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UIDELINES FOR THE DOCTORAL DISSERTATION
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MMACULATA
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NIVERSITY
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OLLEGE OF
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RADUATE
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TUDIES
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DUCATION
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IVISION
Immaculata University Mission Statement
Immaculata University is a Catholic, comprehensive, coeducational institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM). Its programs, rooted in academic rigor, ethical integrity, and Christian core values, encourage a commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence. With belief in the dignity and potential of all men and women, Immaculata affirms liberal education as an integrative process in the formation of a truly educated person who is value-oriented and committed to truth, service, justice and peace.
Vision
In the IHM tradition, Immaculata will be a growing community of faith, learning, and service.
Aims
Since its founding in 1920, the university has expanded, developed and adapted to conditions of the times; yet the purposes and ideals of Immaculata remain the same as those of its founders: Catholic higher learning. The foremost aim of the university parallels that of Christian education which, in the words of Vatican II, “aims at the formation of the human person with respect to his ultimate goal, and
simultaneously with respect to the good of those societies of which, as a man, he is a member, and in whose responsibilities, as an adult, he will share.” (Declaration on Christian Education)
Motto
The university motto, “Scientia floret virtute” (Knowledge flourishes in virtue), expresses Immaculata’s ideal of a true Christian education, one that affects all the faculties of mind and heart and soul. This knowledge is achieved not only for self, but overflows in the service of God’s people.
College of Graduate Studies Vision
The College of Graduate Studies seeks to create opportunities for growth among its constituencies. Consistent with the university mission and vision, this is accomplished through the teaching-learning dyad, research, and service. The vision manifests itself through the following values:
• Emphasis on the scholar-practitioner model of teaching and learning; this includes the scholarly appreciation of experience and the use of experiential learning in a scholarly manner
• Socialization of students into the profession • Respect for diversity
• Cross-disciplinary synergy for the creation of an intellectually stimulating environment • Programs with a direct service orientation
• Supportive faculty, who within a context of mutual understanding of the mission, philosophy, and goals of the department and its programs, foster student growth.
Objectives
The College of Graduate Studies seeks to exemplify its vision by:
• Supporting a personalized educational program that will enable the student to gain knowledge and skill and to seek the highest standards of professional competence
• Enabling the student to strive for the full formation of the human person through sensitivity to personal and social relationships, moral responsibility, and service to others
• Encouraging the student to become actively involved in the social issues facing modern society and to seek ethical solutions for them
• Preparing the student to deal effectively with value implications found in personal and professional life experiences
Introduction
This handbook is designed to provide information for the doctoral student in the Educational Leadership program of Immaculata University. As students move from the study of required courses to the research stage, it is important that knowledge of the necessary processes be available. This handbook will supplement information found in the Graduate Catalog and Student Handbook. It will provide a framework that will enable the student to move through the dissertation process in an orderly fashion.
Program Orientation
The doctoral program in Educational Leadership is a professional degree that focuses on the preparation of educational leaders in the K-12 setting who must confront and adapt to everyday situations encountered in the complex and ever-changing life of the school setting. The program, therefore, is built not only upon a theoretical and research base, but also on an experiential understanding of pedagogy and administrative practice. The degree program aims to prepare doctoral students who have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to apply theory, research, and experience to the solution of educational problems. Students are encouraged to develop an on-going commitment to professional and scholarly development and to learn to deal effectively with value implications found in personal and professional life experience.
Program of Studies
The courses required for the Doctorate in Education are listed in the Graduate Catalog. These courses are designed to meet the standards of the Pennsylvania
Department of Education. Embedded within the courses required for the doctoral degree are the courses needed to obtain the Letter of Eligibility and certification as Supervisor of
Curriculum and Instruction. Prior to admission to the program, the transcripts of all potential students are reviewed. The University policy for transfer of credits is stated in the Graduate Catalog.
Comprehensive Examinations
At the completion of all required course work, students register for the
Comprehensive Examinations. Students must file a petition in the Graduate Office and register for the examinations in the same manner for which they would register for a course. There is no credit charge for the examinations, but a fee is charged. Grading is Pass/Fail. The student needs to pass all components of the examination in order to receive a “Pass” for the entire examination. The student is permitted to take the examination twice. Failure to complete the examination successfully after the second attempt will result in termination from the program.
In order to be eligible for the comprehensive examination, the student must complete required course work prior to the Dissertation Research Seminar, with an acceptable grade point average (as stated in the catalog) and secure the approval of the Division Chairperson.
A student registered for the comprehensive, examination carrying no credit will be viewed as registered for one three-credit course for financial aid purposes. No aid will be awarded, only deferment from student loan repayment eligibility.
STUDENTS ARE ON THE HONOR SYSTEM THROUGHOUT ALL PHASES OF THE COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION.
Degree Candidacy
At the successful completion of required course work and the comprehensive examinations, the student is considered to be a doctoral candidate. This status indicates that the student is judged to be prepared to undertake research and to write a dissertation under the guidance of the dissertation committee. At this point, students should register for the EDL 734 – Dissertation Research Seminar.
Dissertation Research Seminar
This seminar is designed to provide an opportunity for students to become knowledgeable of the dissertation process. The dissertation represents one piece of scholarship that is personally meaningful to the student. The dissertation study should be a new investigation that will provide contributions to the field of education in a specific area. This contribution may have a global or local effect. The seminar provides the framework for the student to prepare a proposal prospectus that is critiqued by the seminar leader at the end of the course. The proposal is the foundation for the formal dissertation (Proposal format is in Appendix A).
Specific areas/topics addressed in the seminar include a review of quantitative and qualitative research methodology, APA formatting, information concerning material for the Research Ethics Review Board (RERB), the process for selecting dissertation committee members, and opportunities to conduct on-line searches.
The Chairperson of the Education Division and the Graduate Dean approve all dissertation committee members prior to the initiation of the study. The student
be studied and information concerning the committee members (Appendix B). This form must be submitted prior to the completion of EDL 734 - Dissertation Research Seminar.
Upon completion of EDL 734, Dissertation Research Seminar, the student should register for EDL 798 - Dissertation I and complete the proposal hearing and RERB application submission process under the direction of the dissertation committee chairperson in consultation with the other members of the committee. Students will submit a timeline that is monitored by the Dissertation Support Manager. Students need to be continuously enrolled for dissertation credits until the completion of the dissertation. If the dissertation is not completed within nine credits, then a continuance fee (one-credit) for the first additional semester and up to six dissertation continuation credits (two three-credit semesters) will be charged until the dissertation is completed or the student withdraws from the process.
Dissertation Proposal
The dissertation proposal contains the nucleus of the first three chapters of the dissertation. The proposal prospectus will be developed within the course EDL 734 – Dissertation Research Seminar. At the conclusion of this course, students will have the framework for the first three chapters of the dissertation. The format for the proposal is found in Appendix A. The Proposal Hearing must be completed prior to the end of EDL 798. If a student is not able to complete the Proposal Hearing and Research Ethics Review Application during EDL 798, it may be necessary for the student to repeat EDL 734, Dissertation Research Seminar. At the very least, the student, upon advisement, may have to withdraw from EDL 798 and re-register for the class in the subsequent semester.
Research Ethics Review Board (RERB)
The Immaculata University Research Ethics Review Board (RERB) is the committee that is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the rights of human subjects are protected in all research associated with Immaculata University. Each student must complete the required forms and present them to the RERB. These forms are
discussed during the Research Seminar and are available to students on MyIU. The appropriate information will be given to students during the Research Seminar. Students may not collect data related to the dissertation until the study is approved by the RERB. The student will begin preparation of the RERB protocol in the Dissertation Research Seminar. The forms will be finalized with the Dissertation Committee chair, who will sign and submit forms to the chairperson of RERB. (RERB proposals shall be submitted by the tenth of each month.)The final approval page received by the student from the RERB is included in the Appendix section of the dissertation.
Dissertation Committee
A dissertation committee is comprised of three members – a chairperson and two readers. Students suggest for the dissertation committee based on their interest or their area of expertise. Committee members play a critical role in expediting the completion of the study.
With the approval of the Division Chairperson, a faculty member who serves as adjunct or Associate faculty member to the Division may chair the dissertation. The student works closely with the dissertation chairperson during all phases of research. The chairperson must review and approve the student’s research activities and should be consulted concerning the selection of the additional members of the committee. The
chairperson also works to assist in the resolution of any conflicts or grievances that may arise during the research project and helps the student to develop a timeline that will guide the project to a timely conclusion. The development of a timeline is imperative in that it will provide the student with an opportunity to be reflective about the research and to maintain continuity in the completion of the varied stages of the dissertation.
With the permission of the Division Chairperson, a person not affiliated with the University may be considered as a committee member if that person has an area of expertise to share with the student. Students should discuss this selection with the
Division Chairperson. The committee members are asked to participate in the study based on their interest in the project and the ability to assist the student with a specific area of expertise.
The Chairperson of the Division and the Graduate Dean approve all dissertation committee members prior to the initiation of the study. The student completes the form with information about the topic to be studied and information concerning the committee members (Appendix B). This form is to be submitted prior to the completion of EDL 734 Dissertation Research Seminar.
All committee members should be actively involved in the research project throughout its duration. The student should submit copies of each chapter to each
committee member for review and for constructive criticism. Committee members should be in correspondence with each other concerning the research project. Ultimately, the chairperson has the final word concerning the project, but it is understood that
consultation with other committee members would guide any decision of the chairperson. All members are expected to attend the major hearings (proposal and defense) and be available for consultation throughout the entire process.
The student would need written approval from the dissertation chairperson to consult with any non-committee person (e.g., specialists in the student’s area of interest who are not on the student’s committee). External consultations are the financial
responsibility of the student.
Committee members are remunerated for their services in the dissertation process. Committee members are remunerated during each semester in which the student is
registered for credit in dissertation. Only those individuals who have officially been approved as a committee member will be remunerated. There is no remuneration for committee members who discontinue with the research.
Proposal Hearing
The Dissertation Proposal is presented at a formal hearing. All committee
members must attend this hearing. It usually takes place in the Education Seminar Room, Room 229A Loyola (ext. 3289). Other available rooms include Room 3 of Gabriele Library (ext. 3823) or the Conference Room C of the Faculty Center (ext. 3112). The student is responsible to coordinate a meeting date and time with all the committee members and to reserve the conference room for a one-hour time period by calling the above appropriate phone extension. The student must also inform the Division Secretary of the date, time, and place of the Proposal Hearing (Appendix C). The form to be used to provide information must also be sent to all committee members.
All committee members must be in receipt of the proposal at least two
working weeks prior to the meeting (three weeks in the summer). The student should check the University calendar to ascertain that no University holidays fall within this time period. Any committee member reserves the right to postpone the Proposal Hearing if
they have not received the formal proposal at least two working weeks prior to the designated date for the Proposal Hearing, or if the proposal is deemed incomplete. The signature page (Appendix D) will be signed by the committee members when they approve the proposed study. Once the proposal and RERB application have been approved the student may begin to gather data for the study. If substantial changes are made to the dissertation study after RERB approval has been received, the RERB
protocol may have to be resubmitted. The following semester, the student should register for EDL 799 Dissertation II, followed by EDL 800 Dissertation III, and then for
“Continuous Registration” if necessary (refer to Graduate Catalog). On the registration form, the student is to use the name of the chairperson of the Dissertation Committee as the instructor for the dissertation credits. The dissertation process normally includes: EDL 734, EDL 798, 799, and 800. If the dissertation is not completed at the conclusion of EDL 800, the student registers for the 0-credit continuation, EDL 000. During the first semester of EDL 000, the student is billed the equivalent of one graduate credit; in
subsequent semesters, students are billed the equivalent of 3-graduate credits. Students not completing the dissertation during this time period may be withdrawn at the
discretion of the Division Chair in consultation with the Dean. See Catalog: Continuous Registration. The Proposal Hearing must be completed prior to the conclusion of EDL 798. If a student is not able to complete the Proposal Hearing and Research Ethics Review by the conclusion of EDL 798, the student may be required to repeat EDL 734, Dissertation Research Seminar.
Dissertation
Each candidate will submit a dissertation that represents a significant contribution to the knowledge base in an area of education which may address a decision-oriented
problem that is lodged in a specific applied setting. By researching and writing a dissertation, the student is expected to demonstrate a high level of knowledge and the ability to function as an independent scholar. The dissertation is judged upon the ability of the writer to (a) state a researchable problem clearly, (b) review literature, (c) plan a method, (d) resolve the problem, (e) summarize, and (f) draw appropriate conclusions. The dissertation format is provided in Appendix E.
The dissertation process provides the doctoral student with a framework for refining inquiry research skills in the context of an original research contribution within the student’s professional discipline. The dissertation research is conducted under faculty supervision and is designed to represent a personally meaningful piece of scholarship for the student.
Students are required to use the most recent edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association for formatting the dissertation. This manual is available in the University bookstore. Appendix F contains formatting advice that will help the student avoid common errors in preparing the dissertation manuscript.
Dissertation Defense
The research is brought to formal closure during the Dissertation Defense. At this hearing, the student defends his/her work to committee members and is given the final critique. All committee members are required to be present during this defense. The Dissertation Support Manager must review/approve the final document before a defense date is scheduled.
Final drafts are circulated to the committee members, at least two working weeks prior to the defense (three weeks in advance for summer defenses). The final draft should incorporate all the approved recommendations of the committee and be of
the highest quality of presentation in accord with research standards contained in the APA Manual. All dissertation defenses must be scheduled at least one month prior to the last class day within the expected semester of graduation. Check dates since University holidays may be excluded from this calendar. The student schedules the defense by coordinating the schedules of the committee members, with Ed.D. Director, and by reserving the Education Seminar Room (ext. 3289). The student should send to all members of the committee as well as to the Ed. D. Director written confirmation of the defense date, time, and place at least one month prior to the defense (Appendix I). The Dissertation Chair is responsible for directing the Defense which lasts approximately one hour. During the Defense, the student will give an overview of the study and the
pertinent results garnered from the analysis of the collected data. If the student has maintained contact with all committee members during the dissertation process, the tenor of the meeting should be professional and celebratory. The atmosphere is designed to be supportive in tone, encouraging the student’s scholarly presentation, and providing the opportunity to reveal the student’s ability to synthesize information and defend ideas.
At the completion of the Defense, the student is excused for a brief period of time during which committee members deliberate and decide to either pass or not pass the student’s presentation. The Dissertation Chair invites the student back into the conference room and informs the student of the committee’s decision and rationale. If the committee perceives a need for the student to develop the research further, they will give
suggestions to the student. The student will have a designated time period to complete the dissertation with the revisions that are suggested by the committee members. In the event that a student fails to communicate the research to the satisfaction of the
After all suggested revisions have been made to the dissertation, the student will present a final unbound copy to the Dissertation Chairperson and to the Dissertation Support Manager. If this copy is satisfactory, then the student will receive the signature page (Appendix G) that is to be included with the bound copy.
One bound copy of the dissertation is to be presented to the Division Chairperson by the specific date (approximately 4 weeks following the conclusion of each semester) established by the Graduate Office. The copy must be approved by the Dissertation Support Manager. The copy will be presented to the President of the University and the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies. In addition, the student should submit the final copy on a CD or Flashdrive. Please submit as one complete file (either PDE or MS Word) NOT as separate chapter. The CD or Flashdrive will be used to allow electronic access of the dissertation on the Gabriele Library website. Graduation is contingent upon the receipt of one bound copy and one CD or Flashdrive by the specific date (approximately 4 weeks following the conclusion of each semester)established by the Graduate Office. After review of the copy by the administration of the University, the bound dissertation will be housed in Gabriele Library. It is customary for the student to present a bound copy to the Chairperson of the Dissertation Committee. It is also appropriate for the student to present final copies of the dissertation to all members of the dissertation committee. Also, a new scholar demonstrates knowledge of professional courtesy by expressing thanks to those who supported the research process.
PLAGIARISM/CHEATING
The University considers plagiarism by a student a serious violation of professional ethics and standards. Plagiarism is defined as failing to acknowledge adequately the source of words or ideas which are not one’s own. Cheating is defined as using or attempting to use, in any academic exercise materials, information, study aids, or electronic data that the student knows or should know is unauthorized. Such violations may result in the imposition of a serious academic penalty such as but not limited to, suspension, transcripted F, or non-continuation or expulsion.
Whenever an alleged infraction of academic integrity occurs, the student and the teacher are to discuss the matter and attempt to resolve the difficulty in a manner
acceptable to both parties, maintaining the standards of Immaculata. If student and faculty member are not able to reach a satisfactory solution, the matter is brought to the Dean of the College.
Dissertation Process
During the dissertation process, all issues of plagiarism will have extreme
consequences including expulsion from the program. If a student is found to have forged or falsified any part of the research study, the student will face immediate expulsion from the program.
FINAL THOUGHTS
One bound copy of the final copy of the dissertation must be submitted to the Chairperson of the Division by the specific date (approximately 4 weeks following the end of the semester) established by the Graduate Office. These copies should be on acid-free paper (100% cotton fiber) which can be purchased at Staples or some similar store. Some suggested binderies are:
Wert Bindery 9975 Allentown Blvd.
Grantville, Pa 1-800-344-9378 Conestoga Valley Bookbindery 505 Musser School Rd
Leola, PA 717-656-8824 Ad-Net Services, Inc/Dague Bookbindery 1301 Allegheny Ave
Reading, PA 19601 Email for quoting and questions: [email protected] Email for sending files for printing: [email protected] Phone: 610-374-4200 or 610-373-2325
Fax: 610-374-4776
The dissertations are to be bound in black with gold lettering. The spine of the book must have the student’s name, title of dissertation, Ed.D., and year of graduation
(Appendix H).
In addition, students must submit one copy of the dissertation on a CD or Flashdrive. Please submit as one complete file (either PDF or MS Word), NOT as separate chapters. The CD or Flashdrive will be used to allow electronic access of the dissertation on the Gabriele Library website
(Graduation is contingent upon the receipt of one bound copy and one CD or Flashdrive received by the specific date (approximately 4 weeks from the conclusion of each semester) established by the Graduate Office.
CHECKLIST
At the beginning of the semester in which the final course required for the concentration of the doctoral courses in Educational Leadership, the following process should begin: ______ File a petition in the Graduate Office for Comprehensive Examinations
______ Register for the Comprehensive Examinations (given in January and September). ______ Register for EDL 734 – Dissertation Research Seminar
During this course the student will write the proposal prospectus and identify members for the Dissertation Committee.
______ Ask persons to serve on the dissertation committee
______ Submit form for committee approval and topic selection which includes a summary of the proposal to the Division Chairperson who in turn forwards it to the Graduate Dean (Appendix B). This form must be submitted prior to the completion of EDL 734.
______ Upon completion of EDL 734, register for EDL 798 – Dissertation I. Complete the proposal under the direction of the chairperson of the dissertation committee. Use the chairperson's name as the instructor on the registration card.
______ Submit Timeline to Dissertation Support Manager
______ Coordinate the Proposal Hearing (Appendix C - submit copy to the Division Secretary)
______ Submit copies of proposal to all committee members a full two weeks prior to the Proposal Hearing.
______ Reserve a conference room for the Proposal Hearing (ext. 3289). ______ Participate in Proposal Hearing.
______ Complete Ethics Review protocol. The form is signed by the chairperson of the Dissertation Committee.
______ Submit to RERB for approval.
______ Begin data collection and analysis. Revise Chapters 1-3, incorporating committee comments from Proposal Hearing. Change Ch 1 and Ch 3 to past tense.
______ Consult with committee members – maintain lines of communication.
______ Maintain registration for dissertation credits (EDL 798, 799, 800, 000 continuous registration).
______ At the beginning of the semester in which student intends to graduate,
communicate with graduate office concerning ordering of academic attire and diploma information. Complete diploma card.
______ Submit final draft of dissertation to Dissertation Support Manager. Dissertation Support Manager shall approve the scheduling of the defense.
______ Coordinate Dissertation Defense by consulting with committee members and Ed. D. Director. At least one month prior to the defense, submit Appendix I. ______ Reserve a conference room for the Dissertation Defense (ext. 3289)
______ Circulate completed copies of dissertation to all committee members (including fourth objective reader), Division Chairperson, and Graduate Dean two full working weeks prior to defense (three weeks prior in the summer). Defense must be scheduled at least one month prior to the last class day within the expected semester of graduation. Check calendar for University holidays. ______ Complete dissertation defense.
______ Submit final completed copy to dissertation chairperson and Dissertation Support Manager.
______ Receive from dissertation chairperson the signature page of dissertation committee to be included in bound copy (Appendix G).
______ Submit one bound copy of dissertation and CD or Flashdrive to Dissertation Support Manager (necessary for graduation), for approval.
______ As a professional scholar, express thanks to all who supported the dissertation process for you.
Appendix A
Proposal Format Title page
Signature Page (this is kept separate - should not be bound into the proposal) (see Appendix D)
(Once the committee signs off on the proposal, this page is given to the Division Chairperson and to the Graduate Dean who will sign it. The signature page is kept in the student's file.)
Chapter One
1. Overview – Introduce the problem
2. Need for the Study – Develop background for the study 3. Statement of the Problem
4. Definition of Terms 5. Limitations
6. Research Questions
7. Summary
Chapter Two Literature Review (75-100 articles, mainly current and primary sources)
Literature Review needs to be written in full for the Proposal Hearing. Chapter Three - In this section prospective language [future tense] is used)
Introduction
Subjects – Who will participate in your study? Setting
Instruments – How do you propose to collect the data (survey, questionnaire, interviews, etc.)? Note reliability and validity.
Design of the Study – How are subjects and instruments put to use?
Procedure – Detail this section so that someone could replicate your study. Tell each step, chronologically, that will be followed as you begin to conduct the study.
Summary
References (List all citations that are contained in the Literature Review)
Use APA Manual (6th edition) as your guide.
Appendix B
Dissertation Committee Approval Form
Attach to Appendix B a document which provides the following: Title of Dissertation, Dissertation Overview, Study Rationale, Research Questions, and Methodology. Doctoral candidate _____________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Phone number ________________________________________________________ e-mail ______________________________________________________________ DISSERTATION COMMITTEE Chairperson _________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Phone number ________________________________________________________ e-mail ______________________________________________________________ Committee Member #1________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Phone number ________________________________________________________ e-mail ______________________________________________________________ Committee Member #2________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ Phone number ________________________________________________________ e-mail ______________________________________________________________ APPROVED BY ____________________________________________________ Chairperson, Educational Leadership
________________________________________________________ Dean, College of Graduate Studies
Proposal Announcement
(Send a copy of this to Division Chairperson and to each committee member at least two weeks prior to the Proposal Hearing)
MEMORANDUM
FROM: Your name here.
TO: Dissertation Committee Members
DATE:
RE: Hearings for defense of proposals
The hearing for the proposal submitted by your name here in preparation for the selected
dissertation topic will be held on insert date at time in the insert place. Thank you for
your support of my work and your interest in this dissertation study.
Title of Proposal: ______________________________________________________ COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Please add each committee member's name, address, and phone number so that they may be in contact with each other.
Dissertation proposal title:
INSERT TITLE HERE
Author:
Your name
Chairperson: _______________________________________
Committee: ________________________________________
Committee: _________________________________________
For Immaculata University
___________________________ _______________________
Thomas F. O’Brien, Ph. D., Ed. D. Melissa Reed, Ed. D.
Dean, College of Graduate Studies Chair, Education Division
Appendix E IMMACULATA UNIVERSITY
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Dissertation Format
Preliminary Pages (numbered with lower case Roman numerals except for Title Page)
Title Page Signature Page Copyright Page Abstract Acknowledgement Page(s) Table of Contents Table of Tables Table of Figures
Chapter One - Introduction
Overview – Discuss the area of concern, known information, and any gaps that may exist.
Need for the Study – What do you propose to explore and to cast new light, or additional light, on the topic?
Statement of the Problem – Be specific – focus on the importance of this study, e.g. The purpose of this study…
Definition of Terms – What specific definitions or terminology will you have in your study. Give citations used in determining these definitions.
Limitations – What may constitute an area that could not be replicated or is not within the confines of traditional research.
Research Questions (or hypothesis) – State the specific questions that you want to answer in your study.
Summary – Write a paragraph that brings closure to Chapter One and bridges to Chapter Two.
Chapter Two – Literature Review Introduction
Categorize your studies.
Funnel approach could move from broadest topic to your specialized area.
Be current – some historical (seminal/classic) info may be necessary.
Summary
Chapter Three – Methods and Procedures Introduction
Subjects
Subjects - Tell number and appropriateness for type of study, how they were selected
Setting – Describe where the study took place (e.g., socioeconomic level, demographics).
Instruments (Note reliability and validity)
Design
Procedure - How are you going to collect data? What will you do with the data?
Data Analysis
Summary
Chapter Four - Results Introduction
What the data reveal; how to interpret the data Tables and/or figures that analyze data
Case studies or results of surveys would be included (if used)
Summary of the Study
Summary of the Results
Limitations Found in the Study – These are different from those presented in Chapter One. Ask what unanticipated events/circumstances might have happened during the study, having an impact on your results.
Relationship to Other Research – Show how your study corresponds with or differs from studies discussed in Chapter 2.
Recommendations for Further Research – These are rooted in your study. Tie your unexpected/unexplained/surprising results to a recommendation.
Conclusion
References
APA format / any citation in the study must be listed here
Appendices
(presented in the order in which they first appeared in the document)
RERB approval form
Any surveys or instruments used to gather information
Any letters concerning your instrument (if applicable); make sure copyrights and permissions are strictly followed.
Formatting for the dissertation
BE CAREFUL OF: WHAT TO DO:
Page numbering Introductory pages: lower case Roman
numerals, bottom centered
Remaining pages: right top corner
Title page: no page number
No running head
Spacing Double spacing throughout –even block
quotations
No extra spaces
No single spacing
Headings Use APA as the guide for levels of
headings
Tables Separate page, unless the table fits
entirely on page within text
Tables are numbered according to the chapter and order within the chapter, e.g. Table 4.1
Follow APA format for the labeling of tables
References Follow APA formatting
Cross check references – every citation given in the text must be listed in the reference list and vice versa
Electronic references Follow APA Style Guide to Electronic
References – be consistent
Indentations for paragraphs ½ inch
Margins Left margin is 1.5 inches
All other margins are 1 inch
Text Each chapter starts on a new page
All text starts 1 inch from top of page
Quotations Numbers Punctuation Ellipsis and dash
Give page number for every quote
Follow APA guidelines
Follow APA guidelines
Use the default computer function
Font 12 point – Times New Roman
Avoid use of bold font
Avoid use of italics
Definitions (as in Chapter 1) Italicize the term to be defined
Use citations to validate definitions whenever possible
More definitions may be added as you move through the dissertation
Ampersand Use the symbol “&” when the citation
is in parentheses and in the Reference lists
Use the word “and” when the citation is written in the text
Tense Chapter 2 – use past tense
Chapter 3 – change from the future tense used for the proposal to past tense for the dissertation
Appendices Presented in the order in which they
appear in the text. Appendices are indicated by a letter, e.g. Appendix A
Title of Dissertation:
Put title here
Author:
Your name here
____________________________________ Chairperson ____________________________________ Committee ___________________________________ Committee
On behalf of Immaculata University
____________________________ _____________________
Thomas F. O’Brien, Ph. D., Ed. D. Melissa Reed, Ed. D.
Dean, College of Graduate Studies Chair, Education Division
Diss ertations shoul d be bound in black wi th gold l ett ering.
Spine of book:
Cover of dissertation:
← 1” from base TI TLE OF DI S S ERTATI ON Author Ed.D. Year
TITLE OF DISSERTATION
AUTHOR’S NAME
Appendix I
Dissertation Defense Announcement
(Dates for the dissertation defense need to be discussed with your chairperson, committee members, AND the Ed. D. Director in a timely fashion so that appropriate arrangement can be made for the paperwork and to avoid conflict with dates. Also, you need to arrange to have a Conference Room reserved for the defense. A copy of this
announcement (Appendix I) must be sent to your committee and to the Ed. D. Director at least four (4) weeks prior to the dissertation defense. Copies of the completed dissertation must be sent to your committee as well as to the assigned administration TWO FULL WEEKS prior to the defense. (In the summer, copies should be submitted THREE weeks prior to the defense.)
From: Your name here
To: Insert names of all committee members, Education Division Chairperson,
and Graduate Dean
Date:
Re: Dissertation Defense
The defense of my dissertation study will take place on insert date and time in
insert room number.. Thank you for your support of my work and your interest in this
dissertation study.
