Paper, Project, Thesis, or Dissertation?

Most graduate degree programs have a research requirement that you can fulfill in a variety of ways, depending on your program. You can create a thesis, write a research paper, develop a creative project, or complete a graduate research methodology course. Doctoral students prepare a dissertation.

Different guidelines apply for each type of project, but, in general, you’ll need to have the approval of your advisor and department chair, and you’ll have to complete this requirement on campus. You’ll also have to follow specific rules for presenting your findings.

Thesis
You can receive 6 hours of graduate credit for completing a thesis. This is a comprehensive research paper directly related to your degree or area of specialization. You’ll need to show careful research and the ability to draw valid and specific conclusions from your data. You’ll work closely with a committee of three graduate faculty members, who will need to approve your thesis when you are finished.

At least four weeks before you plan to graduate, you need to submit to the dean of the Graduate School your original thesis, an abstract, and any accompanying materials electronically. Your department may require an additional copy of your thesis.

Research Paper
You can earn 3 hours of graduate credit by completing a research paper on a topic directly related to your degree or area of specialization. You’ll need to show careful research and the ability to draw valid and specific conclusions from your data. Your advisor and department chair must approve your topic.

At least four weeks before you plan to graduate, you need to electronically submit to the dean of the Graduate School your original research paper, an abstract, and any accompanying materials. You also need to submit the final approval form signed by your advisor and department chair. Your department may require an additional copy of your research paper.

Creative Project
You can receive 3 or 6 hours of graduate credit by completing a creative project directly related to your degree or area of concentration. Examples include a musical arrangement, composition or recital, painting, literary composition, or instructional unit in science or social science. You’ll need to support your project with a written report that includes background research, significant information, and a description of your project. If you pursue a 6-hour project, you’ll work closely with a committee of three graduate faculty members, who must approve your project when it is complete.

In addition, four weeks before you plan to graduate you’ll need to electronically submit to the dean of the Graduate School your project report, abstract, and any accompanying materials. If you pursue a 3-hour project: four weeks before you plan to graduate, you’ll need to electronically submit to the dean of the Graduate School project report, abstract, and any accompanying materials.

Research Methodology Course
Some graduate programs do not require a thesis, research paper, or creative project. In those cases, you’ll need to complete an appropriate research course at Ball State for 3 hours of graduate credit.

Dissertation
If you are a doctoral student and you have passed the admission to candidacy phase, you are eligible to begin your dissertation. The type of doctoral degree you are pursuing helps to shape the topic of your dissertation: 

• If you are pursuing a doctor of education (EdD), your dissertation should be a study that contributes to solving an important educational problem. 
• If you are a doctor of philosophy (PhD) student, your dissertation should research a problem and contribute new knowledge or techniques. 
• If you are working toward a doctor of arts (DA), your dissertation should be an original contribution of new knowledge or a new technique, production and use of innovative teaching materials, or a series of scholarly papers worthy of publication.

After you complete your oral defense of your dissertation, you’ll need to electronically submit the following items with the dean of the Graduate School at least four weeks before you plan to graduate: your original dissertation;  three approval sheets from the members of your doctoral committee; a 350-word abstract describing your dissertation; and any supporting materials.