Dissertations & Theses

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Dissertation and Thesis Writing Consultations

The Graduate College and the Center for Communication Excellence are partnering to provide quality writing support for students working on writing, formatting, or finalizing their dissertation or thesis. Graduate students can make free, one-on-one appointments with trained consultants to discuss dissertation/thesis formatting or get helpful suggestions in the planning, composing, or revising stages of their writing. Consultations are open to all Iowa State University graduate student in any discipline and in face-to-face or online formats. Make an appointment today!

Prepare to Write Your Dissertation/Thesis

  1. Attend a Dissertation/Thesis Seminar presented by the Graduate College soon after you have formed your Program of Study and Committee.
  2. Use templates and examples to help you write your dissertation/thesis
  3. Review Organizing Your Dissertation/Thesis
  4. Work closely with your Major Professor and Committee as you develop ideas and content for your dissertation/thesis. They are here to guide you.
  5. Contact the Center for Communication Excellence to arrange individual writing assistance.

Think About Graduation

  1. Submit your Program of Study/Committee form through AccessPlus, if you have not yet done so.
  2. Meet the deadlines listed for Graduation. They can be found on the Deadlines / Dates page. Set up goals for the semester/year you plan to graduate.
  3. Attend a Dissertation/Thesis Seminar, if you haven't already
  4. Plan meetings with your Major Professor and Committee about your dissertation/thesis content and timeline for completion.
  5. Check your Graduate Student Status page on AccessPlus and your Degree Audit to see what items need to be completed for your Graduate Program. Submit modifications if needed.
  6. Submit an Application for Graduation by the deadlines of the semester you plan to graduate. If you have a change of mind, withdraw by the cancellation date. Summer graduates attending Spring/Fall ceremony need to follow special deadlines.
  7. Develop a timeline for your final oral. Submit a Request for Final Oral form three weeks prior to the final oral exam.
  8. Open you dissertation/thesis account with ProQuest and input the title of your dissertation/thesis, which will appear in the Commencement Program. Use the same format as your title page.
  9. Contact an editor if you need assistance formatting or editing your dissertation/thesis, List of Local Editors / Typists

Ensure Graduation

  1. Meet the deadlines listed for Graduation. They can be found on the Deadlines page
  2. Verify your Graduate Student Status page in AccessPlus to make sure all requirements on your POSC are completed. Submit modifications to POSC if necessary
  3. Submit the Application for Graduation by the deadline of the semester you plan to graduate. Summer graduates attending Spring/Fall ceremony need to follow special deadlines.
  4. Pass your final oral examination. Your Major Professor submits the Report of Final Oral form
  5. Open you dissertation/thesis account with ProQuest and input the title of your dissertation/thesis, which will appear in the Commencement Program. Use the same format as your title page.
  6. Submit the Graduate Student Approval Form
  7. Submit Research:
  8. Watch for an email requesting revisions or stating acceptance of your dissertation/thesis.
  9. Receiving an acceptance e-mail is typically the last communication before you graduate!