What are Theses?

Theses are papers which are often the culminating works of a degree. Occasionally theses are professional papers presenting research findings. Theses may be required at any degree level although the requirements will vary and different levels. Theses are sometimes referred to as dissertations but both usually mean the same thing. That said theses may refer to bachelor level papers while dissertations are usually graduate papers. Largely it all depends on where you live.

Theses in Commonwealth Nations

Undergraduate papers are rarely theses in countries like Canada or Australia unless the theses are honors papers. Throughout the commonwealth nations which primarily base their education systems on the British model, theses definitions are consistent within the academic communities. It is generally agreed that theses are arguments created and then tested through research. This is in contrast to dissertations which are the documents that record the research and are submitted as evidence by students for academic qualifications. Theses in the humanities and social sciences are often 80,000–100,000 words long with theses in the sciences being roughly half that word count.

Theses in Other European Nations

In many European nations theses are common at bachelor degree level. A bachelor's thesis is frequently 40–60 pages long (measured in pages rather than words) and other theses are often longer. The required submission for the doctorate is called a Dissertation or Doktorarbeit in Germany. At PhD level theses publication is becoming increasingly common in many fields of study. Meanwhile in Italy theses are requirements of every degree level and the skill and content required at each level can be hugely different.

Theses in the United States

Theses in the US are administered at all degree levels of college and university. The fundamental difference in requirements is dependent upon degree level and defined by inherent academic expectations at that level. Dissertations are PhD level theses and are judged by whether or not they make original and unique contributions to scholarship. Lesser projects like bachelor or masters theses are more often judged by whether or not they demonstrate mastery in the presentation of an idea. Theses in the United States generally require a large number of scholarly references to show the breadth and scope of the research undertaken.

Theses Process

There are a number of steps to theses completion which are typical throughout the world. This process is usually as follows:

• The student, regardless of degree level, must choose a thesis topic.
• The student must then decide upon a research methodology. To make this decision the student will likely ask a few pertinent questions such as; what is the research question? What are some possible hypotheses? And, what is the most appropriate methodology for addressing the issue?
• A committee is necessary to monitor and guide theses as they develop and it is up to the student to find the Chair. Once this position has been filled the Chair will usually help the student find additional committee members. It’s important that the chair is comfortable with, and has faith in, the other members so he or she will probably want to be involved.
• Fundraising is essential for students who have not been offered research funding. If this is the case a grant or loan will be necessary before theses can begin.
• Finally at the end of this process students will write, present and defend. If a committee accepts the thesis presented, it will usually go to the Dean and after that possibly to publication. It is possible that a committee will require additional information before theses are accepted.

Although the process may seem daunting completed theses are crowning achievements which should engender pride, and maybe even publication.