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College of Doctoral Studies

Dissertation Journey Overview

Overview

Doctoral students in the °®ÎÛ´«Ã½ College of Doctoral Studies may complete their dissertation through one of two pathways: the Traditional Dissertation Pathway or the Applied Dissertation Pathway. Both require rigorous research design, ethical research practices, and coherent alignment among the problem, purpose, research questions, and methodological approach.ÌýThe primary difference is how the research is framed and how findings are shared.Ìý For detailed information about our dissertation pathways please visit theÌýÌý.

Shared Requirements

  • Evidence-based reasoning and defensible methodology
  • IRB approval prior to any data collection
  • Clear alignment across all study components
  • Equal doctoral-level rigor and scholarly expectations

Pathway Comparison at a Glance

The table below highlights how the two pathways differ across key dimensions. These distinctions go beyond formatting.Ìý They reflect fundamentally different research orientations and expectations.

Ìý

Applied vs Traditional Dissertation Pathway Framework

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This screen-reader-friendly version of the Applied vs. Traditional Dissertation Pathway Framework includes structured headings, accessible tables, and a logical reading order to improve accessibility for all users.

Core Distinction: Problem of Knowledge vs. Problem of Practice

Traditional Pathway - Problem of Knowledge

Addresses gaps, inconsistencies, or underexamined areas in scholarly literature. The goal is to extend theoretical or disciplinary understanding. The research is positioned within the scholarly conversation and aims to contribute knowledge beyond a single setting.

Applied Pathway - Problem of Practice

Investigates a documented, context-specific issue affecting organizational or professional effectiveness. The problem must be observable, evidence-supported, and situated within a defined practice environment. The goal is to generate insights that inform decision-making, not to solve the problem or establish causality.

Key Differences Between Pathways

The following categories highlight the most important distinctions between the Traditional and Applied dissertation pathways.

  • Traditional: Scholarly literature and theoretical gaps
  • Applied: Real practice context supported by documented evidence

  • Traditional: Setting may serve as a data source
  • Applied: Setting is central to the study’s purpose and design

  • Traditional: Contribute to scholarly or theoretical understanding
  • Applied: Understand a practice-based problem and inform professional or organizational action

  • Traditional: Primarily academic
  • Applied: Academic and practice-facing

  • Traditional: Emphasizes analytic distance
  • Applied: Practitioner-researcher orientation with explicit reflexivity

  • Traditional: Five-chapter dissertation
  • Applied: Applied Research Report, Executive Summary, Dissemination Plan, Reflective Research Log

  • DOC/714S
    • Traditional: Research Plan
    • Applied: Research PlanÌý
  • DOC/715
    • Traditional:ÌýDissertation Chapter 1
    • Applied: Applied Research PlanÌý
  • DOC/723
    • Traditional:ÌýDissertation Chapter 2Ìý
    • Applied: Concept ManuscriptÌý
  • DOC/741
    • Traditional:ÌýDissertation Chapter 3
    • Applied: Applied Research Methods Package
  • DOC/742
    • Traditional: Full Dissertation and Oral Defense
    • Applied: Applied Dissertation Deliverables and Oral Defense

Are You Wanting to Transition to the Applied Pathway?

Transitioning requires formal review and evidence that the study addresses a genuine problem of practice and can be feasibly conducted in an applied setting. Approval is not guaranteed and may require substantial revision or additional coursework, particularly for students further along in the dissertation sequence.

To view more information about Applied Dissertation Pathway dissertation sequence and deliverables please visit the Applied Pathway in the College of Doctoral Studies Dissertation Pathways GuideÌý.

To view more information about Traditional Dissertation Pathway dissertation sequence and deliverables please visit Traditional Pathway in the College of Doctoral Studies Dissertation Pathways Guide.

Interested in transitioning to the Applied Dissertation Pathway? Select the scenario below for step-by-step guidance:

  • Before completing DOC/715: View theÌýÌý.
  • After completeing DOC/715:ÌýView theÌý

Summary

The Traditional Pathway advances scholarly knowledge through theory-driven inquiry, while the Applied Pathway investigates real-world organizational problems through practice-focused research. Selecting the appropriate pathway ensures methodological alignment, feasibility, and successful progression through the dissertation sequence.

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