Dissertation

Dissertations are written compositions followed by public defenses submitted by candidates for advanced university degrees. A written or oral examination may also be held in conjunction with the defense. The dissertation is particularly associated with the doctorate. In the work the candidate is to show theoretical mastery of his or her field and by recommendations or discover, make a significant contribution to the chosen discipline. These and other procedural elements in the preparation, submission, publication and defense, make the dissertation a test of professional competence. On the other hand, ideological and political intrusions in the jury's decision making, and more or less lax universities, create numerous inequities in either dissertation quality or doctoral degree awards.