Updated September 2026
The Dissertation Proposal is intended to demonstrate the student’s readiness to undertake independent, original dissertation research. The proposal articulates the core research questions, theoretical framing, and proposed methods for the dissertation and signals that the student has developed sufficient scholarly expertise to contribute new knowledge to the field. Successful completion of the proposal authorizes the student to proceed with dissertation research under the supervision of the dissertation committee.
Dissertation Proposal Procedure
- Committee Formation
Following successful completion of the General Exam, the student forms a dissertation committee in accordance with departmental and Graduate School guidelines, typically by the end of their third year. The committee should consist of at least three faculty members from within the department – one of whom serves as the committee chair – along with an outside faculty member – typically from outside the University.
- Proposal Development
Upon forming their committee, the student will then begin developing their dissertation proposal under the guidance of their committee, consulting with members as appropriate. The proposal should include an overview of the research to be conducted, including the focal research questions to be examined, a review of the literature to be built upon, the types of data to be collected (including from where and how), and the specific methods they propose to use. The proposal should be viewed as a contract to be fulfilled, establishing the scope and direction of the dissertation research and serving as the basis for evaluating ongoing progress.
- Proposal Defense
The student presents their dissertation proposal to the department, typically by the midpoint of the fourth year in the program, with scheduling determined in consultation with the committee. A complete written proposal must be distributed to committee members at least two weeks prior to the presentation.
- Proposal Feedback and Revisions
During and following the proposal defense, the committee provides feedback and specifies any required revisions. The student completes these revisions to the committee’s satisfaction in order to receive final approval. Upon approval, the student files the dissertation proposal and required documentation, signed by all committee members, with the Graduate School (https://registrar.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/1604/2018/02/Dissertation-Proposal-for-Doctoral-Degree.pdf)