Dissertation Research

Catalog description

The dissertation in practice research project is a process of inquiry focused on practical issues related to the student's discipline. The dissertation in practice addresses real world problems or issues in applied settings. The student workplace or practice setting is the laboratory for development of the dissertation. The dissertation provides the structure for examination of the student's practice in a thoughtful and systematic way. The student should be prepared to seek approval of the dissertation proposal at the conclusion of the first three (3) credit hours of dissertation credit earned. Students take the first three credits in faculty-facilitated courses to understand the components and requirements necessary to complete the dissertation. The first credit, identified as 899e, focuses on the dissertation process in which students determine scope of the dissertation in practice. This course is ideally paired with ILD 890, which focuses on the ethical components of dissertation research. The remaining 899 credits are to be taken over the next 1-2 years, working with the student's chair and dissertation committee collecting data, analyzing data, presenting results, summarizing findings, and drawing conclusions in preparation for the final dissertation in practice paper and oral defense ( ILD 810 ).