Is a dissertation proposal recommended or required?
After a student completes his or her comprehensive exams, it is time to research and write the dissertation. Students come to this process in different ways, as do the advisors who chair their committees. Some advisors will require a full dissertation proposal with chapter breakdowns and bibliographies, others will ask for a 2-5 page précis and/or outline and preliminary bibliography. Still others may be content with an abstract and a plan for research and writing. Please be sure to work closely with your advisor to determine the best route for you in moving into the dissertation research and writing phase.
