Dissertation Preparation

A dissertation is required in all doctoral programs. It must demonstrate superior research abilities, capacity for sound independent analysis and judgment, and effectiveness of expression. A student is required to register for at least 12 semester hours of dissertation and must register for at least one hour during any fall or spring semester in which the student is working with committee members or using University facilities. Check specific department listings for further restrictions. During the summer, the student must enroll for at least one dissertation hour during at least one of the summer sessions. In addition, the student must enroll for at least one hour during any fall or spring semester in which he/she plans to complete the dissertation and take the final oral examination.

Registration for the first half of the dissertation will not be accepted until the major department notifies the dean's office in writing that the student is eligible for dissertation registration. Registration for the second half will not be accepted until the student has been admitted to candidacy, and until that time the student is not considered a candidate for a degree.

Instructions for preparing and presenting dissertations should be obtained from the appropriate dean's office well in advance of actual dissertation writing. The form given should be followed in all cases unless a recognized professional variation is authorized by the major department under agreement with the dean.

As early as possible, each student should initiate a program of individual reading and study leading to the selection and development of the dissertation research. This program should proceed under the supervision of the chair and other members of the advisory committee. At least three, and preferably all, members of the committee should approve the draft of the dissertation before the final version is posted.

The student should note the special deadlines for dissertation preparation and distribution available each semester. The usual process requires electronic submission of a PDF file, according to the instructions posted at lib.tcu.edu/NDLTD. Copyright and bound copies may be obtained; fees for these optional services are paid by the student.





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