Finish your dissertation with confidence

Franklin University’s No-Fear Dissertation® is the result of a 360-degree support system created to address feelings of anxiety that are common among doctoral students during the dissertation process. Franklin students have access to writing and research resources, as well as support from faculty, administrators and peers.  

Franklin’s doctoral programs are designed to be completed in as few as three years - two years to complete coursework and one year to complete the dissertation. However, the pace at which students complete their degree varies based on a variety of factors. Doctoral candidates work with their committee chair to create a personalized timeline to complete the dissertation. 

The Office of Academic Scholarship sponsors and runs the Dissertation Bootcamp several times each year to provide an opportunity for students to focus on their dissertation writing and research. The Dissertation Bootcamp is a week-long series of programming that provides students with support for different aspects of the dissertation: doctoral writing, qualitative research and quantitative research. There’s also a library (Learning Commons) session and a session on the Institutional Review Board (IRB). 

The IRB or Institutional Review Board is housed within Franklin’s Office of Academic Scholarship. All doctoral students go through the IRB as part of the research proposal review process. With an eye toward protecting research participants, the IRB provides a final review of the research protocol and once approved by the IRB, doctoral candidates can start collecting data. 

The No-Fear Dissertation® minimizes feelings of loneliness and isolation that are characteristic of the typical dissertation experience. Students can count on support through the Learning Commons, as well as the Office of Academic Scholarship. In addition to dedicated administrative support, doctoral candidates can count on support from their dissertation committee chair and peer-to-peer support through the Doctoral Student Association. 

The DSA or Doctoral Student Association is a student-run, faculty-supported organization that provides comprehensive exam support and dissertation rehearsals. The DSA also organizes an annual research conference. Through their engagement, the DSA provides peer-to-peer academic, social and emotional support.