National Dissertation Day

National Dissertation Day is observed on April 26 every year and serves as an annual reminder for students to get back on track and complete their dissertation. Each year in the U.S., only 50% of students who enroll in doctoral programs actually earn their doctoral degrees. That means 50,000 students are dropping out of doctoral programs because they are unable to finish their dissertations. On the flip side, individuals having doctoral degrees earn at least $20,000 more per year than those with their master’s degrees. A good return on investment!

HISTORY OF NATIONAL DISSERTATION DAY

Dr. Russell Strickland, founder and CEO of Dissertation Done, initiated the idea of National Dissertation Day in 2018 to highlight the importance of completing your dissertation on time. Dr. Strickland identified the mercenary approach to completing one’s dissertation by highlighting the fact that, each year, the dissertation process costs students $40,000 or more, and that delaying it for two, three, or more years is irrational.

There are multiple research-based doctoral degrees awarded in different disciplines but what all of these degree programs have in common is the doctoral dissertation.

Dissertations, or alternatively, theses, have been an integral part of the doctoral program since ancient times. The term ‘thesis’ comes from Greek, meaning ‘something put forth.’ ‘Dissertation’ comes from the Latin ‘dissertātiō,’ meaning ‘discussion.’ Aristotle was the first one to define the term thesis as a supposition or a statement that may or may not be true depending on the evidence or proof.

NATIONAL DISSERTATION DAY TIMELINE

HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL DISSERTATION DAY

Take the pledge

If you are a doctoral student then National Dissertation Day is a perfect opportunity to eliminate the bad habit of procrastinating and maintain your focus. On this day, take the pledge to finally get your dissertation done! You get support and motivation from the online community.

Help a doctoral student

If you know a struggling doctoral student, give them the motivation and push they need to develop a mindful attitude toward their dissertation so that they can graduate and make an impact on the world as soon as possible.

Spread the word

Take to social media and spread the word. Use the hashtag #NationalDissertationDay to share motivation and break the stigma around horror stories about dissertations. You never know how this small gesture may impact a struggling student to put them back on track.

5 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT PH.D. DEGREES

Less than 1% of population

Because of the commitment and dedication, less than 1% of the population attains a Ph.D.

Doctor of philosophy

The term ‘philosophy’ in Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), means ‘love of wisdom’ from the original Greek word ‘philosphia.’

Faculty positions

Approximately 50% of those who earn a traditional Ph.D. obtain faculty positions.

Not all fields offer a Ph.D.

Not all subject fields have a Ph.D. degree program.

Honorary doctorate degrees

Honorary doctorate degrees are granted to individuals by some universities to formally recognize and honor them for their contributions to their field.

WHY NATIONAL DISSERTATION DAY IS IMPORTANT

It builds an online community

1. National Dissertation Day has fostered an online community of like-minded people that acts as a support group for struggling students and stands with them so that they know they're not alone.

It motivates students

1. The day acts as a reminder and motivates students to complete the pinnacle of their education by outlining the downfalls of delaying their graduation for two, three, or more years.

It breaks the stigma around dissertation horror stories

1. National Dissertation Day aims to separate fact from fiction regarding rumors about dissertation horror stories. It brings truth to the gossip through research-based and data-backed authentic dissertation experiences