RS155862_C19A4604-scr.jpg?itok=LWFSpYbY)
Individual consultations can help PhD students to complete their studies
Szabolcs Várbíró , Judit Réka Hetthéssy, Marianna Török
Semmelweis University
![where to find phd dissertations Advice from a doctoral student on overcoming common challenges while studying for your PhD](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2021-12/Transitioning%20to%20a%20PhD%20common%20struggles%20and%20how%20to%20overcome%20them.jpg?itok=R417w1iV)
Transitioning to a PhD: common struggles and how to overcome them
Camille Bou
The London School of Economics and Political Science
![where to find phd dissertations Resilience concept](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/featured_image/public/2024-06/iStock-resilience-concept.jpg?h=97b75a66&itok=x9-Eewn8)
Protect your emotional well-being for a happier writing experience
Burcu Totur Dikmen
![where to find phd dissertations where to find phd dissertations](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/2022-09/Lego%20duck.jpg)
Why getting a PhD is like building a Lego duck
The University of Edinburgh
Advice for doing a PhD by publication
![where to find phd dissertations Books and laptop](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-11/iStock-books-and-laptop.jpg?itok=76Z1p02O)
Why get a PhD by publication (and other career tips)
James Derounian
University of Bolton
![where to find phd dissertations Asian scholar working at laptop, PhD by publication](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/iStock-Asian-scholar-at-laptop.jpg?itok=mujbEwhI)
Publication-based doctorate: is it for me?
Northumbria University
![where to find phd dissertations Hands writing on a laptop](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-11/iStock-PhD-by-publication.jpg?itok=NIv0I1lm)
Advice for supervising a PhD by published works
Alison Brettle
University of Salford
![where to find phd dissertations Light refracted through a prism](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/featured_image/public/2024-06/iStock-refraction-light.jpg?h=97b75a66&itok=HmW_TqEZ)
How to write an abstract for a research paper
Ankitha Shetty
Manipal Academy of Higher Education
![where to find phd dissertations where to find phd dissertations](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/2023-01/iStock-abstract-concept.jpg)
Read this before you write your abstract
Michael Willis
How to find motivation, keep going and finish your thesis
![where to find phd dissertations Man procrastinating at laptop](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-12/iStock-procrastination.jpg?itok=Vz51-Gcd)
Five ways to beat the procrastination monster
Glenn Fosbraey
University of Winchester
![where to find phd dissertations The magic motivation fairy does not exist for academics](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-09/Fairy%20dog.jpg?itok=F2018jjs)
Bad news, kids (and academics): the magical motivation fairy doesn’t exist
Hugh Kearns
Flinders University
![where to find phd dissertations Young man writing on a laptop](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2023-10/iStock-writing-process.jpg?itok=3aZbZ-G7)
What is your academic writing temperament?
Rachael Cayley
University of Toronto
![where to find phd dissertations Black female scientist in a lab](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/featured_image/public/2024-06/iStock-researcher.jpg?h=97b75a66&itok=mazyW37W)
How to develop a researcher mindset as a PhD student
Shaif Uddin Ahammed
University of the West of Scotland
![where to find phd dissertations where to find phd dissertations](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/2024-03/iStock-medical-data-researchers.jpg)
Evidence synthesis: what every student (and researcher) should know
Alessio Bellato
University of Southampton
Preparing for the viva or defence of your PhD
![where to find phd dissertations A research student undergoing her viva exam](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-06/iStock-1308206311.jpg?itok=7-ZJ3LA7)
‘Augmenting’ the doctoral thesis in preparation for a viva
Edward Mills
![where to find phd dissertations A woman being interviewed in a panel](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-05/iStock-851578748.jpg?itok=331u8Qpl)
How to answer viva questions
Jenny Scoles
![where to find phd dissertations Figures with light bulb](https://campus-cms.prd.timeshighereducation.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2022-09/iStock-creative-dissertation.jpg?itok=Fx1pw56W)
Tips for writing a PhD dissertation: FAQs answered
Campus team
![where to find phd dissertations Home](https://www.alliant.edu/themes/custom/alliant/logo.png)
- Campus Safety
- (866) 825-5426
How to Get a PhD in Psychology (10 Steps)
A PhD in Psychology is the ultimate degree—a symbol of your commitment to the discipline and a representation of your knowledge and skills. Held by top-tier researchers, instructors in higher education, and clinical practitioners alike, a clinical psychology PhD may help you and the people and organizations you might one day serve. 1
While the benefits of a PhD in Psychology may be clear to you, how to go about earning this doctorate degree might feel confusing—until now.
Here’s how to get a PhD in Psychology, what to expect in a doctoral degree program, and what you might gain from obtaining one.
Start Your Journey
Step 1: Understand the PhD Path
A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, in Psychology is one of two of the highest degrees in the field of psychology. (The other is a PsyD , or Doctor of Psychology, a doctorate degree created in the 1970s to prepare students specifically for the rigors of working in clinical settings.) 2 A clinical psychology PhD may enable you to work in a variety of environments and a range of roles.
As such, earning this degree is an involved, immersive, and often exciting process that’s composed of: 3
- Statistics and methods
- Assessments
- Clinical treatments
Coursework in a PhD program now frequently integrates discussions on psychology and technology , examining how digital advancements are transforming therapeutic methods and research techniques.
- Research – Research makes up the majority of the work you’ll do as a PhD student. Typically under the guidance of your mentor/dissertation advisor, you’ll delve into a topic of your choosing within the field. Examples of clinical psychology research topics include examining the effects of social media on teen suicide rates or the influence of childhood trauma on adult substance use disorder. Along the way, you’ll refine specific research skills: collecting and analyzing data, working with subjects/participating, and demonstrating your results.
- Clinical practicum and internships – Earning a PhD in Psychology also entails hands-on training in clinical practicums and/or internships. Generally speaking, you’ll perform an unpaid practicum for two years, followed by a one-year paid, clinical internship. 5 Precisely how you will fulfill this will depend on the program you choose, the opportunities within your community, and your concentration. A few examples include observing a clinical psychologist at a private practice, working with students at a university center, or conducting intakes at a substance abuse facility.
- Dissertation – Your dissertation is among the most important elements of your PhD program and the key to completing your degree. It serves several purposes: it illustrates your fluency in conducting research, demonstrates the knowledge you’ve gained in your PhD program, and adds an original contribution to existing psychology literature. 6
Step 2: Research Potential Programs
Finding the right PhD in Psychology program is paramount to your success. Researching potential programs is also one of the more thrilling aspects of pursuing a doctorate, but it needs to be approached strategically and mindfully. To that end, search for programs that, like the doctoral programs in psychology at Alliant International University, have received accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA). 7
Accreditation essentially serves as a seal of approval and demonstrates to future employers, the general public, and licensing boards that you have the scientific knowledge required to work in the world of psychology.
Additionally, you may want to zero in on programs that:
- Feature faculty members who are at the top of their field and whose research interests reflect your own 8
- Offer the area of specialization you want to focus on, whether it’s clinical health psychology, multicultural community-clinical psychology, or family/child and couple psychology
- Promote work-life balance through online instruction, or a hybrid of online and in-person instruction and training
- Have a high attrition rate
Further, if you do opt for a program that demands in-person attendance and training, be sure that it’s geographically feasible for you. The cost of living in the area should also be factored into your decision. Lastly, if you’re an undergrad or just finishing up your master’s, consider asking the professors you trust and admire for program recommendations. 9
Step 3: Prepare Your Application
Application and admission requirements vary by institution. That said, most programs ask for: 10
- A completed application (along with the application fee)
- Official transcripts from your bachelor’s and/or master’s program with required credits
- CV or resume
- Letters of recommendation
Depending on the program you’ve selected, you may also need to submit GRE scores. Importantly, nearly all programs require a personal statement—a topic we’ll look at in more depth below. While a PhD equips you for high-level research and academic positions, you might wonder if you can be a clinical psychologist with a master's . Although possible, a PhD significantly broadens your professional scope.
Step 4: Gain Relevant Experience
Not only will obtaining relevant experience help strengthen your application package but it will also help you gain invaluable insights into the industry. It might also assist you in choosing a specialization, such as working one-on-one with trauma survivors or dedicating your professional life to neuropsychology research.
Fortunately, there are dozens of ways to get the type of experience that will help your application stand out from the competition: 11
- Research assistantships
- Volunteering at a mental health clinic
- Shadowing a clinical psychologist or substance abuse counselor
- Working for a crisis hotline
Keep in mind that some PhD in Psychology programs require a minimum amount of relevant experience before you can apply. In fact, the Association for Psychological Science (APS) asserts that doctoral applicants usually accrue two to three years of research experience before applying to graduate school. 12 All of this emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough research on your schools of interest.
Step 5: Submit Strong Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation are a crucial component of your doctoral application. In fact, some state that your letters of recommendation are more important to the decision process than grades. 13
Usually, they’re written by former professors and/or former employers or psychology professionals you’ve interned for or shadowed.
Be sure to request letters of recommendation from those with whom you have a visible track record. In addition, request letters well ahead of your application deadline, even as much as a year in advance of when you think you’ll start applying for your doctoral program.
Talk to Our Advisors
Step 6: Craft a Compelling Personal Statement
Almost every doctorate in psychology program requires a personal statement. As one of the most critical elements of your application (some indicate that it’s more important than your GRE scores and GPA), it should describe, in detail, your: 14
- Interest in the particular program you’re applying to and why
- Academic and research objectives
- Research and field experience and how they align with the particular program
- Intended area of specialization
Experts consulted by the APA also advise against using three things in your personal statement: humor, hyperbole, and “hard luck,” such as describing the obstacles you’ve overcome.
Step 7: Ace the Interview
Happen to receive an interview offer? Congratulations—your application clearly stood out!
The interview process may start with what’s known as a pre-interview, or a brief conversation to evaluate your fit with the program and department. 15 This may be followed by an on-campus interview that asks basic questions, such as the impact you hope your PhD project has and why you believe you’re the right candidate, as well as more precise questions prompted by your specific experience. 16
One of the best ways to make a solid, lasting impression is to create a bulleted list of your research interests. Practicing answers to the questions you anticipate ahead of time can also help ensure a smoother dialogue. And remember: you’ll be interviewing for the program, too.
Step 8: Consider Funding Options
The financial assistance you may receive will likely be an enormous determining factor in the program you choose. As discussed, funding may arrive in the form of:
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Tuition remission
- Employer tuition reimbursement
Alliant International University, for example, has several forms of funding options available to doctoral candidates—those listed above, as well as fellowship assistantships .
Step 9: Plan Your Coursework and Dissertation
Once you’re accepted into a program, you should select your area of specialization, plot out your coursework, and choose your dissertation topic.
The APA notes that doctoral candidates should ideally land on a dissertation topic within the first year or two of their program. 17 Why? Because it will give your program enhanced focus and a guiding theme.
To jumpstart your thinking:
- Consult with instructors who are active in cutting-edge psychology research
- Assess your topic’s viability and manageability (and if it will serve as an original contribution to existing research)
- Pinpoint the problems and questions you foresee and how you will approach them
Above all, be sure to choose a topic that will sustain your interest and excitement throughout the duration of your program. Earning a PhD in Psychology is a time-intensive commitment. Four to six years is about how long it takes to get a psychology PhD, but it varies by person based on how they balance their personal schedules with coursework, research, and clinical training.
Step 10: Engage in Professional Development Opportunities
One of the biggest benefits of obtaining a PhD in Psychology? The connections you may be able to make, such as through your internship and clinical practicum, as well as psychology conferences and seminars.
Yet, some of the strongest relationships you build might be right inside your program. And this brings us to our final piece of advice: consider choosing a program that features a warm and supportive faculty and a diverse collection of students who will motivate you throughout your academic journey—and beyond.
Your Path Begins Here
At Alliant International University, our PhD in Clinical Psychology program features a faculty that will challenge you in the best possible way alongside a nurturing, engaging learning environment.
Enrich your knowledge and prepare to make a lasting difference in the field of psychology. Apply today and start your journey.
Sources:
- “What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Psychology?” Psychology.org | Psychology’s Comprehensive Online Resource, March 18, 2024. https://www.psychology.org/resources/jobs-with-a-doctorate-in-psycholog… ;
- Cherry, Kendra. “PsyD vs. Phd in Psychology: Which Is Right for You?” Verywell Mind, October 27, 2023. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-psyd-2795135.
- “Psychology Doctorate Phd Defined: Explore Academic, Internship and Research Requirements for a Psychology Phd.” Psychologist, March 24, 2021. https://www.psychologist-license.com/types-of-psychologists/psychologist-doctorate-phd/.
- “Daily Activities of a Clinical Psychology Phd Student.” Simply Mental Health, November 13, 2022. https://simplymentalhealth.ca/2022/11/13/daily-activities-of-a-clinical-psychology-phd-student/.
- “Internships and Practicums.” Psychology.org | Psychology’s Comprehensive Online Resource, April 10, 2024. https://www.psychology.org/resources/internships-and-practicums/.
- Herbert, Robyn S, Spencer C Evans, Jessy Guler, and Michael C Roberts. “Predictors of Dissertation Publication in Clinical and Counseling Psychology.” Training and education in professional psychology, November 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9635593 .
- “APA-Accredited Programs.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://accreditation.apa.org/accredited-programs#.
- “Choosing a Graduate Program.” Association for Psychological Science - APS. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.psychologicalscience.org/members/apssc/undergraduate_update/summer-2011/choosing-a-graduate-program.
- “Clinch Your Graduate School Acceptance.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2007/11/cover-acceptance.
- “Best Doctorate in Psychology Degree Programs of 2024.” Intelligent, April 3, 2024. https://www.intelligent.com/best-doctorate-in-psychology-programs/.
- 14 ways to get clinical psychology work experience | indeed.com UK. Accessed April 18, 2024. https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/clinical-psychology-work-experience.
- “Rockin’ Recommendations.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/features/2009/recommendation.
- “Preparing Your Personal Statement for Graduate School Applications.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2016/09/graduate-school-applications.
- To ace your interview for doctoral psychology admission. Accessed April 22, 2024. https://mitch.web.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4922/2021/12/PsiChiI… ;
- Top 10 common Phd interview questions and answers. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/common-phd-interview-questions.
- “Starting the Dissertation.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2005/01/starting.  ;
![where to find phd dissertations David Stewart](https://www.alliant.edu/sites/default/files/2022/11/david-stewart.jpg)
David Stewart
Dean, California School of Professional Psychology
David G. Stewart, PhD, ABPP, is a board-certified clinical child and adolescent psychologist and Dean of the California School of...
Other Categories
University announcements, featured news, nursing and health sciences, start on your path to succeed on purpose, request information.
- 1 Current Select Interests
- 2 Provide Information
You might also like
7 psychology specializations: which is right for you.
By examining the link between brain function and human behavior, psychology can positively influence collective outcomes and...
Social Worker vs. Psychologist: 6 Key Differences
If you’re contemplating a career in psychology or human services, you might be both thrilled and overwhelmed by the number of...
How Long Does it Take to Get a Psychology PhD?
Obtaining a PhD in psychology comes with a number of benefits, from the freedom to start your private practice to the chance to...
- Career Advice
- Advancing in the Faculty
Supporting Dissertation Writers Through the Silent Struggle
While we want Ph.D. students to be independent, our practices can signal that we’re not available to support them when they need it, writes Ramon B. Goings.
By Ramon B. Goings
You have / 5 articles left. Sign up for a free account or log in.
![where to find phd dissertations Male professor and student sit together at a table working on a paper](https://www.insidehighered.com/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/2024-06/GettyImages-1185859128.jpg?itok=iloj8d_U)
shapecharge/iStock/Getty Images Plus
Consider the following discussion. A student tells me, “I have so much going on right now. I’m trying to write this dissertation, take care of my mom and raise my kids. I’m giving to everyone else and have nothing left to write.”
“Thanks for sharing,” I respond. “Have you reached out to your adviser to discuss what is happening and see what resources you might be able to access?”
“My adviser said they will meet with me when I have a document ready for them to review. They are too busy,” the student says. “I’ve just been struggling in silence and don’t know what to do.”
This conversation highlights the reality for many doctoral students—they may experience hardships in silence. The doctoral journey is an interesting experience during which students are provided structure through coursework and then, once they enter the dissertation phase, that structure is removed. They usually are in a position where they have to manage everything themselves.
As faculty members, we try to provide the space of intellectual curiosity for our students and allow them to explore their dissertation topics. However, while we want students to be independent, our practices can signal that we are not available to support them when they need it. What are some strategies that we should consider implementing to support our students who too often struggle in silence? Below are three that I have implemented in my chairing process.
Create an environment where students can share. Students want to meet our expectations and standards. Yet in efforts to not burden us, some students may choose not to reach out to us when they are experiencing challenges. In some instances, they also do not come to us due to the fear—and, at times, the reality—that they will face adverse consequence for doing so. While that can occur during the coursework phase, it is even more common when students are writing their dissertations, because they believe they must be independent scholars and figure everything out on their own.
To combat those situations, we as dissertation chairs must first create an environment where students can feel comfortable to share what they are going through. One simple way to foster that type of relationship is to first ensure that you make time to meet regularly with your advisees. While that may seem to be an obvious practice, I often hear from doctoral students, like the one in the opening vignette of this article, that they find it challenging just to get on their chair’s calendar. That can unintentionally signal to them that we as faculty members are not available. As a faculty member, I know we have many demands on our time. To support my students, I have dedicated times each week when students can meet with me as needed. Making the time consistent on my calendar allows me to ensure other activities do not get in the way of meeting with students. To be more efficient, I created a special Calendly meeting link that has time slots open for students to schedule.
Programs should also have regular faculty meetings to discuss student academic progress, along with any well-being challenges such as mental health and/or life challenges. Sometimes a student is more comfortable talking with a faculty member who is not on their dissertation committee, and having such conversations can provide a space for all faculty members to learn what is going on and potentially troubleshoot before a student’s difficulties gets worse.
Choose your words with care. As dissertation chairs, our words hold significant power with our advisees. Those words become even more important when our students are experiencing personal and/or professional challenges. To illustrate this point, I offer you one word that, when used, can be a trigger for students: concern.
Students have told me that if we use the word “concern” when talking with them, it signals something is drastically wrong with what they are doing. So if I am relaying information—especially feedback—to students, I ask myself the following before I speak:
- Is what I need to share truly a concern? For example, some students receive a concern comment when minor or moderate editorial changes—grammar, syntax, formatting and the like—are needed. While those must be fixed, they don’t usually rise to the level of concern that impacts the integrity of the study, a misalignment between the research questions and methodology.
- Can I express my thoughts in a more detailed way rather than just expressing concern? In the example above, if I thought the student’s editorial work needed updates, I would explain that to them and provide examples on how the student can make the changes that I am requesting.
I am certainly aware that interpretation is important, but while students can take feedback from us on their work, I have learned to be reflective about what I say. It can influence their self-confidence, a key component for completing the dissertation process.
Editors’ Picks
- Title IX Legal Challenges Target LGBTQ+ Protections
- A New Digital Divide: Student AI Use Surges, Leaving Faculty Behind
- FAFSA Fiasco Pushes States to Mandate Universal Completion
Understand your role is not a problem solver but solution facilitator. When I talk with other faculty members, some are quick to declare they are scientists, not therapists, so supporting their students’ distinct life challenges isn’t in their job description. I also agree that it’s not our role as faculty members to solve students’ problems for them. But we can provide a listening ear and, most of all, connect students to the various resources that can support them in their decision making.
For instance, a chair I know was advising a doctoral student who was communicative when writing their proposal and moved through the process fairly quickly. Then, after the student collected their data, the chair noticed that the student slowed down their progress and that when they met the student exhibited some uncharacteristic behaviors. Fortunately, the two had established a positive rapport, so the faculty member was able to learn that the student was unexpectedly taking on caregiving responsibilities for a sibling while experiencing some housing instability. In that case, the faculty member was able to connect the student with a campus resource for caregivers and, through it, the student was able to find housing support.
I know many faculty members are already engaging in the practices that I’ve suggested, but I continue to encounter doctoral students at the dissertation phase who are suffering in silence.
I invite you to share with me in conversations on X any other successful strategies you’ve implemented to support your doctoral students. My mission is to bring to light some of these ideas so we can make our graduate programs spaces where our students can flourish.
Ramon B. Goings ( @ramongoings ) is an associate professor in the language, literacy and culture doctoral program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and founder of Done Dissertation .
![where to find phd dissertations A couple shaking hands with third person](https://www.insidehighered.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_192_x_128/public/2024-06/Spouce_jobs.jpg?itok=tGlWkMjm)
Hiring Couples May Help Diversify Faculty Ranks, Tenure Pipeline
A new scorecard aims to provide academic couples comprehensive information about research institutions that are most
Share This Article
More from advancing in the faculty.
![where to find phd dissertations Female and male professor walking and talking animately in busy college or university building with students](https://www.insidehighered.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_192_x_128/public/2024-06/GettyImages-1353371807.jpg?itok=GrOZ6A7p)
Introducing the Engaged Associate Professor
Many of us are stuck well beyond the time it’s supposed to take to reach the rank of full professor, but that doesn't
![where to find phd dissertations Split screen image of young woman working at her computer at home casually, on one side, and the same woman working on her computer in professional clothes at an office with a clock and graph on the wall, on the other side](https://www.insidehighered.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_192_x_128/public/2024-06/GettyImages-1380612424.jpg?itok=cmbOldAS)
Strategies for a Successful Semester-Long Sabbatical
It can involve continued university responsibilities and geographical restrictions, writes Christine Tulley, who advi
![where to find phd dissertations The Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City, site of Broadway premiere of the musical “Hamilton”](https://www.insidehighered.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_192_x_128/public/2024-06/GettyImages-475783738_0.jpg?itok=oBL0G4vv)
Higher Education Is Not a Musical
The narrative that faculty can overcome anything through individual agency may be similar to that of a Broadway hit,
- Become a Member
- Sign up for Newsletters
- Learning & Assessment
- Diversity & Equity
- Career Development
- Labor & Unionization
- Shared Governance
- Academic Freedom
- Books & Publishing
- Financial Aid
- Residential Life
- Free Speech
- Physical & Mental Health
- Race & Ethnicity
- Sex & Gender
- Socioeconomics
- Traditional-Age
- Adult & Post-Traditional
- Teaching & Learning
- Artificial Intelligence
- Digital Publishing
- Data Analytics
- Administrative Tech
- Alternative Credentials
- Financial Health
- Cost-Cutting
- Revenue Strategies
- Academic Programs
- Physical Campuses
- Mergers & Collaboration
- Fundraising
- Research Universities
- Regional Public Universities
- Community Colleges
- Private Nonprofit Colleges
- Minority-Serving Institutions
- Religious Colleges
- Women's Colleges
- Specialized Colleges
- For-Profit Colleges
- Executive Leadership
- Trustees & Regents
- State Oversight
- Accreditation
- Politics & Elections
- Supreme Court
- Student Aid Policy
- Science & Research Policy
- State Policy
- Colleges & Localities
- Employee Satisfaction
- Remote & Flexible Work
- Staff Issues
- Study Abroad
- International Students in U.S.
- U.S. Colleges in the World
- Intellectual Affairs
- Seeking a Faculty Job
- Seeking an Administrative Job
- Advancing as an Administrator
- Beyond Transfer
- Call to Action
- Confessions of a Community College Dean
- Higher Ed Gamma
- Higher Ed Policy
- Just Explain It to Me!
- Just Visiting
- Law, Policy—and IT?
- Leadership & StratEDgy
- Leadership in Higher Education
- Learning Innovation
- Online: Trending Now
- Resident Scholar
- University of Venus
- Student Voice
- Academic Life
- Health & Wellness
- The College Experience
- Life After College
- Academic Minute
- Weekly Wisdom
- Reports & Data
- Quick Takes
- Advertising & Marketing
- Consulting Services
- Data & Insights
- Hiring & Jobs
- Event Partnerships
4 /5 Articles remaining this month.
Sign up for a free account or log in.
- Create Free Account
![](http://2me.site/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
COMMENTS
You may also want to consult these sites to search for other theses: Google Scholar; NDLTD, the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.NDLTD provides information and a search engine for electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs), whether they are open access or not. Proquest Theses and Dissertations (PQDT), a database of dissertations and theses, whether they were published ...
EBSCO Open Dissertations extends the work started in 2014, when EBSCO and the H.W. Wilson Foundation created American Doctoral Dissertations which contained indexing from the H.W. Wilson print publication, Doctoral Dissertations Accepted by American Universities, 1933-1955. In 2015, the H.W. Wilson Foundation agreed to support the expansion of ...
ProQuest is the world leader in dissertation access and dissemination, with over 5 million graduate works from all institutions. Search, order, submit and analyze dissertations and theses online, or access free learning modules and award-winning resources.
The ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global (PQDT) ™ database is the world's most comprehensive curated collection of multi-disciplinary dissertations and theses from around the world, offering over 5 million citations and 3 million full-text works from thousands of universities. Within dissertations and theses is a wealth of scholarship, yet ...
OATD.org provides open access graduate theses and dissertations published around the world. Metadata (information about the theses) comes from over 1100 colleges, universities, and research institutions. OATD currently indexes 6,654,285 theses and dissertations.
E-Theses (from Finland) Includes digital doctoral dissertations from the end of the 1990's onwards and the digital version is available for most of the doctoral dissertations that have been published in the 2000's. Only the summary part of the article-based dissertations is usually available.
Locating Dissertations and Theses. The Proquest Dissertations and Theses Global database includes doctoral dissertations and selected masters theses from major universities worldwide.. Searchable by subject, author, advisor, title, school, date, etc. More information about full text access and requesting through Interlibrary Loan; NDLTD - Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations ...
ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global™ database is the world's most comprehensive curated collection of multi-disciplinary dissertations and theses from thousands of universities around the world. Each month ProQuest posts the top 25 Most-Accessed Dissertations and Theses across all subjects, based upon total document views.
Online: UC Berkeley PhD Dissertations. Dissertations and Theses (Dissertation Abstracts) UCB access only 1861-present . Index and full text of graduate dissertations and theses from North American and European schools and universities, including the University of California, with full text of most doctoral dissertations from UC Berkeley and elsewhere from 1996 forward.
To find doctoral dissertations from North American universities and some European institutions, search: Dissertations and Theses Full Text. This is the largest database with 2.7 million citations for Masters and PhD dissertations. Full text for most dissertations from 1997 on ...
Database of free, open access full-text graduate theses and dissertations published around the world. Direct Link. University of Southern California. 3550 Trousdale Parkway. Los Angeles , CA 90089.
Open Access Theses & Dissertations. OATD.org aims to be the best possible resource for finding open access graduate theses and dissertations published around the world. Metadata (information about the theses) comes from over 1100 colleges, universities, and research institutions. OATD currently indexes 5,031,307 theses and dissertations.
Open Access Theses & Dissertations. Theses and dissertations produced by students as part of the completion of their degree requirements often represent unique and interesting scholarship. Universities are increasingly making this work available online, and UC is no exception. Find information related to open access theses and dissertations below.
Open Access Repositories. A free resource, hosted by EBSCO, this database includes more than 172,000 theses and dissertations in total from 1902 to the present. EThOS is the UK's national thesis service. EThOS aims to hold a record for all doctoral theses awarded by all UK universities (institutions).
Spanning from the 'theses and quaestiones' of the 17th and 18th centuries to the current yearly output of student research, they include both the first Harvard Ph.D. dissertation (by William Byerly, Ph.D. 1873) and the dissertation of the first woman to earn a doctorate from Harvard (Lorna Myrtle Hodgkinson, Ed.D. 1922).. Other highlights include:
How to search for Harvard dissertations. DASH, Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard, is the university's central, open-access repository for the scholarly output of faculty and the broader research community at Harvard.Most Ph.D. dissertations submitted from March 2012 forward are available online in DASH.; Check HOLLIS, the Library Catalog, and refine your results by using the Advanced ...
With more than 2.4 million entries, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global is the starting point for finding citations to doctoral dissertations and master's theses. Dissertations published from 1980 forward include 350-word abstracts written by the author. Master's theses published from 1988 forward include 150-word abstracts.
Dept. of Molecular and Cell Biology Dissertations. University of California, Berkeley. School of Public Health Dissertations. You may find your search results improve by placing the Department/School/Group Name as an exact phrase subject in Advanced Search. Example: Any field contains University of California, Berkeley. Dissertations
A thesis is a long-term, large project that involves both research and writing; it is easy to lose focus, motivation, and momentum. Here are suggestions for achieving the result you want in the time you have. Timelines. The dissertation is probably the largest project you have undertaken, and a lot of the work is self-directed.
The Dissertations & Theses database provides access to the complete full-text of all University of California dissertations in addition to UC Davis doctoral dissertations from the year 1997 forward. Free 24-page previews are available for most other university theses and dissertations listed in the database from 1997 forward.
NDLTD's Global ETD Search is a free service that allows researchers to find electronic theses and dissertations based on keyword, date, institution, language and subject. OAIster. ... "Doctoral Dissertations Accepted by American Universities." Includes nearly 100,000 citations. Comprehensive Dissertation Index 1861 - 1972.
ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. A collection of dissertations and theses from around the world, spanning from 1743 to the present day and offering full text for graduate works added since 1997, along with selected full text for works written prior to 1997. It contains a significant amount of new international dissertations and theses ...
ProQuest maintains dissertations from more than 700 institutions from as far back as 1861. From the database, you can access the full text of about half of the indexed Ph.D. dissertations, and you will find citations for others. Citations can direct you to the author or institution where the Ph.D. dissertation may be available.
Search and download the full text of doctoral dissertations completed in the U.S. Also includes some master's theses and foreign language dissertations. Contains the full text of most UConn dissertations from 1996-2012 as well as citations going back to 1965.
Getting Copies of Books & Chapters You Can't Find; Find Theses and Dissertations; Contact Roesch Library. Book a Librarian. Email: [email protected]. Phone: 937-229-4234. Text us: 937-412-0023. ... Indexes doctoral dissertations and master's theses from over 1,000 North American and European universities with coverage from 1861. Also includes ...
Find doctoral dissertations and masters theses ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global (1743 to present) Over 3.8 million citations to doctoral dissertations and masters theses from North America; over 2.1 million of these (most dating from 1997 to present) are available full text.
Penn Global has announced the first recipients of the newly established Penn Global Dissertation Grants program, providing as much as $8,000 each in funding to 11 Ph.D. students across four schools. With dissertations ranging from examinations of artificial intelligence and computational immunology in Vietnam to a look at the intersection of women, food, and freedom in the Dominican Republic ...
Here, academics offer their insight on each step towards producing an original work of scholarship. Starting with choosing a supervisor and establishing healthy habits, the advice goes on to cover how to structure a PhD dissertation, establish a writing routine, write an abstract, prepare for a viva and beat procrastination when motivation flags.
A PhD in Psychology is the ultimate degree—a symbol of your commitment to the discipline and a representation of your knowledge and skills. Held by top-tier researchers, instructors in higher education, and clinical practitioners alike, a clinical psychology PhD may help you and the people and organizations you might one day serve. 1. While the benefits of a PhD in Psychology may be clear to ...
The doctoral journey is an interesting experience during which students are provided structure through coursework and then, once they enter the dissertation phase, that structure is removed. They usually are in a position where they have to manage everything themselves.