From Topic to Defense: Writing a Quality Social Science Dissertation in 18 Months or Less: An active reference guiding you from concept through completion

Earning a doctorate degree requires commitment, perseverance, and personal sacrifice—placing some things in our lives on hold. It is, by no means, easy—and there really is nothing that can make it “easy.” Any terminal degree that is worth earning is going to be a challenging process—it is important to accept that fact upfront. However, that does not mean that you can’t lighten the burden on yourself. Navigating through the coursework can be formidable, but the dissertation—which is unique research—is even more challenging, and there are many stumbling blocks on the way to finishing. Let’s face it: doctoral coursework is really not all that different from previous coursework—to have gotten where you are, you already know how to successfully navigate coursework. Unless you are fortunate enough to have previous academic research experience—a previous Ph.D., or prior academic writing experience—you have little in your academic background that really prepares you for the dissertation process. This book is designed to help you surmount the most common stumbling blocks you are likely to encounter on your way to finishing the dissertation. It is not only intended for graduate students who need to finish the dissertation quickly—those who need to get it done, get it done well, and also get it done quickly—but also for all graduate students who believe that everything is in the preparation. This text is full of advice and tips that you can use, in whole or in part. Instead of following a traditional chapter layout, it is organized into relevant “mini topics” that are short, easy to read, and backed up by activities and thought exercises which will help determine where you are in the process—and move you forward. Your dissertation is like any other challenge in life: There is no singular “right” way to approach it. It all comes down to finding whatever works for you. We encourage you to read the opening section of this book and then skim the rest to see what it has to offer you. Once you have finished with this brief read-through and realize the potential of its flexibility, you can decide how you will use the book. Remember—you can always use this book in varying ways at different times depending on what your needs are—being mindful that these needs will evolve—that is one of the benefits of the flexibility of this text.

Ayn Embar-Seddon O’Reilly – Ayn earned her undergraduate degrees in philosophy and psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. She holds a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She earned her Ph.D. in criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania after completing a qualitative case study on hospital violence for her dissertation. She began working with doctoral level students in 2001. It was through years of helping many, many students work on their dissertations that this helpful little book was born. She has previously published a forensic science textbook, and co-authored “Completing Your Qualitative Study.” Michael K. Golebiewski – Michael has a certification in Marketing and earned his master’s degree in Multimedia Technology from Duquesne University. He has taught as an adjunct professor in the fields of Multimedia and English Writing at Duquesne University and Carnegie Mellon University, respectively. He has worked for more than 20 years in professional services, honing his project management skill set and keen attention to detail, and has served as an editor on numerous student dissertations. He also co-authored “Completing Your Qualitative Study.” Ellen Peterson Mink – Ellen earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from the State University College at Oneonta. She earned her doctorate in Counseling Psychology from the University of Buffalo after completing a quantitative dissertation on infant temperament and toddler behavior in families with alcoholic and non-alcoholic fathers. She worked for 15 years on several large-scale, federally funded, longitudinal grants focusing on child development and family dynamics in families dealing with addiction. She began mentoring doctoral students in 2009. She also co-authored “Completing Your Qualitative Study.”