10 Ways To Survive & Thrive

in the Ph.D.JeffM.Allen

Regents ProfessorandDirectorCenterforKnowledgeSolutions

CollegeofInformationjeff.allen@unt.eduSkype&Google+: drjeffallen

DoctoralTimelineAdmissions Coursework

(Timedependsonthestudent)

Qualifying• Portfolio• Examination Dissertation

(2000+hours)

HowLongWillItTakeMe?Courseworkiseasy.

Thedissertationisthetoughpart!Noonehasslesyoutowriteeachweek,orturn-inhomework,orgivesyouagradeattheendofthesemester. Pleaserememberthefollowinghowever:

Youwillnotgraduatewithoutcompletingyourdissertation!

...Manystudentslosesightofthisfact!

#10: It’s YOUR Challenge(e.g.,“self-inflictedknowledge”)

You are responsible for both completing courses and making progress on your dissertation.

The Chair will not, and cannot, push you to complete your doctoral studies.

#9: Create a Research FileYour research file will help you study for the comprehensive examination and will help create a literature review structure.

#8: Create a Cohort

#7: A Good Committee

This is the single most important selection in your doctoral process.

#6: Attend Defenses

Take the opportunity to attend at least five proposal and dissertation defensesprior to defending your dissertation.

#5: Your Major ProfessorYou and the Chair must talk and come to a compromise before talking to committee members.

#4: Take more ClassesTake advantage of research, statistics and measurement classes.

The statistics, research, and measurement courses that you complete, as a requirement of the degree program, may not sufficiently prepare you for your dissertation.

#3: Make a Schedule

Plan from the end to the beginning.

#2: Writing NOT Researching

You must write!

At least 3-5 hours a week

should be spent WRITING!

#1

The Dissertation Defense

Is a celebration of your success