Dissertation Timeline

The initial step in the process of writing a dissertation or thesis is choosing a research topic and creating a committee of dedicated faculty to serve as the advisors of your research project. Generally, there is one research project advisor or committee chair. The committee chair is the appointed leader who will make overarching decisions on your project. The committee chair works closely with you, the student, to make sure your project is completed to the highest standards.  In most cases, the committee chair will set up meeting dates and times with other committee members, if required, as well as schedule any qualifying exams, candidacy exams, presentations of work, and the final defense. The committee chair is also the lead signature on form required.

Forms Required

• Request to Serve on a Committee: This form must be completed by the committee chair/project advisor.
• Request to Form a Committee: This form must be completed by the remaining committee members. This form is initiated by the committee chair/project advisor.
• Both forms must be approved by the Graduate Program Director, Department Chair, and the College Dean.

Once you have set up your committee and selected your research topic, the next step is to begin your research and writing. You should work closely with your committee chair/project advisor during this step to develop a thesis/dissertation proposal and select the appropriate writing style for your project.

You should follow the outline developed in your thesis/dissertation proposal to complete your research, study, and written document. Make sure to confirm any submission deadlines for the semester you plan to complete your degree. These submission deadlines change each year and are found on the campus academic calendar.

Prepare your written document in accordance with the Preparation and Electronic Submissions guidelines found in the Guide to Theses and Dissertations from the AState Graduate School. This guide covers the general formatting required for electronic submissions and ProQuest publishing.

Work with your committee chair and committee members to ensure that your document and research project are approved for degree completion. Your document may require several reviews from your committee members, so make sure to allow plenty of time in the semester. 

Once your document is approved, your committee chair/project advisor completes the Thesis/Dissertation Defense Form. 

Ensure that your document adheres to the Graduate School's Submission Guidelines and prepare to submit your final version of your document.

Forms Required

• Thesis/Dissertation Defense Form
• This form must be signed by the full project committee, Program Director, College Dean, and submitted to the Office of the Registrar.