You have probably heard about research papers such as a thesis and dissertation. These definitions are constantly on everyone’s lips and are quite familiar to everyone, but many still confuse them. In this article, we will consider the difference between thesis and dissertation writing.
What Is a Thesis?
What is a dissertation vs thesis? Let’s talk about the latter first.
A masters thesis is a special type of scientific work. This paper is the result of a scientist’s independent work, which takes place under the supervision of a scientific, more experienced mentor (it is possible to involve scientific specialists in the work for consultations if the paper is carried out in several directions). An applicant for a master’s degree defends it at a special meeting of the commission. Previously, thesis writing corresponded to a dissertation written by doctors of science.
A master’s thesis is a research paper with a practical basis where the author tries to solve the tasks set. It must also contain elements of scientific novelty. Students find the answers they are looking for through experiments that fall within the framework of the chosen scientific direction.
It differs from other scientific works, which are usually aimed at obtaining a scientific degree or another academic level. It is based on the predominant modeling of known conclusions and answers. The level of a master’s thesis must necessarily correspond to the training program it is written for. The result of writing such a scientific project should be the realization that its author can carry out scientific research, identify and extract the main problems and ways to solve them, and demonstrate the ability to solve narrower problems of the scientific sphere in question.
What Is a Dissertation?
Completing a doctoral dissertation is important in an academic career because it is a key step in the process of obtaining a doctoral degree. A dissertation is an independent study on a specific topic through which the doctoral candidate demonstrates their skills and abilities in the field of scientific research.
When discussing thesis vs dissertation career opportunities, we should mention that after a successful defense, the doctoral dissertation becomes the basis for the graduate’s further career, allowing them to obtain important titles and academic degrees and participate in scientific projects and research. Thus, the doctoral dissertation plays a key role in the scientist’s career, opening up new opportunities and prospects in their future scientific activities.
Key Differences between a Thesis and a Dissertation
The task of a master’s student is to study the problem raised and show that they understand the methods of finding its solution. A graduate who writes a dissertation, in addition to this, must offer their own solution to the scientific problem. The difference between dissertation and thesis writing includes several aspects:
- Volume. The standard size of a master’s thesis is 50-80 pages, and a doctoral dissertation is 250-300 pages long.
- Number of sources. While a master’s thesis can use 50-100 sources, a doctoral dissertation usually includes at least 150 sources.
- Depth of research. A master’s student only needs to analyze existing methods; a student writing a dissertation should offer their own methods.
- Time for writing. A master’s student needs 2-6 months for writing, and a student who writes a dissertation needs at least a year to complete a high-quality project.
Similarities between a Thesis and a Dissertation
We have already answered the question, “What is the difference between thesis and dissertation writing?” Now, let’s look at their similarities:
- Supervisors control both papers’ preparation.
- Standard formatting rules are usually used in both cases.
- Before the defense, the applicant must prepare an abstract of the project.
- The graduate should have a deep understanding of the problem presented.
- A student should have good academic writing skills to work on the project.
- Plagiarism is not allowed.
- The proofreading and editing stages are necessary for writing both papers.
How to Choose Between Writing a Thesis or a Dissertation
How do I choose between a thesis and a dissertation? It all depends on the degree that you want to obtain. When receiving a higher education, a student will have access to several levels. First, each student must become an undergraduate. This status “opens the door” to admission to a master’s program. After that, those students who want to build a scientific career can go to graduate school. After completing this stage of study, graduate students become candidates in science.
Thesis vs. Dissertation: Which One to Pursue?
Master’s studies are intended to start scientific activity, and the final work that the student writes allows them to demonstrate their abilities. Studying in their senior year helps them to deepen their knowledge and develop new skills. It culminates in writing and defending a master’s thesis. High grades and excellently completed final qualifying work are the bases for admission to graduate school. In turn, this type of continued studying ends with writing and defending a dissertation.
Dissertation vs Thesis: More Useful Information
How Each Affects Your Academic Career
If talking about the difference between a thesis and dissertation in terms of one’s career, the latter offers more opportunities:
- The image component. Having a dissertation gives you authority in the scientific community.
- The material aspect. For obvious reasons, employees with defended dissertations can count on getting a higher salary.
- Career prospects. It is easier for dissertation holders to find employment in more reputable educational institutions or companies.
- The communicative component. New acquaintances are acquired, including like-minded people who are ready to work in co-authorship.
- Academic prospects: You gain the opportunity to become an associate professor and/or professor, that is, to increase your academic level.
Common Misconceptions about Thesis and Dissertation Writing
“Structure is not that important.”
You should keep in mind that, like any other scientific work, a thesis or dissertation is written in accordance with established standards and requirements. Regardless of the topic or specialty, the manuscript must contain mandatory sections: an introduction with a thesis statement, the main chapters, a conclusion, and a list of references. Moreover, in many cases, you need to write additional papers like a dissertation proposal or abstract.
“I should use field-specific terms to demonstrate my knowledge.”
The work should be written in simple and understandable language; it is better to avoid excess terminology and abstruse phrases in the text. The more complex the manner in which the material is presented, the longer it takes to write. In addition, readers are unlikely to be interested in a publication that needs additional explanations.
“I will spend more time on writing than on the other stages.”
Research will take you more time than dissertation writing. Be prepared to read and search a lot; otherwise, you will not be able to find an unresolved problem and suggest ways of solving it. Without a good literature review, it is impossible to write a qualified scientific paper.
Thesis and Dissertation Writing Tips
Can I write a thesis and a dissertation? Of course, you can if you follow a few tips and write your project successfully.
- Write every day
No matter how much you have to do during the day, devote at least some of it to writing your thesis or dissertation. Throw all your worries aside and focus on the main thing. Take one step after another consistently, without rushing. Formulate a question in your head, collect the necessary information on it, analyze the data obtained, and write down the result.
- Find like-minded people
To make useful contacts, regularly attend public scientific events – conferences, seminars, etc. There, you will be able to find scientists who are engaged in research aimed in a similar direction. Alternatively, they may be specialists in other fields that will be useful when writing your paper such as text editing, formatting, etc.
- Record all ideas and questions
Write down any comments you receive from your supervisor or other scientists and save them. If you make changes to your thesis or dissertation, do not discard the old version of the text. All these notes will be useful when writing the work and preparing for the defense. Recorded questions and answers will be a good source of ideas that you can use in your research.
FAQ
What is the difference between a thesis and a dissertation?
As we have already mentioned, the biggest difference is that a thesis is based on existing research, whereas a dissertation should present the author’s own research.
How long is a thesis compared to a dissertation?
A thesis is about 50-80 pages long, while a dissertation is 250-300 pages long.
Which is more difficult: thesis or dissertation?
Of course, a dissertation is more difficult because it involves obtaining a higher academic degree than a thesis. A dissertation is much longer and takes more time to write.