Strategies Writing Your Thesis or Dissertation

Writing a thesis or dissertation is a daunting prospect. It is very easy to get bogged down or overwhelmed, to get distracted by life, or simply to give up. Follow these tips to help you stay motivated and get that last step on the road to an advanced degree completed.

Choose your advisor and committee members carefully

You need advisers and committee members who are accessible and responsive and who will give help, feedback, and motivation when you need it.

Choose your topic carefully

Choose a topic that you have an interest in and that you have the resources to complete. Your advisor should be able to help you evaluate topics.

Begin with some research

In order to prepare a dissertation or thesis proposal on your topic, you first need to know what has already been done on that same topic. Conduct a Review of Literature, identifying sources that you can later use in your paper.

Work on your thesis or dissertation every day

Plan to at least read one article or write one paragraph so that you will know you are moving forward.

Meet with your advisor and committee regularly

Set up a regular schedule for meeting with your advisor and committee and for reviewing your progress. To ensure good communication:

• Document every meeting, sending a summary of the discussion and comments to your advisor.

• If you must mail anything to your advisor, send it by certified mail so it can be tracked.

• Ask for written feedback on your paper.

• Communicate via e-mail and keep copies of all correspondence. If you have a phone or in-person conversation, follow up with an e-mail summary.

Ensure that you meet all deadlines for submitting drafts to your advisor and committee, and request that they are prompt about returning feedback to you.

Develop a support group

Get friends and family behind you during this stressful time of your life. Accept any help they offer and be sure to offer gratitude.