Keys for Writing Your Dissertation Proposal

For most graduate students, the dissertation proposal is a huge milestone on the journey to completing a doctorate. The proposal serves as an in-depth exploration of the question that is the driving force of your research. Writing the proposal offers an opportunity to expand upon the initial ideas explored in the dissertation prospectus at length, and also to set the stage for the research you’ll be completing in your dissertation project. 

The dissertation proposal is the microcosm you will use as a model to map the world of your dissertation for your advisor and your committee. It is a document with a singular purpose, which is to assert the viability of your research project. This is no small feat, and earning approval of your dissertation proposal marks a significant advance in your career as a graduate student. 

While the dissertation proposal is a tricky document to write, it’s an important exercise. For me, finally writing the proposal after years of coursework felt like a major turning point. Mining my big idea from the nebulous space it occupied in my mind and committing it to paper flipped a switch for me. Writing the proposal brought my concept to life, and it made me feel like I had a firmer grasp on the work ahead. 

Dissertation Proposal Questions

Let’s consider some of the questions often asked about the dissertation proposal: 

• What is a dissertation proposal?
• How long is a dissertation proposal? 
• How do I structure my dissertation proposal? 
• What if I get something wrong?

What is a Dissertation Proposal? 

Excellent question! Though it varies by discipline, a dissertation proposal is generally understood to be the first three chapters of a completed dissertation (though in some fields–particularly within the arts and humanities–it more closely resembles a dissertation prospectus). The traditional dissertation proposal is written in future tense, and then changed to past tense after the proposed research has been conducted.

Before getting started, it’s a good idea to talk to your dissertation advisor about practical concerns that come with writing the dissertation proposal (and every other part of your dissertation). He or she will be able to offer clarity about their expectations and direct you to good examples of successful proposals written by former graduate students in your program. 

How Long is a Dissertation Proposal? 

As with every part of the dissertation, the length of the proposal varies widely by department, university, and academic discipline. While variation can be expected, dissertation proposals are usually at least 60-70 pages, not including references. Though some departments may have strict rules regarding dissertation length, 65 is a sound estimate if you’re looking for a ballpark figure. 

Keep in mind, a dissertation proposal covers a lot of territory. By necessity, it is an expansive document. A dissertation proposal is like the scaffolding of your entire project. It brings all of the disparate pieces together and holds them in place until the dissertation is completed and revealed to the world. 

Proposal Structure

Like the dissertation itself, the dissertation proposal becomes much less intimidating as you learn more about its purpose and structure. The dissertation proposal is a heavily prescribed document with its own set of conventions. There are several distinct sections of a dissertation proposal. While your program likely has its own guidelines, all dissertation proposals share some common ground.

Each section supports the overarching goal of the document. These components include: 

• Front Matter This section serves as an orientation, of sorts, within your proposal. It includes the abstract of your project, a table of contents, and a list of tables that you’ll be referencing throughout. 
• Chapter One: The Introduction to the Study This chapter is broken up into several different subsections that show the overall premise of the project. Here, you will offer a lot of background material, including: 
  • An introduction
  • Problem statement
  • Purpose statement
  • Research questions
  • Conceptual framework
  • Definition of terms
  • Significance
• Chapter Two: Literature Review This is where you can really make a case for the significance of the study you’re proposing. You will offer a thorough background of the research you’ve done so far, offering insight into the theoretical underpinnings of your research questions and methodology. 

This is also the part of your dissertation proposal where you will identify gaps in the existing body of knowledge. The goal of the literature review is twofold. First, it illustrates the depth and scope of the research you’ve done so far. Second, it also shows that there are missing puzzle pieces to be filled by your proposed research. 

• Chapter Three: Research Methods In this section, you will go into detail about the methods you are proposing to use to conduct your research. This can include a more thorough discussion of your research questions, assumptions and limitations, and a summary of how your research will be carried out. You may also be asked to include information about data collection, the population you’re proposing to research, and your methods of analysis. 
• References and Appendix Be very thorough in this section; it will pay dividends later on. For the reference section, cite every text that you used in your proposal, even those you only consulted. Also take care with the appendix, because your committee will definitely look at it. 

What If I Get Something Wrong? 

You will. Be prepared, and don’t let it get you down. Revision is the unsung hero of the dissertation writing process, and you will be receiving notes and requests for changes from now through your dissertation defense. It’s a natural part of the process, and you may be surprised by how much your project changes between the time you write your dissertation proposal and the final, bound copy of your dissertation. 

One of the biggest realizations that I had while writing my dissertation was about all the things I didn’t know. When I first wrote my proposal, I approached my topic as if the knowledge within was quantifiable and I just needed to hit all the right talking points in order to “win” my Ph.D. To an extent, this is true, but if your only purpose is checking boxes, then you may shortchange yourself by not taking some intellectual risks. 

Once I absorbed my advisor’s comments on my dissertation proposal, I began to see the road ahead for the opportunity it truly was. The journey of proposing and writing my dissertation showed me that knowledge is fluid and boundless; there is great joy and freedom to be found in venturing into the unknown. If anything, the dissertation proposal should reflect that pursuit of discovery.