Dissertation Prospectus

The prospectus is written by the student in preparation for selecting a dissertation supervisory committee and beginning work on the dissertation proposal.  The prospectus describes the student's intended dissertation research and writing.  The completed dissertation may diverge from the intent laid out in the prospectus, but the prospectus does represent the student's best and most complete understanding of the research project at the time. 

The completed prospectus (including all appendices) is submitted to faculty who are invited to be the chair and members of the dissertation supervisory committee.  The faculty will read the prospectus to aid in their decision to accept or decline the invitation.  The prospectus is also to be sent to the faculty chair of the student's degree program, along with the request for appointment of the committee. 

The suggested length for the prospectus is 10 to 20 pages, not including references and appendices.  The prospectus consists of five sections and three appendices. 

The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Sixth Edition style should be used throughout the prospectus. 

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Dissertation Prospectus Forms

College of Health and Human Services

School of Management

School of Public Policy and Administration

School of Psychology

College of Education