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Cumberlands Dissertation Process

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. 

 

Dissertation Course Progression Example

 

All courses are prerequisite for the next course.

Course

Student Tasks for Progression

Format

DSRT734 - Inferential Statistics in Decision Making

Application of statistical methods to research design, as well as the investigation of real-world applications of these methods

8-week bi-term online, or 16-week executive format

DSRT837 - Professional Writing and Decision Making

Introduction to writing and organizational skills needed for dissertation

8-week bi-term online, or 16-week executive format

DSRT736 – Dissertation Seminar

Topic Approval
Chapter Two Draft
*Prerequisites: DSRT 734 and DSRT 837

16-week online or 16-week executive format

DSRT839 – Advanced Research Methods

Comprehensive Exam
IRB
Chapter 1 & 3 Drafted

16-week online or 16-week executive format

DSRT930 – Dissertation

Dissertation Committee Approval
Chapter 4 Drafted

16-week online or 16-week executive format

DSRT931 – Dissertation

Chapter 5 Drafted
Dissertation Review by Academic Department
Dissertation Defense

16-week online or 16-week executive format

DSRT932*- Dissertation

*Required if student research required a longer research timeline.  See pages 7-8 of Dissertation Handbook regarding Probation.

16-week online or 16-week executive format

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.