As a college or university student, you will be writing a variety of academic projects. Term paper, assignments, thesis and dissertation. While most of these are straightforward, there seems to be a mix-up with dissertations and thesis. Many students use them incorrectly and interchangeably despite the fact that they represent different academic milestones with varying purposes, scope, and expectations. Having understood the seriousness of this distinction, we have prepared this guide to clearly define the difference between dissertation and thesis, and to help readers feel confident in preparing both.
Dissertation Vs Thesis – Key Similarities
Before we go to discuss what is the difference between dissertation and thesis, let’s look at the similarities both of them share:
- Dissertations and thesis are crucial academic writing requirements that students are supposed to fulfil mandatorily to achieve graduation in their programs.
- Students are supposed to submit a foolproof write for both dissertation and thesis, which means a thorough proofreading and editing must precede submission.
- In order to write a winning dissertation or thesis, doing a thorough topic research is a must to get to the bottom of it and understand its context clearly.
- Academic institutions don’t accept dissertations or thesis which contain plagiarism. Hence, students must prioritise writing original content.
- One of the key attributes of dissertations and theses is their well-articulated research question, which directs the entire content in both writings.
- Students who possess good analytical and academic writing skills are more likely to draft high-scoring dissertations and theses.
What Is the Difference Between Thesis and Dissertation?
Coming to the differences of dissertation vs thesis, the most notable ones are:
- A thesis is usually required to be written by students who pursue master’s programs. On the other hand, it is usually doctoral-level programs that ask for dissertation.
- Thesis tends to present existing knowledge and information, while dissertations aim to formulate new ideas backed by considerable evidence, logic, theory, and practical reality.
- A thesis brings together findings from already done research, while in a dissertation, a researcher comes up with novel ideas with the backing of supporting literature.
- In a thesis, you will have a very narrow focus and will usually have a specific research question. In the dissertation, you can have multiple hypotheses to address.
- While a master’s thesis can go up to 100 pages long, a doctoral dissertation (with its background research, proposals, literature review, and detailed methodology) should theoretically make it three times the length of the former.
- In terms of the methodology used in the research process, these mostly rely on secondary research, whereas a dissertation demands original data collection.
Difference Between Dissertation and Thesis: Europe
If you compare thesis and dissertation across regions, in Europe, you can find that the differences we covered in the common section are held onto. However, there is a difference, which is to do with who does it. A dissertation is to be done by a postgraduate student as part of their research responsibilities. What doctoral-level students are required to complete is a PhD thesis.
Dissertation vs Thesis: Europe at a Glance
| Criteria | Dissertation | Thesis |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Level | Master's/Postgraduate | Doctoral/PhD |
| Purpose | To show research skills | To prove original research |
| Scope of Research | Relies on existing literature | Original, deep and innovative research |
| Supervision | Tightly supervised | Usually done independently |
What Is a Dissertation Vs Thesis in the USA?
It is interesting to note that the USA has literally taken the difference between dissertation and dissertation in reverse. In contrast to Europe, a thesis in the U.S. is tied to a Master’s degree, where skill development is given the first priority over original research. You will also see that a dissertation is reserved for doctoral programs. It means to complete it you will need to do much deeper, independent scholarly investigation.
Dissertation vs Thesis: USA at a Glance
| Criteria | Dissertation | Thesis |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Level | Doctorate (PhD) | Master’s |
| Purpose | Original research | Technical proficiency |
| Scope of Research | Moderate | High |
| Supervision | PhD/Doctoral qualification | Master’s qualification |
Conclusion
The difference between dissertation and thesis is very loud and clear. One mustn’t use mistakenly or interchangeably.
Where you do your higher studies, whether in Europe or the USA or anywhere, greatly influences how these terms are defined and understood.
We hope that this blog helped you clearly understand the dissertation vs thesis distinction.
Let us know if you have any questions or need further clarification.
FAQ
When should I use a thesis or dissertation?
When you should write a thesis or dissertation depends on the region where you pursue your studies and what your institution has asked you to do. A growing number of institutions across the world now follow the American style, which is a thesis for Master’s level research and a dissertation for doctoral-level work.
What is the difference between dissertation and thesis in American vs British English?
In American English, a thesis is for a Master’s degree and a dissertation for a PhD, while in British English, it’s usually the reverse.
Can I publish a thesis or dissertation?
Yes, it is possible to publish academic works like a thesis and a dissertation. Doctoral dissertations are more commonly published since they are deeper and original. However, if your master’s thesis is exceptional, you can reach out to journals or institutional repositories to get it published there.
Why is there an opposite dissertation vs thesis distinction in Europe and the USA?
Studies show that the major reason why the contrasting definitions of difference between dissertation and thesis in the USA and Europe because to their differing academic traditions and degree structures. Europe follows an older structure, while the USA has adopted a more progressive structure.
