This guide explains
- what is a dissertation
- what is a thesis
- how dissertations are published
- how to use Dissertations & Theses to find online dissertations
- how to find print and microfilm dissertations
Definitions (these are the usual definitions in the United States)
- Dissertation -- a very long essay about a very specific topic or research project. Usually written as a requirement for a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree.
- Thesis -- a shorter essay. Written as a requirement for a master’s degree. The plural of “thesis” is “theses.”
These terms may vary. For example, in the Library's catalog, Gallaudet dissertations are called “Thesis (Ph.D.).”
How dissertations are published
After a student’s dissertation is accepted by his/her university, it is printed.
Most universities, including Gallaudet, send their students’ dissertations to a company called ProQuest for publication. ProQuest digitizes them and makes them available online.
- Gallaudet's Graduate School and Continuing Studies usually gives the Library two print copies of each dissertation written by Gallaudet students.