What is the Difference Between Thesis and Dissertation?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a thesis and a dissertation is the level at which they are completed and their purpose. A thesis is for a master's degree, while a dissertation is for a doctoral degree. Here are some key differences between the two:
Thesis:
- Completed for a master's degree.
- Typically at least 100 pages in length.
- Expands upon and analyzes existing research.
- Demonstrates mastery of a field of study.
- Involves a literature review, data analysis, and original research, but is usually shorter and less comprehensive than a dissertation.
Dissertation:
- Completed for a doctoral degree.
- 2-3 times longer than a thesis, often extending to hundreds of pages.
- Contains mostly original content attributed to the student as the author.
- Presents significant new insights and is based on original research.
- Requires more extensive research, original contributions to the field, and a deeper exploration of the research topic.
In general, a dissertation is more focused and in-depth than a thesis, requiring the candidate to conduct research and perform an analysis. Additionally, a dissertation usually requires an oral defense, while a thesis generally does not.
Comparative Table: Thesis vs Dissertation
The main difference between a thesis and a dissertation lies in the degree programs they are associated with and the scope of the research involved. Here is a comparison table highlighting the key differences:
Feature | Thesis | Dissertation |
---|---|---|
Definition | A thesis is a presentation of learned and existing information. | A dissertation is an extensive research project based on original research. |
Degree Level | Typically associated with a master's degree program. | Typically associated with a doctoral degree program. |
Research | Often involves a literature review, data analysis, and original research, but may not require original research of the same depth as a dissertation. | Requires more extensive research, original contributions to the field, and a deeper exploration of the research topic. |
Scope and Depth | Shorter and less comprehensive than a dissertation, usually demonstrating mastery of a subject. | More extensive, with a focus on developing new theories, challenging existing theories, and providing significant new insights. |
Structure | May include a title page, abstract, table of contents, table of figures/maps, body, conclusion, reference list, and appendices. | Includes several sections such as title page, acknowledgements, abstract, table of contents, introduction, literature review, theoretical framework, methodology, findings, discussion, conclusion, reference list, and appendices. |
Oral Defense | Generally does not require an oral defense. | Usually requires an oral defense. |
Keep in mind that the terms "thesis" and "dissertation" are used differently depending on the country. In the UK, a dissertation is associated with both master's and doctoral degree programs, while in the US, a thesis is associated with a master's degree program, and a dissertation is associated with a doctoral degree program.
- Book vs Thesis
- Thesis vs Topic Sentence
- PhD vs Doctorate
- PhD vs Masters
- MPhil vs PhD
- PhD vs DSc
- Essay vs Research Paper
- PhD vs PsyD
- EdD vs PhD
- Research Article vs Research Paper
- Graduate Diploma vs Diploma
- Graduate vs Masters
- Research Proposal vs Research Report
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- Theory vs Research
- MSc by Research vs MPhil
- Article vs Essay
- Undergraduate vs Graduate
- Masters by Coursework vs Research