Thesis vs. Dissertation: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 5, 2023
A thesis is usually a project for a master's degree, while a dissertation is for a doctoral degree.
Key Differences
A thesis typically refers to a written document that demonstrates a student's research and findings in partial fulfillment for a master's degree. On the contrary, a dissertation usually denotes a substantial original research project undertaken for a doctoral degree.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
In the academic journey, the thesis often comes before the dissertation. A student may work on a thesis during their master's program, whereas the dissertation is tackled during doctoral studies. Though both are rigorous, a dissertation's depth and scope often exceed that of a thesis.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
While the thesis demonstrates a student's grasp of a specific subject and the prevailing research, a dissertation contributes new knowledge or a fresh perspective to the field. This distinction is vital, as a dissertation generally demands a novel hypothesis or methodology.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
Both the thesis and dissertation culminate in a defense, where the student presents their work and answers questions from a committee. However, defending a dissertation is typically more intense than a thesis defense because of the expectation that doctoral candidates are pushing boundaries in their fields.
Janet White
Nov 05, 2023
The process of creating a thesis or dissertation involves significant research, writing, and revision. While a thesis may explore a particular aspect of a topic in depth, a dissertation delves deeper, aiming to fill knowledge gaps or challenge prevailing theories.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 05, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Thesis and Dissertation Definitions
Thesis
A project to test a student's capabilities.
She defended her thesis brilliantly.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
Dissertation
An extensive research document contributing new knowledge.
The dissertation offered a fresh perspective on the topic.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023
Thesis
A proposition to be maintained or proved.
The main thesis of his argument was compelling.
Janet White
Oct 26, 2023
Dissertation
A substantial paper often based on original research.
Peer reviews for his dissertation were overwhelmingly positive.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023
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Dissertation
A written project for a doctoral degree.
His dissertation on molecular biology took three years to complete.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
Thesis
An assertion or claim in academic writing.
The author's thesis was clear in the introduction.
Sara Rehman
Oct 26, 2023
Dissertation
A document representing an author's advanced research.
She received accolades for her groundbreaking dissertation.
Janet White
Oct 26, 2023
Dissertation
A treatise advancing a new viewpoint resulting from research.
The university published her dissertation in a renowned journal.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Thesis
A dissertation advancing an original point of view as a result of research, especially as a requirement for an academic degree.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Dissertation
A lengthy, formal treatise, especially one written by a candidate for the doctoral degree at a university; a thesis.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Dissertation
A formal exposition of a subject, especially a research paper that students write in order to complete the requirements for a doctoral degree in the US and a non-doctoral degree in the UK; a thesis.
Write a dissertation
Write up a dissertation
Hand in a dissertation
Complete a dissertation
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Dissertation
A lengthy lecture on a subject; a treatise; a discourse; a sermon.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Thesis
The long or accented part of a metrical foot, especially in quantitative verse.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Dissertation
A formal or elaborate argumentative discourse, oral or written; a disquisition; an essay; a discussion; as, Dissertations on the Prophecies.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Thesis
The unaccented or short part of a metrical foot, especially in accentual verse.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Dissertation
A treatise advancing a new point of view resulting from research; usually a requirement for an advanced academic degree
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Thesis
(by extension) A lengthy essay written to establish the validity of a thesis (sense 1.1), especially one submitted in order to complete the requirements for a non-doctoral degree in the US and a doctoral degree in the UK; a dissertation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Thesis
A conjecture, especially one too vague to be formally stated or verified but useful as a working convention.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Thesis
(logic) An affirmation, or distinction from a supposition or hypothesis.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Thesis
(philosophy) In the dialectical method of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel: the initial stage of reasoning where a formal statement of a point is developed; this is followed by antithesis and synthesis.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Thesis
The action of lowering the hand or bringing down the foot when indicating a rhythm; hence, an accented part of a measure of music or verse indicated by this action; an ictus, a stress.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Thesis
A depression of the voice when pronouncing a syllables of a word; hence, the unstressed part of the metrical foot of a verse upon which such a depression falls, or an unaccented musical note.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Thesis
A position or proposition which a person advances and offers to maintain, or which is actually maintained by argument.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Thesis
Hence, an essay or dissertation written upon specific or definite theme; especially, an essay presented by a candidate for a diploma or degree.
I told them of the grave, becoming, and sublime deportment they should assume upon this mystical occasion, and read them two homilies and a thesis of my own composing, to prepare them.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Thesis
The accented part of the measure, expressed by the downward beat; - the opposite of arsis.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Thesis
A treatise advancing a new point of view resulting from research; usually a requirement for an advanced academic degree
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Thesis
A document submitted for a master's degree.
Her thesis on environmental science won an award.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023
FAQs
Do both thesis and dissertation need a defense?
Yes, both typically culminate in a defense before a committee.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
What distinguishes a dissertation?
A dissertation is a comprehensive research document for a doctoral degree.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
How long is a thesis compared to a dissertation?
While lengths vary, dissertations are generally longer than theses.
Sara Rehman
Nov 05, 2023
What's the main objective of a dissertation?
To contribute new knowledge or perspectives to a field.
Harlon Moss
Nov 05, 2023
Are thesis and dissertation topics always new?
Dissertation topics are expected to be original, but thesis topics might cover existing research.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
Can a thesis topic become a dissertation topic?
Yes, many students expand upon their thesis research for their dissertation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
Why are dissertations more extensive than theses?
Because they aim to contribute novel insights or knowledge to a field.
Sara Rehman
Nov 05, 2023
What is a thesis?
A thesis is a research document, often for a master's degree.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
Which is more rigorous, a thesis or a dissertation?
Typically, a dissertation is more rigorous than a thesis.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
Do all universities require a thesis for a master's degree?
Requirements vary; some universities may have non-thesis options.
Sara Rehman
Nov 05, 2023
Is a thesis necessary for a Ph.D.?
While the specifics vary, a dissertation is usually required for a Ph.D., not a thesis.
Sara Rehman
Nov 05, 2023
Is publishing a thesis or dissertation mandatory?
Not always, but many choose to publish their work.
Janet White
Nov 05, 2023
Can a thesis or dissertation be collaborative?
Generally, they're individual projects, but some aspects, like research, might be collaborative.
Harlon Moss
Nov 05, 2023
Which document signifies the completion of an academic journey?
A dissertation, typically indicating the achievement of a doctoral degree.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
How are thesis and dissertation topics chosen?
Often in consultation with an academic advisor or committee.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 05, 2023
Who evaluates a thesis or dissertation?
Typically, a committee of experts in the field.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 05, 2023
Is original research mandatory for a thesis?
Not always; it depends on the program and institution.
Sara Rehman
Nov 05, 2023
How do thesis and dissertation grading work?
Grading criteria vary by institution, but both are evaluated on research quality and writing.
Harlon Moss
Nov 05, 2023
What happens if a thesis or dissertation is not approved?
Students usually revise based on feedback and resubmit or defend again.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 05, 2023
Are thesis and dissertation defenses public?
It varies; some institutions hold public defenses, while others are private.
Sara Rehman
Nov 05, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
