The Dissertation Journey: A Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Writing, and Defending Your Dissertation

"Few books provide such a concise overview of the dissertation process. From understanding your relationship with faculty to collating materials for each chapter, Roberts provides a clear, step-by-step guide on how to plan, write, and defend your doctoral research. Do not procrastinate; read this book and proceed on the road to successful completion of your dissertation!"
―Deborah A. Schreiber, Assistant Professor of Education
TUI University

It′s an uphill climb―but the view from the top makes it all worthwhile.

The dissertation is a tough mountain to climb; half of all doctoral students never make it to the top. To overcome the practical, emotional, and psychological obstacles along the way, you′ll need the right tools and a knowledgeable guide. This informative and inspirational book readies you for each step of the dissertation process, including choosing a topic, selecting the committee, getting acclimated to academic writing, preparing for your oral defense, and publishing your research.

This second edition of The Dissertation Journey offers new and updated features, including:

• A chapter on ethical considerations
• Expanded coverage of digital data collection and using the Internet for research
• More detailed information on conducting the literature review
• A discussion of how to develop a theoretical or conceptual framework

With graphics, checklists, inspirational quotes, illustrations, and sample forms, this valuable resource is your essential guidebook to preparing, writing, and defending your dissertation.

Carol Roberts is a professor emerita from the University of La Verne, where she taught Leadership in the Doctoral Program. She advised doctoral students, chaired dissertations, and taught a variety of leadership courses, primarily in personal leadership, communication, conflict, and coaching. She has served as a consultant and seminar leader specializing in organizational and team development, strategic planning, conflict resolution, coaching, and personal mastery. Dr. Roberts has been a consultant and trainer for the Administrator Trainer Center and Effective Schools Program, the California School Leadership Academy, and the California School Boards Association. She received her doctoral degree in planning, policy, and administration from the University of Southern California. Carol has also served on the executive board for the Southern Counties Women in Educational Management and was awarded its Woman of the Year award.