The Dissertation Journey: A Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Writing, and Defending Your Dissertation

by Carol M. Roberts

It’s an uphill climb―but the view from the top makes it all worthwhile. A dissertation can be challenging, but this informative book helps you overcome the obstacles along the way. Using graphics, checklists, and sample forms, this guide readies you for each step of the process, including selecting the committee, getting acclimated to academic writing, preparing for your oral defense, and publishing your research. New features

Genres: Research, Education, Nonfiction, Reference, Grad School, School, Academic

248 pages, Hardcover

First published March 29, 2004

Reviews

[David Amaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very concise book about thesis writing. I read this for my undergrad final 'thesis', and it was a summary of 4/5 subjects I had throughout my undergrad.

[Jamie L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful book for those about to start their own dissertation journey!

[Karen Toralba]

Good guide, but some sections could use more examples and details.

[Said AlMaskery · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book that puts you on track with your dissertation.

[Laura Flamini · Rating 5 out of 5]

PhD advisor is making us read this...supposed to make "Writing your dissertation less time consuming, more enjoyable, and, most of all, easier to complete."
Personal review to follow in 3 years (ha-ha).

[Ida · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Ph.D. candidate, I found this book to be really helpful. How I wish I had found it earlier - now that I am in my second year. It gives practical tips and advice, not only just for writing but also with meeting the supervisors and proposal defense, just to name a few. I like how the author symbolized a dissertation journey to climbing a Mountain. It indeed is! One of the many quotes that I like:

"To reach the summit, one must proceed from encampment to encampment. But before setting out
for the next refuge, one must prepare those coming after to occupy the place one is leaving. Only
after having prepared them, can one go on up. (Daumal, 1986, p. 104)"

[David Rough · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book at a slow pace as I helped to mentor doctoral study in the process of writing their dissertations. I appreciated the insights into the five chapters of the document and the many practical hints for researchers.

This is not a book that I would recommend for pleasure reading or a bed-time treat. If you are in the midst of a doctoral program or even considering such an adventure, this very readable text could provide an excellent perspective on this difficult task.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important resource to have on hand.

Excellent resource to start a dissertation. It will guide you step by step in the writing of a dissertation. It also provides great references.

[Vince Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently started in a role as a dissertation chair and was looking for helpful literature for new doctoral students. I feel this book serves its purpose; it has tips for someone preparing to begin on this journey and make it a smoother process.

[Nick Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was assigned this for my doctorate. It's concise and helpful.

[Craig Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written text that provides an overview of the dissertation journey.

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful and positive, but somewhat dated guide. Advice in this book is not super relevant to dissertations in the humanities fields.

[Hiba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I read this at the beginning stages of writing my MA thesis ...
It is a MUST READ for those who are writing academic papers/research/articles ...

[Matt Dubois · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe good for a younger student but didn't add anything of value for my LLM completion. Geared more to someone that does not know what to expect from a terminal degree program.

[Shavon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Practical and easy to use for my doctoral class.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the best breakdown of the dissertation process I’ve read so far. Used it to help build resources for my students.

[Dale Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read on the dissertation process. Will definitely be re-reading and referencing over the next few, hopefully less stressful years.