Dissertation vs Thesis: What is the Difference?
Students are required to successfully write a major research project such as a thesis in a master's degree program or a dissertation for a doctoral program before completing their graduate degrees.
The dissertation/thesis enables graduate students to nurture their professional skills and field specific-knowledge by conducting original research and writing the final project that meets all the requirements and standards of research writing to showcase their competence and excellence in their area of specialization.
Understanding the difference between a thesis and a dissertation is fundamental to successfully meeting the requirements of the graduate program. This article contains a description of the distinguishing features between a doctoral dissertation and a thesis.
Differences Between a Master's Degree Thesis and a Doctoral Degree Dissertation
Although both the thesis and dissertation require analytical skills, demonstration of expertise in the subject area, excellent writing skills, and critical thinking, there are various differences between the two papers including:
- The primary difference between a thesis and a dissertation is that a thesis is completed at the end of a master's degree program while a dissertation is written in a doctoral degree program. However, some bachelor's degree programs require students to complete an undergraduate thesis that is shorter and less detailed compared to that of a master's degree.
- A PhD dissertation requires students to schedule an oral presentation where the committee members ask questions or pose challenges while allowing them to justify their methodological choices and findings interpretations unlike in a thesis where the defense is not mandatory in some institutions.
- While a thesis is based on existing research, PhD candidates conduct original research or expand an already established study on a new or existing topic.
- In thesis writing, students demonstrate their expertise and competence accumulated during the master's program while a dissertation requires students to contribute logically to the existing body of knowledge in addition to demonstrating knowledge and expertise.
- The length of a master's thesis is based on the student's review and critical analysis of the existing literature on the topic in a particular field while the word count for a dissertation depends on the graduate student as the author.
After choosing a research topic for the dissertation/thesis, students ought to seek guidance from faculty members or assigned supervisor(s) committee before commencing the writing process to ensure compliance with all instructions, requirements, and standards.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dissertation Vs Thesis
Some of the questions students ask concerning theses and dissertations include:
(a). What is the main difference between a thesis and a dissertation?
The major difference between a thesis and a dissertation is that a thesis is a requirement for a master's degree program while a dissertation is completed during a doctoral program.
(b). How is a thesis similar to a doctorate degree dissertation?
There are several similarities between a thesis and a dissertation including the structural format, both require prior submission of a proposal, conducting background research in a particular area, choosing a topic of interest in the study program, and an in-depth review of the existing literature.
(c). What is the length of a thesis vs a dissertation?
The length of a master's thesis ranges between 80 to 100 pages while a dissertation can be two or three times longer than the thesis owing to the complex and explicit research that the PhD candidate is expected to conduct.
(d). Is it possible to seek professional help when writing a thesis or a dissertation?
Students may hire professional writers for expert help in writing dissertations and theses. However, one ought to confirm with their supervisor whether the specific graduate school allows the involvement of third parties in research work.
Both a thesis and a dissertation require students pursuing the graduate degree program to provide background and research information to enable the reader to understand what the paper is about. The written research should demonstrate a justifiable and logical academic argument backed up with relevant evidence after conducting a literature review on the chosen topic. Learn more about dissertation and thesis here.
