Is There A Doctorate Program Without A Dissertation Required?
A dissertation is a document or requirement submitted by students who are candidates for professional qualifications. This document presents a research and its findings. This requirement is usually necessary before a candidate is proclaimed a graduate of the degree program. Although, it may seem an easy task, a dissertation entails much time and effort for research. However, because of its importance, student's struggle to complete it. They suffer those sleepless nights, stress, and dilemmas brought about by circumstances related to dissertation.
Alternatives to Dissertation
Surveys conducted show that a lot of students find it very difficult to complete a dissertation and about 55-60% of those taking their doctorate degrees end up not submitting and/or defending their thesis. This then puts all their expenditures and time spent to waste. Because of this, there are schools that offer doctorate programs without dissertation. However, these schools require students to submit an alternative to that dissertation. These alternatives can either be a "record of study" or a paperwork that a student needs to submit before graduation. Basically, there is still research work to do, and there is no escape for this.
The Best Solution to Dissertation Dilemmas
Dissertation or research paperwork may seem tough for students. Indeed, they are, but getting that diploma and being declared a graduate is far more rewarding than giving up. A student having difficulty with their dissertation must:
- Employ Time management. Time management is a very important aspect in a student's life. A student must be able to evaluate oneself and schedule time devoted solely for dissertation alone. In this way, he or she would be able to focus on his or her paper and eventually finish it.
- Attend dissertation seminars and workshops. These seminars and workshops are very helpful activities that will guide a student in achieving his or her goal and that is to comply with the dissertation requirements.
- Find a mentor who can help. Most students complain that their advisers barely help them, and would not want to check their drafts if they have not yet finished the entire paper or dissertation. Finding a mentor (someone else who has background in research) would help resolve this dilemma and guide one as he or she goes through his or her research and writing.
- Strengthen support system. When stress and dilemma strike in, the best people who can ease the burden are people who could understand what one is going through. A support system can be one's family or people who have been in one's shoes and was able to get through.
Though a dissertation may be a tough experience for most students. Finding the right key and unlocking the difficulties by seeking help will ease the burden. Sooner or later, a student would realize that he or she has already accomplished what was asked of him or her.