Dissertation Process
With the Graduate School, students enrolled in all Doctoral programs at Cumberlands will be guided through the research and writing process for their dissertations. The doctoral dissertation is designed to evaluate the candidate’s capabilities as a scholar and is the final academic requirement of all doctoral programs.
The Graduate School Dissertation Handbook serves as a resource for students on the dissertation procedures, requirements, and expectations for activities completed through the
Dissertation Research Handbook
Below you can explore the process and resources that guide students through your writing for the dissertation process. Please note that some academic programs may have additional parameters or requirements; those are outlined either in the Graduate Catalog or by the academic department to students during their enrollment.

All courses are prerequisite for the next course.
Course
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Student Tasks for Progression
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Format
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DSRT734 - Inferential Statistics in Decision Making
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Application of statistical methods to research design, as well as the investigation of real-world applications of these methods
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8-week bi-term online, or 16-week executive format
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DSRT837 - Professional Writing and Decision Making
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Introduction to writing and organizational skills needed for dissertation
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8-week bi-term online, or 16-week executive format
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DSRT736 – Dissertation Seminar
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Topic Approval
Chapter Two Draft
*Prerequisites: DSRT 734 and DSRT 837
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16-week online or 16-week executive format
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DSRT839 – Advanced Research Methods
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Comprehensive Exam
IRB
Chapter 1 & 3 Drafted
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16-week online or 16-week executive format
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DSRT930 – Dissertation
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Dissertation Committee Approval
Chapter 4 Drafted
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16-week online or 16-week executive format
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DSRT931 – Dissertation
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Chapter 5 Drafted
Dissertation Review by Academic Department
Dissertation Defense
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16-week online or 16-week executive format
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DSRT932*- Dissertation
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*Required if student research required a longer research timeline. See pages 7-8 of Dissertation Handbook regarding Probation.
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16-week online or 16-week executive format
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Need More Help? Review our Frequently Asked Questions or contact us at graduateschool@ucumberlands.edu
Check out informational sessions hosted for Doctoral Students on our events calendar.