University of Georgia

Guiding Principles of Dissertations and Theses

The dissertation is the final component of a series of academic experiences which cumulate in the awarding of the doctoral degree. The findings of a dissertation should be worthy of publication in a refereed journal or other scholarly medium. The dissertation fulfills four major functions:

  1. it presents original research or scholarship;
  2. it demonstrates the student’s ability to understand and critically evaluate the literature of the field;
  3. it reflects the student’s mastery of appropriate research methods and tools; and
  4. it shows that a student can address a major problem, arrive at successful conclusions, and report results in a literate fashion.

The thesis is a requirement for most master’s degrees and represents a more modest contribution to knowledge than does a dissertation. The dissertation or thesis must demonstrate unity and purpose. All parts of the dissertation or thesis must contribute to the stated objectives of the research. The methods used in the research must be described adequately to permit an independent investigator to replicate the work.

Any student whose thesis or dissertation research will involve the use of human subjects must be approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Any student whose thesis or dissertation research will involve the use of animals must comply with the requirements of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

The Graduate School Style Manual

The Graduate School Style Manual establishes a set of standards designed to ensure consistency, legibility, and professional appearance of theses and dissertations. These standards are not intended to comprehensively address all the minutiae of style and formatting. Students should refer to their academic department’s choice of style manuals for such specifics. Note: You must follow these guidelines to format your thesis/dissertation for the first format check. If it is apparent that you have not made a reasonable attempt to do so, your document will not be checked and your graduation may be delayed until a future semester.

Preparing for Electronic Submission

Submitting your documents

  • ETD Format Check Submission You must have a format check done before you can submit your official copy.
  • ETD Final Submission Please note: Proof-reading changes cannot be made to the document once it has been accepted as final. Please make sure that you are happy with the document you submit and do not submit until you are sure no additional edits to the content will be needed. Please do NOT create a brand-new ProQuest account when it is time to submit the final version of your thesis or dissertation. Simply log into your original ProQuest account, visit the document upload area, and replace the PDF that is there with the revised and final PDF.

Doctoral Students Only

Survey of Earned Doctorates: The Survey of Earned Doctorates (SED) gathers data from all doctorate graduates each year. The responses become part of the Doctorate Records File, a virtually complete databank on doctorate recipients from 1920 to the present. These data serve policymakers at the federal, state, local and university levels. Privacy: Information you provide is kept confidential and is safeguarded in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended. The survey data are reported only in aggregate form or in a manner that does not identify information about any individual. Your information is vital to future program development and funding. Please register for the survey on the SED Registration Website. You will receive a pin and password to complete the secure survey.

Questions About Formatting Your Thesis or Dissertation

If you cannot find your answers to formatting questions in the Graduate School Style Manual, you may address your question to ETDHelp@uga.edu.
References

  • The Graduate School Style Manual All ETDs must conform to the Graduate School style requirements
  • Human Subjects Guidelines The Human Subjects Office at the Office of the Vice-President for Research Policies and Procedures for Electronic Theses and Dissertations
  • ETD Library Theses and Dissertations that have been submitted to the Graduate School are available via the UGA Libraries Galileo System; any inquiries regarding the ETD Library site and its contents should be directed to the Library (note that it may take some time for the Library system to process new theses and dissertations after they have been accepted by the Graduate School)

After You’ve Finished

Graduating students who wish to purchase copies of their work have a choice to either order bound copies from ProQuest or UGA Print and Copy Services. If you wish to order from ProQuest, you may place your order during the creation of your ProQuest account. If you would like copies of your thesis or dissertation from UGA, Print and Copy Services at the Tate Student Center will print and bind your thesis or dissertation in the traditional black hard cover with gold lettering, or the format of your choice. Please note that UGA Print and Copy Services will not have access to your document until the Graduate School has approved the final copy of your thesis or dissertation.

 
 
 

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