What is the actual difference between a dissertation and a thesis? Many students become confused about the exact meaning of these two academic papers and with good reason: there are many similarities between the two. They’re both long, in-depth analysis of a certain subject. But how exactly do they differ? Let’s compare them to clarify any doubts.
What Do Thesis and Dissertation Have In Common?
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Both a thesis and a dissertation are long academic papers that are used to to measure your research abilities and depth of knowledge in a given area.
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Both papers present and defend an idea by following a research methodology and contain references to someone else’s work.
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Whether you’re writing a thesis or a dissertation, you’ll have a mentor from the department who helps you set up a research plan, define the length of your paper and provides you with a guidance, suggestions and editing advice throughout your research and writing process.
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Both papers are used to qualify you for an advanced degree.
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Unlike research papers for undergraduate courses which are read and approved by a single professor, a thesis and a dissertation are subject to the review and approval of more than one professor in a department.
What is a Thesis?
A thesis is a paper that demonstrates your knowledge and analysis of another person’s research on a given subject. For example, if you are writing a thesis on Modern Social Theory, it’s likely that your research will include examples of Michel Foucault and George Simmel’s work. Though the assimilation of their ideas are yours, you are essentially presenting an analysis of someone else’s work.
The length of a thesis paper depends on the university requirements and a field of study, but is usually around 100 pages.
Once you’ve finished writing your thesis paper, you’ll submit it to your thesis advisor who will either approve it or give suggestions on how to improve it so it can be approved. After that, it will be read by someone else, usually a director or associate director, department head or other. If approved by the second reader, your thesis has been officially approved by the university.
A thesis is usually the culminating work of a master’s program. The completion of a satisfactory thesis means you have earned the right to get a master’s degree in that field.
What is a Dissertation?
A dissertation, on the other hand, is a tool used to measure your aptitude in your chosen field by presenting an original work. Unlike thesis, which analyzes others’ ideas, a dissertation is a defense of your own ideas. It proves that the depth of your knowledge and research in a given area is sufficient, and that you are now an expert capable of producing your own work. Ultimately, the dissertation qualifies you as a generator of new ideas rather than an analyst of someone else’s.
The length of a dissertation varies from program to program, but it is usually book-length (over 200 pages).
Unlike a master’s thesis, a dissertation requires you to prepare a presentation of your ideas before a committee. This is called defending your dissertation. You will submit your dissertation to the committee prior to the presentation so they will be familiar with your work already. Your defense should take no more than two hours, during which the committee will listen to your presentation, ask questions and discuss your work. Your dissertation may or may not be approved after you’ve presented your defense. If it’s not approved, specific details on missing aspects to your dissertation will be outlined by the members of the committee and you’ll be given a period of time in which to make your dissertation complete. If not approved the first time, another defense will be heard after you’ve made the necessary changes.
The approval of your dissertation qualifies you for a PhD in a given field.
Of course, each college and university has their own unique guidelines on thesis and dissertation requirements. If you are considering pursuing a masters or doctoral degree, check with your institution for details.
