Phase 3: Dissertation Proposal
The Doctoral Dissertation
The dissertation is the documentation of the creation of new knowledge in Learning Technologies based on a theoretical foundation. There is no specific restriction on the research methodology to be used; the dissertation may be quantitative, qualitative or of mixed-method methodology. It may involve pure experimental, quasi-experimental, or descriptive designs. It may also be comprised of a number (at least three) papers published in refereed academic journals with an accompanying introduction and overview and a concluding reflections and recommendations for further study.
It must meet each of the following criteria:
The dissertation should be a natural extension from and conclusion to the coursework and other academic preparatory activities that come before it. .
Dissertation Proposal
After the successful completion of the Portfolio and Oral Examination, the next step is the Dissertation Proposal.
The basic steps are (be sure to consult your dissertation chair for additional input or changes):
After a successful dissertation proposal defense, the candidate can begin work on the dissertation. From this point on, the candidate must be continuously enrolled in dissertation credits (LTEC 6950) for a minimum of 3 semester hours (see above for specific details by PhD offering). Only 12 semester hours of dissertation credit are applied to the degree program, even though more dissertation hours may be accumulated. After becoming a PhD candidate, the student should apply for graduation as that will generate the Toulouse Oral Defense Form that is required at least two weeks prior to defending the dissertation.
The dissertation is the documentation of the creation of new knowledge in Learning Technologies based on a theoretical foundation. There is no specific restriction on the research methodology to be used; the dissertation may be quantitative, qualitative or of mixed-method methodology. It may involve pure experimental, quasi-experimental, or descriptive designs. It may also be comprised of a number (at least three) papers published in refereed academic journals with an accompanying introduction and overview and a concluding reflections and recommendations for further study.
It must meet each of the following criteria:
- It must involve the creation of new knowledge
- The knowledge created must contribute to the field
- The research must proceed from a theoretical foundation
- The research must be conducted using sound research methodology
The dissertation should be a natural extension from and conclusion to the coursework and other academic preparatory activities that come before it. .
Dissertation Proposal
After the successful completion of the Portfolio and Oral Examination, the next step is the Dissertation Proposal.
The basic steps are (be sure to consult your dissertation chair for additional input or changes):
- Work with your chair and prepare your proposal.
- When your chair finds your proposal acceptable, your chair will share your proposal with the committee for feedback.
- Set a date for a proposal defense.
- File the signed paperwork for the dissertation proposal. This paperwork has to be filed before your proposal defense.
After a successful dissertation proposal defense, the candidate can begin work on the dissertation. From this point on, the candidate must be continuously enrolled in dissertation credits (LTEC 6950) for a minimum of 3 semester hours (see above for specific details by PhD offering). Only 12 semester hours of dissertation credit are applied to the degree program, even though more dissertation hours may be accumulated. After becoming a PhD candidate, the student should apply for graduation as that will generate the Toulouse Oral Defense Form that is required at least two weeks prior to defending the dissertation.
These elements have been pulled directly from the Doctoral Handbook of Spring 2019
