Written Dissertation

Dissertations differ between supervisors, but it will ultimately be a long form written work that includes original research, data, and analysis. Most MS&E dissertations contain content from previous journal publications the student wrote, along with additional research and analysis.

The Graduate School offers dissertations templates to help with correct formatting for final submission. The user guide is helpful for understanding how to effectively use the templates. There is also a booklet, “Format Guidelines for Dissertations, Treatises, Theses and Reports,” that covers all the formatting required for submitting a final dissertation for graduation.

In addition to information about formatting (fonts, figures, etc.), please pay particular attention to Chapter VI, Section E. This section describes the appropriate methods for including previously published work, like journal articles, in your dissertation.

The University Writing Center is a great resource for dissertating students. They offer a wide range of services, from one-on-one writing appointments with a fellow graduate student, to writing groups, to weekend writing retreats that offer a place to write, distraction-free. You can sign up for their email list here.