Dissertation
The preparation and presentation of the dissertation is the final activity on the doctoral journey. The dissertation typically has two major purposes:
- to demonstrate that the author has the capacity to raise a research question and answer it following acceptable academic protocols and procedures
- to make a contribution to a gap in our knowledge about the issue being researched
Preparation of the Dissertation
Upon acceptance of the Dissertation Proposal, and the IRB application, the student proceeds to conduct the research articulated in the proposal. It is expected that the student, major professor, and methodologist (who may also be the major professor or another member of the dissertation committee) keep in close contact whilst the research is being conducted. Upon completion of the research, and with guidance from the major professor, the student writes chapters that report the findings and an analysis of the findings. Additionally the student updates the first three sections from the Proposal (The Introduction, Literature Review, and Methodology), and presents to the committee a draft document. This document usually contains the following elements. The committee and student, depending upon the nature of the research, may consider other elements.
Dissertations are expected to conform to the Dissertation Guidelines of the ASU Graduate School, and the style described in the most recent edition of the American Psychological Association (APA) Publication Manual.
Doctoral students have seven years to complete all degree requirements, beginning with coursework and ending with the completion of the dissertation. Students receive grades of "In Progress" (IP) each semester they are registered for dissertation hours (EDL 7999); "IP" is changed to "Satisfactory" (S) upon successful completion of the dissertation.
Presentation of the Dissertation
Students may meet with their committee any number of times before a final copy of the dissertation is ready to be delivered to committee members, and the Program Director, at least two weeks prior to the dissertation examination. This examination is a formal occasion. The student is introduced by the director to the audience and will present an overview of dissertation followed by an oral examination with the committee. This examination and subsequent dialogue are facilitated by the chair of the dissertation committee.
At the conclusion of the public presentation and examination the committee meets in executive session to determine the outcome of the examination. Frequently, the student is asked to make changes and agreements are established to complete this work. If no change is required, the student is so informed. Before formal adjournment the student is congratulated and necessary paperwork is signed.
Final Requirements
Following the dissertation examination and completion of all requested changes, the student delivers one copy of the dissertation, printed on plain paper, to the Graduate School. The Dean of the Graduate School, or a reader, will read the dissertation and return it to the student with format and editing suggestions. These are the final changes that will be required. Once all revisions have been completed, the corrected dissertation, along with the returned copy, is sent to the Graduate School for one final review. After this review, the student will be given clearance to make three official copies for binding.
The required three copies should be on official Appalachian thesis paper which contains the Appalachian seal as watermark, and is available at the campus bookstore. Print should appear on one side of each sheet. Each copy should be in a large brown envelope with a fastener. Every envelope must have a label stating the student's name, program and degree.
The student pays a binding fee at the Cashier's Office prior to submitting the final copies. The blue receipt is then given to the Graduate School along with the official copies.