The integrated dissertation track is designed to engage doctoral candidates in scholarly inquiry from the beginning of the program through degree completion. Rather than delaying dissertation work until coursework is complete, candidates begin developing their research focus early, allowing for intentional alignment between coursework, dissertation seminars, and applied research.
During the first six terms of the program, candidates develop their dissertations in structured, manageable segments by completing sections of the dissertation template within a sequence of dissertation seminars. This scaffolded approach supports steady progress as candidates refine their research problem, literature review, methodology, and analytic framework with ongoing faculty feedback.
At the end of the first year, each candidate is assigned a dissertation chair who provides individualized, one on one mentorship throughout the remaining stages of the dissertation. Under the guidance of the dissertation chair, candidates complete the dissertation proposal, conduct research and analysis, and prepare for the final defense, ensuring continuity and personalized support through degree completion.
The integrated dissertation track is organized into five phases that guide candidates through the research process: Search for Researchable Problems, Scholarly Writing and Research Methods, Comprehensive Dissertation Proposal, Dissertation Research, and Degree Completion.
Why an Integrated Dissertation?
By embedding dissertation development throughout the program, the integrated dissertation model enables candidates to connect coursework, professional practice, and research in meaningful ways. This approach supports consistent momentum, reduces delays often associated with traditional dissertation models, and provides sustained faculty guidance across each phase of the research process.