Dissertation vs Thesis
“Dissertation” and “thesis” are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences between them, depending on the context and country in which they are used. Here is a brief overview of their differences:
In the United States and Canada, a thesis is usually associated with a master’s degree, while a dissertation is associated with a doctoral degree. A thesis involves original research and is usually shorter than a dissertation, with a typical length of 50-100 pages. A dissertation, on the other hand, is a longer piece of original research, with a typical length of 100-300 pages or more.
In the United Kingdom, the opposite is true: a thesis is usually associated with a doctoral degree, while a dissertation is associated with a master’s degree. However, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably.
In some other countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, the terms “thesis” and “dissertation” are used interchangeably, and the length and content of these documents depend on the degree program and the requirements of the institution.
In general, both a thesis and a dissertation involve original research and are used to demonstrate the candidate’s expertise in a particular field of study. However, the specific requirements and expectations for each may vary depending on the degree program, institution, and country.
Both a thesis and a dissertation typically involve conducting original research and presenting findings in a formal document. They often include a literature review, methodology section, analysis of data, and conclusions based on the findings.
The purpose of both a thesis and a dissertation is to contribute to the body of knowledge in a particular field and demonstrate the student’s mastery of the subject matter. They are also important for advancing academic and professional careers in fields such as academia, research, and policy-making.
While the requirements and expectations for a thesis or dissertation may vary, it is important for students to work closely with their advisors and follow all guidelines provided by their institution. This includes adhering to formatting and citation styles, conducting ethical research, and submitting drafts and revisions in a timely manner.
| Info | Thesis | Thesis |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | To present original research and findings in order to obtain a doctoral degree | To present original research and findings in order to obtain a master’s degree |
| Length | Generally longer, between 100-300 pages or more, depending on the field and program | Generally shorter, between 40-100 pages, depending on the field and program |
| Structure | Typically consists of several chapters, including an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and conclusion | Typically consists of several chapters, including an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and conclusion |
| Originality | Must present original research and findings that contribute to the body of knowledge in the field | Must present original research and findings that contribute to the body of knowledge in the field |
| Defense | Must be defended orally in front of a committee of experts in the field | May or may not require an oral defense, depending on the program and institution |
| Field | Typically associated with doctoral programs in the humanities, social sciences, and some scientific fields | Typically associated with master’s programs in a wide range of fields, including science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities |
