40000 word phd thesis

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Word limits and requirements of your Degree Committee

Candidates should write as concisely as is possible, with clear and adequate exposition. Each Degree Committee has prescribed the limits of length and stylistic requirements as given below. On submission of the thesis you must include a statement of length confirming that it does not exceed the word limit for your Degree Committee.

These limits and requirements are strictly observed by the Postgraduate Committee and the Degree Committees and, unless approval to exceed the prescribed limit has been obtained beforehand (see: Extending the Word Limit below), a thesis that exceeds the limit may not be examined until its length complies with the prescribed limit.

Extending the Word Limit

Thesis word limits are set by Degree Committees. If candidates need to increase their word limits they will need to apply for permission.

Information on how to apply (via self-service account) is available on the ‘ Applying for a change in your student status’ page. If following your viva, you are required to make corrections to your thesis which will mean you need to increase your word-limit, you need to apply for permission in the same way.

Requirements of the Degree Committees

Archaeology and anthropology, architecture and history of art, asian and middle eastern studies, business and management, clinical medicine and clinical veterinary medicine, computer laboratory, earth sciences and geography, scott polar institute, engineering, history and philosophy of science, land economy, mathematics, modern and medieval languages and linguistics, physics and chemistry, politics and international studies, archaeology and social anthropology.

The thesis is not to exceed 80,000 words (approx. 350 pages) for the PhD degree and 60,000 words for the MSc or MLitt degree. These limits include all text, figures, tables and photographs, but exclude the bibliography, cited references and appendices. More detailed specifications should be obtained from the Division concerned. Permission to exceed these limits will be granted only after a special application to the Degree Committee. The application must explain in detail the reasons why an extension is being sought and the nature of the additional material, and must be supported by a reasoned case from the supervisor containing a recommendation that a candidate should be allowed to exceed the word limit by a specified number of words. Such permission will be granted only under exceptional circumstances. If candidates need to apply for permission to exceed the word limit, they should do so in good time before the date on which a candidate proposes to submit the thesis, by application made to the Graduate Committee.

Biological Anthropology:

Students may choose between two alternative thesis formats for their work:

either in the form of a thesis of not more than 80,000 words in length for the PhD degree and 60,000 words for the MSc or MLitt degree. The limits include all text, in-text citations, figures, tables, captions and footnotes but exclude bibliography and appendices; or

in the form of a collection of at least three research articles for the PhD degree and two research articles for the MSc or MLitt degree, formatted as an integrated piece of research, with a table of contents, one or more chapters that outline the scope and provide an in-depth review of the subject of study, a concluding chapter discussing the findings and contribution to the field, and a consolidated bibliography. The articles may be in preparation, submitted for publication or already published, and the combined work should not exceed 80,000 words in length for the PhD degree and 60,000 words for the MSc or MLitt degree. The word limits include all text, in-text citations, figures, tables, captions, and footnotes but exclude bibliography and appendices containing supplementary information associated with the articles. More information on the inclusion of material published, in press or in preparation in a PhD thesis may be found in the Department’s PhD submission guidelines.

Architecture:

The thesis is not to exceed 80,000 words for the PhD and 60,000 words for the MSc or MLitt degree. Footnotes, references and text within tables are to be counted within the word-limit, but captions, appendices and bibliographies are excluded. Appendices should be confined to such items as catalogues, original texts, translations of texts, transcriptions of interview, or tables.

History of Art:

The thesis is not to exceed 80,000 words for the PhD and 60,000 words for the MLitt degree. To include: footnotes, table of contents and list of illustrations, but excluding acknowledgements and the bibliography. Appendices (of no determined word length) may be permitted subject to the approval of the candidate's Supervisor (in consultation with the Degree Committee); for example, where a catalogue of works or the transcription of extensive primary source material is germane to the work. Permission to include such appendices must be requested from the candidate's Supervisor well in advance of the submission of the final thesis. NB: Permission for extensions to the word limit for most other purposes is likely to be refused.

The thesis for the PhD degree is not to exceed 80,000 words exclusive of footnotes, appendices and bibliography but subject to an overall word limit of 100,000 words exclusive of bibliography. Students may apply to include appendices that are exclusive of the word count. In order to be eligible, appendices must be of a none-discursive nature such as lists of linguistic examples, transcriptions of excerpts from works, interviews, inscriptions, archival documents, and critical editions. Each application is subject to the approval of the Degree Committee. For the MLitt degree not to exceed 60,000 words inclusive of footnotes but exclusive of bibliography and appendices.

The thesis for the PhD is not to exceed 60,000 words in length (80,000 by special permission), exclusive of tables, footnotes, bibliography, and appendices. Double-spaced or one-and-a-half spaced. Single or double-sided printing.

The thesis for the MPhil in Biological Science is not to exceed 20,000 words in length, exclusive of tables, footnotes, bibliography, and appendices. Double-spaced or one-and-a-half spaced. Single or double-sided printing.

For the PhD Degree the thesis is not to exceed 80,000 words, EXCLUDING bibliography, but including tables, tables of contents, footnotes and appendices. It is normally expected to exceed 40,000 words unless prior permission is obtained from the Degree Committee. Each page of statistical tables, charts or diagrams shall be regarded as equivalent to a page of text of the same size. The Degree Committee do not consider applications to extend this word limit.

For the Doctor of Business (BusD) the thesis will be approximately 200 pages (a maximum length of 80,000 words, EXCLUDING bibliography, but including tables, tables of contents, footnotes and appendices).

For the MSc Degree the thesis is not to exceed 40,000 words, EXCLUDING bibliography, but including tables, tables of contents, footnotes and appendices.

The thesis is not to exceed 80,000 words including footnotes, references, and appendices but excluding bibliography; a page of statistics shall be regarded as the equivalent of 150 words. Also excluded are title-page, acknowledgements, table of contents, preface, and abstract/summary of thesis. Only under exceptional circumstances will permission be granted to exceed this limit. Candidates must submit with the thesis a signed statement giving the length of the thesis.

For the PhD degree, not to exceed 60,000 words (or 80,000 by special permission of the Degree Committee), and for the MSc degree, not to exceed 40,000 words. These limits exclude figures, photographs, tables, appendices and bibliography. Lines to be double or one-and-a-half spaced; pages to be double or single sided.

The thesis is not to exceed, without the prior permission of the Degree Committee, 60,000 words including tables, footnotes and equations, but excluding appendices, bibliography, photographs and diagrams. Any thesis which without prior permission of the Degree Committee exceeds the permitted limit will be referred back to the candidate before being forwarded to the examiners.

The thesis is not to exceed 80,000 words for the PhD degree and the MLitt degree, including footnotes, references and appendices but excluding bibliography. Candidates must submit with the thesis a signed statement giving the length of the thesis. Only under exceptional circumstances will permission be granted to exceed this limit for the inclusion of an appendix of a substantial quantity of text which is necessary for the understanding of the thesis (e.g. texts in translation, transcription of extensive primary source material). Permission must be sought at least three months before submission of the thesis and be supported by a letter from the supervisor certifying that such exemption from the prescribed limit of length is absolutely necessary.

The thesis is not to exceed, without the prior permission of the Degree Committee, 80,000 words for the PhD degree and 60,000 words for the MSc or MLitt degree, including the summary/abstract. The table of contents, photographs, diagrams, figure captions, appendices, bibliography and acknowledgements to not count towards the word limit. Footnotes are not included in the word limit where they are a necessary part of the referencing system used.

Earth Sciences:

The thesis is not to exceed, without the prior permission of the Degree Committee, 275 numbered pages of which not more than 225 pages are text, appendices, illustrations and bibliography. A page of text is A4 one-and-a-half-spaced normal size type. The additional 50 pages may comprise tables of data and/or computer programmes reduced in size.

If a candidate's work falls within the social sciences, candidates are expected to observe the limit described in the Department of Geography above; if, however, a candidate's work falls within the natural sciences, a candidate should observe the limit described in the Department of Earth Sciences.

Applications for the limit of length of the thesis to be exceeded must be early — certainly no later than the time when the application for the appointment of examiners and the approval of the title of the thesis is made. Any thesis which, without the prior permission of the Degree Committee, exceeds the permitted limit of length will be referred back to the candidate before being forwarded to the examiners.

The thesis is not to exceed, without the prior permission of the Degree Committee, 60,000 words including tables, footnotes, bibliography and appendices. The Degree Committee points out that some of the best thesis extend to only half this length. Each page of statistical tables, charts or diagrams shall be regarded as equivalent to a page of text of the same size.

The thesis is not to exceed 80,000 words for the PhD and EdD degrees and 60,000 words for the MSc and MLitt degrees, in all cases excluding appendices, footnotes, reference list or bibliography. Only in the most exceptional circumstances will permission be given to exceed the stated limits. In such cases, you must make an application to the Degree Committee as early as possible -and no later than three months before it is proposed to submit the thesis, having regard to the dates of the Degree Committee meetings. Your application should (a) explain in detail the reasons why you are seeking the extension and (b) be accompanied by a full supporting statement from your supervisor showing that the extension is absolutely necessary in the interests of the total presentation of the subject.

For the PhD degree, not to exceed, without prior permission of the Degree Committee, 65,000 words, including appendices, footnotes, tables and equations not to contain more than 150 figures, but excluding the bibliography. A candidate must submit with their thesis a statement signed by the candidate themself giving the length of the thesis and the number of figures. Any thesis which, without the prior permission of the Degree Committee, exceeds the permitted limit will be referred back to the candidate before being forwarded to the examiners.

The thesis is not to exceed 80,000 words or go below 60,000 words for the PhD degree and not to exceed 60,000 words or go below 45,000 words for the MLitt degree, both including all notes and appendices but excluding the bibliography. A candidate must add to the preface of the thesis the following signed statement: 'The thesis does not exceed the regulation length, including footnotes, references and appendices but excluding the bibliography.'

In exceptional cases (when, for example, a candidate's thesis largely consists of an edition of a text) the Degree Committee may grant permission to exceed these limits but in such instances (a) a candidate must apply to exceed the length at least three months before the date on which a candidate proposes to submit their thesis and (b) the application must be supported by a letter from a candidate's supervisor certifying that such exemption from the prescribed limit of length is absolutely necessary.

It is a requirement of the Degree Committee for the Faculty of English that thesis must conform to either the MHRA Style Book or the MLA Handbook for the Writers of Research papers, available from major bookshops. There is one proviso, however, to the use of these manuals: the Faculty does not normally recommend that students use the author/date form of citation and recommends that footnotes rather than endnotes be used. Bibliographies and references in thesis presented by candidates in ASNaC should conform with either of the above or to the practice specified in Cambridge Studies in Anglo-Saxon England.

Thesis presented by candidates in the Research Centre for English and Applied Linguistics must follow as closely as possible the printed style of the journal Applied Linguistics and referencing and spelling conventions should be consistent.

A signed declaration of the style-sheet used (and the edition, if relevant) must be made in the preliminary pages of the thesis.

PhD theses MUST NOT exceed 80,000 words, and will normally be near that length.

A minimum word length exists for PhD theses: 70,000 words (50,000 for MLitt theses)

The word limit includes appendices and the contents page but excludes the abstract, acknowledgments, footnotes, references, notes on transliteration, bibliography, abbreviations and glossary. The Contents Page should be included in the word limit. Statistical tables should be counted as 150 words per table. Maps, illustrations and other pictorial images count as 0 words. Graphs, if they are the only representation of the data being presented, are to be counted as 150 words. However, if graphs are used as an illustration of statistical data that is also presented elsewhere within the thesis (as a table for instance), then the graphs count as 0 words.

Only under exceptional circumstances will permission be granted to exceed this limit. Applications for permission are made via CamSIS self-service pages. Applications must be made at least four months before the thesis is bound. Exceptions are granted when a compelling intellectual case is made.

The thesis is not to exceed 80,000 words for the PhD degree and 60,000 words for the MLitt degree, in all cases including footnotes and appendices but excluding bibliography. Permission to submit a thesis falling outside these limits, or to submit an appendix which does not count towards the word limit, must be obtained in advance from the Degree Committee.

The thesis is not to exceed 80,000 for the PhD degree and 60,000 words for the MSc or MLitt degree, both including footnotes, references and appendices but excluding bibliographies. One A4 page consisting largely of statistics, symbols or figures shall be regarded as the equivalent of 250 words. A candidate must add to the preface of their thesis the following signed statement: 'This thesis does not exceed the regulation length, including footnotes, references and appendices.'

For the PhD degree the thesis is not to exceed 80,000 words (exclusive of footnotes, appendices and bibliography) but subject to an overall word limit of 100,000 words (exclusive of bibliography, table of contents and any other preliminary matter). Figures, tables, images etc should be counted as the equivalent of 200 words for each A4 page, or part of an A4 page, that they occupy. For the MLitt degree the thesis is not to exceed 60,000 words inclusive of footnotes but exclusive of bibliography, appendices, table of contents and any other preliminary matter. Figures, tables, images etc should be counted as the equivalent of 200 words for each A4 page, or part of an A4 page, that they occupy.

Criminology:

For the PhD degree submission of a thesis between 55,000 and 80,000 words (exclusive of footnotes, appendices and bibliography) but subject to an overall word limit of 100,000 words (exclusive of bibliography, table of contents and any other preliminary matter). Figures, tables, images etc should be counted as the equivalent of 200 words for each A4 page, or part of an A4 page, that they occupy. For the MLitt degree the thesis is not to exceed 60,000 words inclusive of footnotes but exclusive of bibliography, appendices, table of contents and any other preliminary matter. Figures, tables, images etc should be counted as the equivalent of 200 words for each A4 page, or part of an A4 page, that they occupy.

There is no standard format for the thesis in Mathematics. Candidates should discuss the format appropriate to their topic with their supervisor.

The thesis is not to exceed 80,000 words for the PhD degree and 60,000 words for the MLitt degree, including footnotes and appendices but excluding the abstract, any acknowledgements, contents page(s), abbreviations, notes on transliteration, figures, tables and bibliography. Brief labels accompanying illustrations, figures and tables are also excluded from the word count. The Degree Committee point out that some very successful doctoral theses have been submitted which extend to no more than three-quarters of the maximum permitted length.

In linguistics, where examples are cited in a language other than Modern English, only the examples themselves will be taken into account for the purposes of the word limit. Any English translations and associated linguistic glosses will be excluded from the word count.

In theses written under the aegis of any of the language sections, all sources in the language(s) of the primary area(s) of research of the thesis will normally be in the original language. An English translation should be provided only where reading the original language is likely to fall outside the expertise of the examiners. Where such an English translation is given it will not be included in the word count. In fields where the normal practice is to quote in English in the main text, candidates should follow that practice. If the original text needs to be supplied, it should be placed in a footnote. These fields include, but are not limited to, general linguistics and film and screen studies.

Since appendices are included in the word limit, in some fields it may be necessary to apply to exceed the limit in order to include primary data or other materials which should be available to the examiners. Only under the most exceptional circumstances will permission be granted to exceed the limit in other cases. In all cases (a) a candidate must apply to exceed the prescribed maximum length at least three months before the date on which a candidate proposes to submit their thesis and (b) the application must be accompanied by a full supporting statement from the candidate's supervisor showing that such exemption from the prescribed limit of length is absolutely necessary.

It is a requirement within all language sections of MMLL, and also for Film, that dissertations must conform with the advice concerning abbreviations, quotations, footnotes, references etc published in the Style Book of the Modern Humanities Research Association (Notes for Authors and Editors). For linguistics, dissertations must conform with one of the widely accepted style formats in their field of research, for example the style format of the Journal of Linguistics (Linguistic Association of Great Britain), or of Language Linguistic Society of America) or the APA format (American Psychology Association). If in doubt, linguistics students should discuss this with their supervisor and the PhD Coordinator.

The thesis is not to exceed 80,000 words for the PhD degree and 60,000 words for the MLitt degree, both excluding notes, appendices, and bibliographies, musical transcriptions and examples, unless a candidate make a special case for greater length to the satisfaction of the Degree Committee. Candidates whose work is practice-based may include as part of the doctoral submission either a portfolio of substantial musical compositions, or one or more recordings of their own musical performance(s).

PhD (MLitt) theses in Philosophy must not be more than 80,000 (60,000) words, including appendices and footnotes but excluding bibliography.

Institute of Astronomy, Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy, Department of Physics:

The thesis is not to exceed, without prior permission of the Degree Committee, 60,000 words, including summary/abstract, tables, footnotes and appendices, but excluding table of contents, photographs, diagrams, figure captions, list of figures/diagrams, list of abbreviations/acronyms, bibliography and acknowledgements.

Department of Chemistry:

The thesis is not to exceed, without prior permission of the Degree Committee, 60,000 words, including summary/abstract, tables, and footnotes, but excluding table of contents, photographs, diagrams, figure captions, list of figures/diagrams, list of abbreviations/acronyms, bibliography, appendices and acknowledgements. Appendices are relevant to the material contained within the thesis but do not form part of the connected argument. Specifically, they may include derivations, code and spectra, as well as experimental information (compound name, structure, method of formation and data) for non-key molecules made during the PhD studies.

Applicable to the PhDs in Politics & International Studies, Latin American Studies, Multi-disciplinary Studies and Development Studies for all submissions from candidates admitted prior to and including October 2017.

A PhD thesis must not exceed 80,000 words, and will normally be near that length. The word limit includes appendices but excludes footnotes, references and bibliography. Footnotes should not exceed 20% of the thesis. Discursive footnotes are generally discouraged, and under no circumstances should footnotes be used to include material that would normally be in the main text, and thus to circumvent the word limits. Statistical tables should be counted as 150 words per table. Only under exceptional circumstances, and after prior application, will the Degree Committee allow a student to exceed these limits. A candidate must submit, with the thesis, a statement signed by her or himself attesting to the length of the thesis. Any thesis that exceeds the limit will be referred back to candidate for revision before being forwarded to the examiners.

Applicable to the PhDs in Politics & International Studies, Latin American Studies, Multi-disciplinary Studies and Development Studies for all submissions from candidates admitted after October 2017.

A PhD thesis must not exceed 80,000 words, including footnotes. The word limit includes appendices but excludes the bibliography. Discursive footnotes are generally discouraged, and under no circumstances should footnotes be used to include material that would normally be in the main text. Statistical tables should be counted as 150 words per table. Only under exceptional circumstances, and after prior application, will the Degree Committee allow a student to exceed these limits. A candidate must submit, with the thesis, a statement signed by her or himself attesting to the length of the thesis. Any thesis that exceeds the limit will be referred back to candidate for revision before being forwarded to the examiners.

Only applicable to students registered for the degree prior to 1 August 2012; all other students should consult the guidance of the Faculty of Biological Sciences.

Applicable to the PhD in Psychology (former SDP students only) for all submissions made before 30 November 2013

Applicable to the PhD in Psychology (former SDP students only) for all submissions from 30 November 2013

A PhD thesis must not exceed 80,000 words, and will normally be near that length. The word limit includes appendices but excludes footnotes, references and bibliography. Footnotes should not exceed 20% of the thesis. Discursive footnotes are generally discouraged, and under no circumstances should footnotes be used to include material that would normally be in the main text, and thus to circumvent the word limits. Statistical tables should be counted as 150 words per table. Only under exceptional circumstances, and after prior application, will the Degree Committee allow a student to exceed these limits. Applications should be made in good time before the date on which a candidate proposes to submit the thesis, made to the Graduate Committee. A candidate must submit, with the thesis, a statement signed by her or himself attesting to the length of the thesis. Any thesis that exceeds the limit will be referred back to candidate for revision before being forwarded to the examiners.

A PhD thesis must not exceed 80,000 words, and will normally be over 60,000 words. This word limit includes footnotes and endnotes, but excludes appendices and reference list / bibliography. Figures, tables, images etc should be counted as the equivalent of 150 words for each page, or part of a page, that they occupy. Other media may form part of the thesis by prior arrangement with the Degree Committee. Students may apply to the Degree Committee for permission to exceed the word limit, but such applications are granted only rarely. Candidates must submit, with the thesis, a signed statement attesting to the length of the thesis.

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How Long Is a PhD Thesis?
Doing a PhD

It’s no secret that one of the most challenging aspects of a PhD degree is the volume of work that goes into writing your thesis . So this raises the question, exactly how long is a thesis?

Unfortunately, there’s no one size fits all answer to this question. However, from the analysis of over 100 PhD theses, the average thesis length is between 80,000 and 100,000 words. A further analysis of 1000 PhD thesis shows the average number of pages to be 204 . In reality, the actual word count for each PhD thesis will depend on the specific subject and the university it is being hosted by. This is because universities set their own word length requirements, with most found to be opting for around 100,000.

To find out more about how these word limits differ between universities, how the average word count from STEM thesis differ from non-STEM thesis and a more detailed breakdown from the analysis of over 1000 PhDs, carry on reading the below.

Word Count Differences Between Universities

For any PhD student writing a thesis, they will find that their document will be subject to a word limit set by their university. In nearly all cases, the limit only concerns the maximum number of words and doesn’t place any restrictions on the minimum word limit. The reason for this is that the student will be expected to write their thesis with the aim of clearly explaining their research, and so it is up to the student to determine what he deems appropriate.

Saying this, it is well accepted amongst PhD students and supervisors that the absence of a lower limit doesn’t suggest that a thesis can be ‘light’. Your thesis will focus on several years worth of original research and explore new ideas, theories or concepts. Besides this, your thesis will need to cover a wide range of topics such as your literature review, research methodology, results and conclusion. Therefore, your examiners will expect the length of your thesis to be proportional to convey all this information to a sufficient level.

Selecting a handful of universities at random, they state the following thesis word limits on their website:

University of Edinburgh: 100,000
University of Exeter: 100,000
University of Leister: 80,000
University of Bath: 80,000
University of Warwick: 70,000

The above universities set upper word limits that apply across the board, however, some universities, such as the University of Birmingham and the University of Sheffield, set different word limits for different departments. For example, the University of Sheffield adopts these limits:

Arts & Humanities: 75,000
Medicine, Dentistry & Health: 75,000
Science: 80,000
Social Sciences: 75,000-100,000

Although there’s a range of limit, it’s safe to say that the majority fall within the 80,000 to 100,000 bracket.

Word Count Based on Data from past Theses

A poll of 149 postdocs.

In mid-2019, Dr Eva Lantsoght, a published author, academic blogger and Structural Engineering Professor, conducted a poll which asked postgraduate doctoral students to share the length of their final thesis. 149 PostDoc students responded to the survey, with the majority reporting a length falling within the ‘80,000 – 120,000 words’ bracket as seen below.

DiscoverPhDs_How-long-is-a-PhD-Thesis_Poll

Analysis of 1000 PhD Theses

Over a three-year time period, Dr Ian Brailsford, a then Postgraduate Learning Adviser at the University of Auckland, analysed 1000 doctoral thesis submitted to his university’s library. The PhD theses which formed the basis of his analysis were produced between 2008 to 2017 and showed:

Average number of pages = 204
Median number of pages = 198
Average number of chapters = 7.6

We should note that the above metrics only cover the content falling within the main body of the thesis. This includes the introduction, literature review, methods section, results chapter, discussions and conclusions. All other sections, such as the title page, abstract, table of contents, acknowledgements, bibliography and appendices were omitted from the count.

Although it’s impossible to draw the exact word count from the number of pages alone, by using the universities recommended format of 12pt Times New Roman and 1.5 lines spacing, and assuming 10% of the main body are figures and footnotes, this equates to an average main body of 52,000 words.

STEM vs Non-STEM

As part of Dr Ian Brailsford’s analysis, he also compared the length of STEM doctorate theses to non-STEM theses. He found that STEM theses tended to be shorter. In fact, he found STEM theses to have a medium page length of 159 whilst non-STEM theses had a medium of around 223 pages. This is a 40% increase in average length!

Can You Exceed the Word Count?

Whilst most universities will allow you to go over the word count if you need to, it comes with the caveat that you must have a very strong reason for needing to do so. Besides this, your supervisor will also need to support your request. This is to acknowledge that they have reviewed your situation and agree that exceeding the word limit will be absolutely necessary to avoid detriment unnecessary detriment to your work.

This means that whilst it is possible to submit a thesis over 100,000 words or more, it’s unlikely that your research project will need to.

How Does This Compare to a Masters Dissertation?

The average Masters dissertation length is approximately 20,000 words whilst a thesis is 4 to 5 times this length at approximately 80,000 – 100,000.

The key reason for this difference is because of the level of knowledge they convey. A Master’s dissertation focuses on concluding from existing knowledge whilst a PhD thesis focuses on drawing a conclusion from new knowledge. As a result, the thesis is significantly longer as the new knowledge needs to be well documented so it can be verified, disseminated and used to shape future research.

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How long should be a Doctoral Dissertation or Thesis?

A doctoral dissertation or thesis should be of 50,000 to 80,000 words and should not exceed 1,00,000 words having around 150 to 230 pages.

“One size can’t fit to all.”

A fat person can’t fit into a lean person’s trouser, isn’t he?

The same is true for the most important academic essay as well, the PhD thesis or dissertation or we can say a doctoral dissertation.

The present article illustrates how long should be a PhD dissertation! the number of words, number of chapters and pages. We will also discuss what should be your thesis length and how you can decide it. But before that let’s understand the concept of a doctoral dissertation or thesis.

The doctoral dissertation or thesis is almost the same kind of thing! Some universities prefer to say it as “dissertation” while others say it “a thesis” but ideally, as per the USA PhD structure, the dissertation is considered as a short essay and often applied to denote a thesis to award the master degree.

Notwithstanding, we can use either term to indicate a PhD essay. Either a thesis or dissertation, any of it can be used. So don’t confuse yourself.

The PhD dissertation is an academic essay, structured, formal and concise and precisely written. The whole thesis must be divided into specific chapters each one includes specific information.

For example, the introduction chapter includes general information only while the review chapter must include literature and reviews of all related topics.

The content of the dissertation may vary from chapter to chapter that we will discuss later on. Sections of every PhD dissertation have a definite content and length as well, and therefore the whole thesis has a definite length.

The criteria to write a PhD dissertation (what to write and how to write) vary among universities, some prefer longer essays while some shorter. Let’s not confuse things and let directly into the topic,

Read more: 12 Proven Practical Tips for Academic Writing .

How long should be a doctoral dissertation or thesis?

The ideal length of the doctoral dissertation is between 50,000 to 80,000 (actually), however, should not exceed 1,00,000 words.

Do you know? “A New Determination of Molecular Dimensions” is a thesis title of Albert Einstein which has only 17 pages .

The whole doctoral dissertation divides into sections like background (commonly an introduction), review, methods, results, discussion and conclusion.

Besides, Acknowledgement, preface, abstract, index, list of images, list of tables and title page and other pages are there in the thesis but can’t be included in the core content of the doctoral dissertation.

In accordance with the number of pages, a typical thesis has a minimum of 180 and a maximum of 300 pages with an average of 230 pages per dissertation and consider as the ideal length of the doctoral dissertation.

However, here are some of the factors upon which the length of the thesis is decided.

The subject chosen
The topic of the doctoral dissertation
University selected

The length of the thesis varies among subjects as some need longer, in-depth explanation whilst some only contain equations or mathematical calculations.

Usually, dissertations of humanities such as history, language and social science are long around 1,00,000 to 1,20,000 words. On the other side, the dissertation of STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) are shorter around 50,000 to 80,000 words.

Here is the graph of the number of pages and length of the thesis in different subjects.

Another factor is a topic chosen by the prospective student. The length of the doctoral dissertation also depends on a topic selected, independent of the subject.

For example, some topics are shorter and “require to the point” explanation, topics of maths and physics are based on equations and calculations henceforth those theses ideally might be shorter than other topics.

On the other side, a topic that includes not only scientific experiments but also physics or maths and social benefits are usually longer. The reason is that prospective students need to explain the science behind that and its importance for society as well. So it may be huge.

Related article: 16 Proven Tips to Write a Thesis for PhD .

The style of writing, length and structure of dissertation may vary among universities. Universities have their own style and students have to write their thesis accordingly.

Do you know? David Rector’s thesis entitled, “An unstable Adams Spectral Sequence” is the shortest thesis in the world having only 9 pages (as per the MIT library of thesis).

Note that the quality of the doctoral dissertation isn’t associated with the length of it. Consequently, a longer thesis isn’t mean quality work whilst a shorter thesis isn’t mean poor work!

Plenty of research data are available on the length of the doctoral dissertation and the number of pages but interestingly, conclude nothing!

This means, research conduct on 1000 student show that the thesis should have 1,00,000 pages doesn’t infer that you have to write a dissertation of exactly having the same length.

Dr Eva Lantsoght had conducted a poll on Twitter on “what was the word count of your dissertation?”

34% of students voted that their thesis is 80,000 to 1,20,000 words long while 21% of students voted to have a dissertation length of fewer than 40,000 words. However, the study is irrelevant as students aren’t categorized based their subjects. (but it’s just a Twitter Poll!).

As we said, the number of pages or words may deviate among universities, for example, ideally Cambridge university allow 80,000 words in a typical dissertation, however, in the same university the criteria for biology PhD thesis is 60,000 (as per their official website information).

Note that special permission is needed when students exceeds more than the limit decided.

Similarly, Oxford university and Harvard university advised dissertation length of 1,00,000 and 100 to 300 pages, respectively.

No such data or studies define how long exactly a doctoral dissertation should be because as we said, it’s not a major criterion in any university. If you write a thesis in either fewer or more words, the university will never reject it or fail you, based on that.

Irrespective of the length of the dissertation, it must justify the research work done by the prospective candidate. If the examiner thinks that the thesis is too long, they advise you to make it shorter and vice versa, no issue in that.

The only thing matter is that the work should be worth award-winning. However, some universities are strict against the length of the doctoral dissertation. Students need prior permission if their thesis excess the length decided by the university. For example, at Cambridge University, the length of a doctorate dissertation is fixed for different subjects. When exceeded, one has to take permission prior to submit the thesis.

Do you know? Historian Joachim Schuhmacher had written the world’s longest thesis having 2,654 pages.

Now let us discuss how the length of a doctorate dissertation is decided?

The answer to this question gives you an idea of “how many words you have to write”. A single thesis page should have around 325 to 333 pages when using Times New Roman font and double spacing (as per the MLA and APA formate ).

When you write 100 pages it comprises 33, 300 words so when we write 250 pages, it comprises around 83,250 words.

It means one should have to write around 60,000 to 70,000 words (220 to 230) pages for getting a doctoral degree. Again, keep in mind, not the length, the quality of research work and writing precision decides the fate of a student.

Importantly, the ideal length of what we are discussing here only comprises content, we haven’t included other important pages such as a preface, acknowledgment, title page or other related pages. Those are single pages and must be labeled in italic, not in numbers.

Refer university’s official circular or terms and conditions before applying as well as submitting a thesis. Do not trust blindly what others are doing.

Conclusion:

What is the conclusion of the present topic? You may wonder I will advise you on how long a doctoral dissertation will be. Right! Well, in that case, I strongly recommended to contact the university and ask to the PhD department regarding requirements.

Keep in mind quality of research matter more rather than the quantity of writing. Still, you need to write a doctoral dissertation longer enough to evaluate.

“Don’t consider yourself as Einstein or David Rector.”

Dr. Tushar Chauhan is a Scientist, Blogger and Scientific-writer. He has completed PhD in Genetics. Dr. Chauhan is a PhD coach and tutor.

About The Author

Dr Tushar Chauhan

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From how to choose a topic to writing the abstract and managing work-life balance through the years it takes to complete a doctorate, here we collect expert advice to get you through the PhD writing process

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Embarking on a PhD is “probably the most challenging task that a young scholar attempts to do”, write Mark Stephan Felix and Ian Smith in their practical guide to dissertation and thesis writing. After years of reading and research to answer a specific question or proposition, the candidate will submit about 80,000 words that explain their methods and results and demonstrate their unique contribution to knowledge. Here are the answers to frequently asked questions about writing a doctoral thesis or dissertation.

What’s the difference between a dissertation and a thesis?

Whatever the genre of the doctorate, a PhD must offer an original contribution to knowledge. The terms “dissertation” and “thesis” both refer to the long-form piece of work produced at the end of a research project and are often used interchangeably. Which one is used might depend on the country, discipline or university. In the UK, “thesis” is generally used for the work done for a PhD, while a “dissertation” is written for a master’s degree. The US did the same until the 1960s, says Oxbridge Essays, when the convention switched, and references appeared to a “master’s thesis” and “doctoral dissertation”. To complicate matters further, undergraduate long essays are also sometimes referred to as a thesis or dissertation.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines “thesis” as “a dissertation, especially by a candidate for a degree” and “dissertation” as “a detailed discourse on a subject, especially one submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of a degree or diploma”.

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The title “doctor of philosophy”, incidentally, comes from the degree’s origins, write Dr Felix, an associate professor at Mahidol University in Thailand, and Dr Smith, retired associate professor of education at the University of Sydney , whose co-authored guide focuses on the social sciences. The PhD was first awarded in the 19th century by the philosophy departments of German universities, which at that time taught science, social science and liberal arts.

How long should a PhD thesis be?

A PhD thesis (or dissertation) is typically 60,000 to 120,000 words ( 100 to 300 pages in length ) organised into chapters, divisions and subdivisions (with roughly 10,000 words per chapter) – from introduction (with clear aims and objectives) to conclusion.

The structure of a dissertation will vary depending on discipline (humanities, social sciences and STEM all have their own conventions), location and institution. Examples and guides to structure proliferate online. The University of Salford , for example, lists: title page, declaration, acknowledgements, abstract, table of contents, lists of figures, tables and abbreviations (where needed), chapters, appendices and references.

A scientific-style thesis will likely need: introduction, literature review, materials and methods, results, discussion, bibliography and references.

As well as checking the overall criteria and expectations of your institution for your research, consult your school handbook for the required length and format (font, layout conventions and so on) for your dissertation.

A PhD takes three to four years to complete; this might extend to six to eight years for a part-time doctorate.

What are the steps for completing a PhD?

Before you get started in earnest , you’ll likely have found a potential supervisor, who will guide your PhD journey, and done a research proposal (which outlines what you plan to research and how) as part of your application, as well as a literature review of existing scholarship in the field, which may form part of your final submission.

In the UK, PhD candidates undertake original research and write the results in a thesis or dissertation, says author and vlogger Simon Clark , who posted videos to YouTube throughout his own PhD journey . Then they submit the thesis in hard copy and attend the viva voce (which is Latin for “living voice” and is also called an oral defence or doctoral defence) to convince the examiners that their work is original, understood and all their own. Afterwards, if necessary, they make changes and resubmit. If the changes are approved, the degree is awarded.

The steps are similar in Australia , although candidates are mostly assessed on their thesis only; some universities may include taught courses, and some use a viva voce. A PhD in Australia usually takes three years full time.

In the US, the PhD process begins with taught classes (similar to a taught master’s) and a comprehensive exam (called a “field exam” or “dissertation qualifying exam”) before the candidate embarks on their original research. The whole journey takes four to six years.

A PhD candidate will need three skills and attitudes to get through their doctoral studies, says Tara Brabazon , professor of cultural studies at Flinders University in Australia who has written extensively about the PhD journey :

master the academic foundational skills (research, writing, ability to navigate different modalities)
time-management skills and the ability to focus on reading and writing
determined motivation to do a PhD.

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How do I choose the topic for my PhD dissertation or thesis?

It’s important to find a topic that will sustain your interest for the years it will take to complete a PhD. “Finding a sustainable topic is the most important thing you [as a PhD student] would do,” says Dr Brabazon in a video for Times Higher Education . “Write down on a big piece of paper all the topics, all the ideas, all the questions that really interest you, and start to cross out all the ones that might just be a passing interest.” Also, she says, impose the “Who cares? Who gives a damn?” question to decide if the topic will be useful in a future academic career.

The availability of funding and scholarships is also often an important factor in this decision, says veteran PhD supervisor Richard Godwin, from Harper Adams University .

Define a gap in knowledge – and one that can be questioned, explored, researched and written about in the time available to you, says Gina Wisker, head of the Centre for Learning and Teaching at the University of Brighton. “Set some boundaries,” she advises. “Don’t try to ask everything related to your topic in every way.”

James Hartley, research professor in psychology at Keele University, says it can also be useful to think about topics that spark general interest. If you do pick something that taps into the zeitgeist, your findings are more likely to be noticed.

You also need to find someone else who is interested in it, too. For STEM candidates , this will probably be a case of joining a team of people working in a similar area where, ideally, scholarship funding is available. A centre for doctoral training (CDT) or doctoral training partnership (DTP) will advertise research projects. For those in the liberal arts and social sciences, it will be a matter of identifying a suitable supervisor .

Avoid topics that are too broad (hunger across a whole country, for example) or too narrow (hunger in a single street) to yield useful solutions of academic significance, write Mark Stephan Felix and Ian Smith. And ensure that you’re not repeating previous research or trying to solve a problem that has already been answered. A PhD thesis must be original.

What is a thesis proposal?

After you have read widely to refine your topic and ensure that it and your research methods are original, and discussed your project with a (potential) supervisor, you’re ready to write a thesis proposal , a document of 1,500 to 3,000 words that sets out the proposed direction of your research. In the UK, a research proposal is usually part of the application process for admission to a research degree. As with the final dissertation itself, format varies among disciplines, institutions and countries but will usually contain title page, aims, literature review, methodology, timetable and bibliography. Examples of research proposals are available online.

How to write an abstract for a dissertation or thesis

The abstract presents your thesis to the wider world – and as such may be its most important element , says the NUI Galway writing guide. It outlines the why, how, what and so what of the thesis . Unlike the introduction, which provides background but not research findings, the abstract summarises all sections of the dissertation in a concise, thorough, focused way and demonstrates how well the writer understands their material. Check word-length limits with your university – and stick to them. About 300 to 500 words is a rough guide – but it can be up to 1,000 words.

The abstract is also important for selection and indexing of your thesis, according to the University of Melbourne guide , so be sure to include searchable keywords.

It is the first thing to be read but the last element you should write. However, Pat Thomson , professor of education at the University of Nottingham , advises that it is not something to be tackled at the last minute.

How to write a stellar conclusion

As well as chapter conclusions, a thesis often has an overall conclusion to draw together the key points covered and to reflect on the unique contribution to knowledge. It can comment on future implications of the research and open up new ideas emanating from the work. It is shorter and more general than the discussion chapter , says online editing site Scribbr, and reiterates how the work answers the main question posed at the beginning of the thesis. The conclusion chapter also often discusses the limitations of the research (time, scope, word limit, access) in a constructive manner.

It can be useful to keep a collection of ideas as you go – in the online forum DoctoralWriting SIG , academic developer Claire Aitchison, of the University of South Australia , suggests using a “conclusions bank” for themes and inspirations, and using free-writing to keep this final section fresh. (Just when you feel you’ve run out of steam.) Avoid aggrandising or exaggerating the impact of your work. It should remind the reader what has been done, and why it matters.

How to format a bibliography (or where to find a reliable model)

Most universities use a preferred style of references , writes THE associate editor Ingrid Curl. Make sure you know what this is and follow it. “One of the most common errors in academic writing is to cite papers in the text that do not then appear in the bibliography. All references in your thesis need to be cross-checked with the bibliography before submission. Using a database during your research can save a great deal of time in the writing-up process.”

A bibliography contains not only works cited explicitly but also those that have informed or contributed to the research – and as such illustrates its scope; works are not limited to written publications but include sources such as film or visual art.

Examiners can start marking from the back of the script, writes Dr Brabazon. “Just as cooks are judged by their ingredients and implements, we judge doctoral students by the calibre of their sources,” she advises. She also says that candidates should be prepared to speak in an oral examination of the PhD about any texts included in their bibliography, especially if there is a disconnect between the thesis and the texts listed.

Can I use informal language in my PhD?

Don’t write like a stereotypical academic , say Kevin Haggerty, professor of sociology at the University of Alberta , and Aaron Doyle, associate professor in sociology at Carleton University , in their tongue-in-cheek guide to the PhD journey. “If you cannot write clearly and persuasively, everything about PhD study becomes harder.” Avoid jargon, exotic words, passive voice and long, convoluted sentences – and work on it consistently. “Writing is like playing guitar; it can improve only through consistent, concerted effort.”

Be deliberate and take care with your writing . “Write your first draft, leave it and then come back to it with a critical eye. Look objectively at the writing and read it closely for style and sense,” advises THE ’s Ms Curl. “Look out for common errors such as dangling modifiers, subject-verb disagreement and inconsistency. If you are too involved with the text to be able to take a step back and do this, then ask a friend or colleague to read it with a critical eye. Remember Hemingway’s advice: ‘Prose is architecture, not interior decoration.’ Clarity is key.”

How often should a PhD candidate meet with their supervisor?

Since the PhD supervisor provides a range of support and advice – including on research techniques, planning and submission – regular formal supervisions are essential, as is establishing a line of contact such as email if the candidate needs help or advice outside arranged times. The frequency varies according to university, discipline and individual scholars.

Once a week is ideal, says Dr Brabazon. She also advocates a two-hour initial meeting to establish the foundations of the candidate-supervisor relationship .

The University of Edinburgh guide to writing a thesis suggests that creating a timetable of supervisor meetings right at the beginning of the research process will allow candidates to ensure that their work stays on track throughout. The meetings are also the place to get regular feedback on draft chapters.

“A clear structure and a solid framework are vital for research,” writes Dr Godwin on THE Campus . Use your supervisor to establish this and provide a realistic view of what can be achieved. “It is vital to help students identify the true scientific merit, the practical significance of their work and its value to society.”

How to proofread your dissertation (what to look for)

Proofreading is the final step before printing and submission. Give yourself time to ensure that your work is the best it can be . Don’t leave proofreading to the last minute; ideally, break it up into a few close-reading sessions. Find a quiet place without distractions. A checklist can help ensure that all aspects are covered.

Proofing is often helped by a change of format – so it can be easier to read a printout rather than working off the screen – or by reading sections out of order. Fresh eyes are better at spotting typographical errors and inconsistencies, so leave time between writing and proofreading. Check with your university’s policies before asking another person to proofread your thesis for you.

As well as close details such as spelling and grammar, check that all sections are complete, all required elements are included , and nothing is repeated or redundant. Don’t forget to check headings and subheadings. Does the text flow from one section to another? Is the structure clear? Is the work a coherent whole with a clear line throughout?

Ensure consistency in, for example, UK v US spellings, capitalisation, format, numbers (digits or words, commas, units of measurement), contractions, italics and hyphenation. Spellchecks and online plagiarism checkers are also your friend.

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How do you manage your time to complete a PhD dissertation?

Treat your PhD like a full-time job, that is, with an eight-hour working day. Within that, you’ll need to plan your time in a way that gives a sense of progress . Setbacks and periods where it feels as if you are treading water are all but inevitable, so keeping track of small wins is important, writes A Happy PhD blogger Luis P. Prieto.

Be specific with your goals – use the SMART acronym (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely).

And it’s never too soon to start writing – even if early drafts are overwritten and discarded.

“ Write little and write often . Many of us make the mistake of taking to writing as one would take to a sprint, in other words, with relatively short bursts of intense activity. Whilst this can prove productive, generally speaking it is not sustainable…In addition to sustaining your activity, writing little bits on a frequent basis ensures that you progress with your thinking. The comfort of remaining in abstract thought is common; writing forces us to concretise our thinking,” says Christian Gilliam, AHSS researcher developer at the University of Cambridge ’s Centre for Teaching and Learning.

Make time to write. “If you are more alert early in the day, find times that suit you in the morning; if you are a ‘night person’, block out some writing sessions in the evenings,” advises NUI Galway’s Dermot Burns, a lecturer in English and creative arts. Set targets, keep daily notes of experiment details that you will need in your thesis, don’t confuse writing with editing or revising – and always back up your work.

What work-life balance tips should I follow to complete my dissertation?

During your PhD programme, you may have opportunities to take part in professional development activities, such as teaching, attending academic conferences and publishing your work. Your research may include residencies, field trips or archive visits. This will require time-management skills as well as prioritising where you devote your energy and factoring in rest and relaxation. Organise your routine to suit your needs , and plan for steady and regular progress.

How to deal with setbacks while writing a thesis or dissertation

Have a contingency plan for delays or roadblocks such as unexpected results.

Accept that writing is messy, first drafts are imperfect, and writer’s block is inevitable, says Dr Burns. His tips for breaking it include relaxation to free your mind from clutter, writing a plan and drawing a mind map of key points for clarity. He also advises feedback, reflection and revision: “Progressing from a rough version of your thoughts to a superior and workable text takes time, effort, different perspectives and some expertise.”

“Academia can be a relentlessly brutal merry-go-round of rejection, rebuttal and failure,” writes Lorraine Hope , professor of applied cognitive psychology at the University of Portsmouth, on THE Campus. Resilience is important. Ensure that you and your supervisor have a relationship that supports open, frank, judgement-free communication.

If you would like advice and insight from academics and university staff delivered direct to your inbox each week, sign up for the Campus newsletter .

Authoring a PhD Thesis: How to Plan, Draft, Write and Finish a Doctoral Dissertation (2003), by Patrick Dunleavy

Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day: A Guide to Starting, Revising, and Finishing Your Doctoral Thesis (1998), by Joan Balker

Challenges in Writing Your Dissertation: Coping with the Emotional, Interpersonal, and Spiritual Struggles (2015), by Noelle Sterne

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19. Format of the thesis

19.1 The submission of the thesis for examination should be electronic, by email, directly to the Research Degrees Team. Students must submit their thesis for examination by emailing one electronic PDF copy of your final thesis, and the completed, signed RDC-Sub submission form, to the Research Degrees Team.

Once all elements of the examination process have been completed satisfactorily, the final approved electronic copy of the thesis must be uploaded to the University’s online repository, RADAR as set out in the RDC-Decl form, before the degree may be awarded. Students confirm, through the completion and submission of a declaration form RDC-Decl RADAR, that the contents of the final thesis are identical with the version submitted for examination, except where amendments have been made to meet the requirements of the examiners ( Section 18 ).

19.2 Except with the specific permission of the Research Degree Committee the thesis shall be presented in English. Where a thesis is presented in a language other than English, a summary in English of 1,000 words shall be included in the thesis.

19.3 An abstract of approximately 300 words should be included in the thesis which shall provide a synopsis of the thesis stating the nature and scope of the work undertaken and of the contribution made to the knowledge of the subject treated.

19.4 The thesis shall include a statement of the candidate’s objectives and shall acknowledge published or other sources of material consulted (including an appropriate bibliography or list of citations depending on the discipline) and any assistance received.

19.5 Where a candidate’s research programme is part of a collaborative group project, the thesis shall indicate clearly the candidate’s individual contribution and the extent of the collaboration.

19.6 The candidate shall be free to publish material in advance of the thesis but reference shall be made in the thesis to any such work. Copies of published material should be included in the electronic copy of the thesis.

19.7 The thesis submitted for examination shall remain the property of the University but the copyright in the thesis shall be vested in the candidate.

19.8 The material excluded from the overall maximum word limit includes:

the bibliography or reference lists, as well as all supplementary information such as data, including transcribed or original source data
questionnaire responses
computer listings
previously published work by the candidate.

All these elements should be included in the appendices.

The maximum number of words permitted in the text of a thesis itself should fall between the word-limit ranges set out below. Please note that while the number of words in a thesis submitted for examination may sit between the minimum and maximum limits set out here, they must not exceed the maximum upper-limit for any theses submitted for examination in one of the disciplines, as described below.

To note that following examination where the examiners recommend amendments to the thesis, the additional word count that will result from the revisions requested, falls outside the limits set here.


PhD: Science, Engineering, Art and Design:	35,000-40,000 words
MPhil: Science, Engineering, Art and Design:	17,500-20,000 words
PhD: Humanities, Environment, Social Sciences Health, Psychology:	80,000-100,000 words
MPhil: Humanities, Environment, Social Sciences, Health Care, Psychology:	40,000-50,000 words
PhD: Business, Economics:	70,000-100,000 words
MPhil: Business, Economics:	35,000-50,000 words
Research Components of the Professional Doctorate:	50,000-65,000 words

Where the programme of research involves the preparation of a scholarly edition of texts, a scholarly edition of creative writing or scholarly edition of musical or choreographic works, or other original artifacts ( see regulation 6.5 ), the written thesis should be within the following range:

for a PhD: 30,000 - 40,000 words
for an MPhil: 15,000 - 20,000 words

The documentation of the practical work can be in the form of a material product, but can also be documented in a separate text that shows the stages and the procedures that the candidate has worked through.

If the documentation of practice is in the form of a text, the maximum word limit for this documentation would be a maximum of 60,000 words bringing the overall maximum count to 100,000 words.

The Critical Reflection/Commentary of the work will follow existing policy ( see section 6.5 ) and should be within 15,000 and 40,000 words depending on whether the thesis will be defined as:

involving “the candidate’s own creative work or practice-based work” (maximum 20,000 words) or
“where the programme of research involves the preparation of a scholarly edition of texts, creative writing or other work" (Maximum 30,000 – 40,000) words.

19.9 Absolutely no applications for extension to the maximum word limits set out above will be considered or approved. Students and Supervisors must plan the work to ensure that the final maximum word count falls within the approved limit.

Download RDC-Sub Form

Format requirements for all submitted theses

19.10 The following requirements shall be adhered to in the format for all submitted theses:

Theses shall be in A4 portrait format; the Research Degree Committee may give permission for a thesis to be submitted in another format where it is satisfied that the contents of the thesis can be better expressed in that format;
Electronic copies of the thesis shall be presented in a legible form and the size of character used in the main text, including displayed matter and notes, shall not be less than 10 pt type for capitals and 9 pt. type for lower case;
For an electronic thesis submission, all margins should be not less than 15mm. If a hard copy submission is required the margin at the left-hand binding edge of the page shall not be less than 40mm; other margins shall not be less than 15mm;
Double or one-and-a-half spacing shall be used in the typescript except for indented quotations or footnotes where single spacing may be used;
Pages shall be numbered consecutively through the main text including photographs and/or diagrams included as whole pages;
the full title of the thesis
the full name of the author
that the degree is awarded by Oxford Brookes University
that the thesis is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the award of Master or Doctor of Philosophy, PhD by Published Work or Professional Doctorate
the Collaborating Establishment(s), if any; and
the month and year that the thesis was first submitted for examination.

Electronic PhD copy

19.11 One electronic PhD copy of the final thesis must be uploaded to RADAR and lodged in the University Library. It should be noted that it is normal practice to provide a final copy of the thesis for the Collaborating Establishment(s), Director of Studies or Faculty.

The thesis must be presented as follows:

the electronic PDF copy of the thesis should be submitted and should be uploaded to the University’s online repository RADAR as set out in the RDC-Decl form and confirmation and the link to the online thesis must be sent by email to the Research Degrees Team.
exceptionally, where final submission for the degree of PhD by Published Work or a Practice based degree cannot be submitted electronically, special arrangements will be made with the Research Degree Team, to receive the final submission in another approved form, such as partially electronic with elements in a hardbound or other form of submission as required.

Submission of a hard copy

19.12 Exceptionally, if it is not possible to submit the thesis electronically due to the nature of the work, a hard copy may be submitted with the approval of the Research Degrees Committee.

The University’s copy may be bound in any colour and shall be presented as follows:

the binding shall be of a fixed type so that pages cannot be removed or replaced; the front and rear board shall have sufficient rigidity to support the weight of the work when standing upright and the text may be printed on both sides of the page. In addition it should be printed:
in at least 24pt embossed type the outside front board shall bear the following:
the title of the work;
the name and initials of the candidate;
the qualification, e.g. PhD; MPhil, PhD on the Basis of Published Work; and
the year of submission for the first examination.

The same information (excluding the title of the work) shall be shown on the spine of the work, reading downwards.

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A Guide to Writing a PhD Thesis

Written by Ben Taylor

A PhD thesis is a work of original research all students are requiured to submit in order to succesfully complete their PhD. The thesis details the research that you carried out during the course of your doctoral degree and highlights the outcomes and conclusions reached.

The PhD thesis is the most important part of a doctoral research degree: the culmination of three or four years of full-time work towards producing an original contribution to your academic field.

Your PhD dissertation can therefore seem like quite a daunting possibility, with a hefty word count, the pressure of writing something new and, of course, the prospect of defending it at a viva once you’ve finished.

This page will give you an introduction to what you need to know about the doctoral thesis, with advice on structure, feedback, submission and more.

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The literature review is a chance for you to display your knowledge and understanding of what’s already been written about your research area – this could consist of papers, articles, books, data and more
Rather than simply summarising what other scholars have said about your subject, you should aim to assess and analyse their arguments
The literature review is usually the first task of your PhD – and typically forms the first part or chapter of your dissertation

After finishing your literature review, you’ll move onto the bulk of your doctoral thesis. Of course, you’ll eventually return to the lit review to make sure it’s up-to-date and contains any additional material you may have come across during the course of your research.

PhD thesis research

What sets your PhD thesis apart from previous university work you’ve done is the fact that it should represent an original contribution to academic knowledge . The form that this original contribution takes will largely depend on your discipline.

Arts and Humanities dissertations usually involve investigating different texts, sources and theoretical frameworks
Social Sciences are more likely to focus on qualitive or quantitative surveys and case studies
STEM subjects involve designing, recording and analysing experiments, using their data to prove or disprove a set theory

Depending on the nature of your research, you may ‘write up’ your findings as you go, or leave it until the dedicated ‘writing-up’ period, usually in the third year of your PhD. Whatever your approach, it’s vital to keep detailed notes of your sources and methods – it’ll make your life a lot easier when it comes to using references in your dissertation further down the line.

PhD thesis vs dissertation

It’s common to use the terms ‘thesis’ and ‘dissertation’ interchangeably, but strictly speaking there is a difference in meaning between them:

Your thesis is your argument. It’s the conclusions you’ve arrived at through surveying existing scholarship in your literature review and combining this with the results of your own original research.
Your dissertation is the written statement of your thesis. This is where you lay out your findings in a way that systematically demonstrates and proves your conclusion.

Put simply, you submit a dissertation, but it’s the thesis it attempts to prove that will form the basis of your PhD.

What this also means is that the writing up of your dissertation generally follows the formulation of your doctoral thesis (it’s fairly difficult to write up a PhD before you know what you want to say!).

However, it’s normal for universities and academics to use either (or both) terms when describing PhD research – indeed, we use both ‘thesis’ and ‘dissertation’ across our website.

Can I use my Masters research in my PhD thesis?

If you’re studying an MPhil, it’s normal to ‘ upgrade ’ it into a PhD. Find mroe information on our guide.

PhD thesis structure

Having completed your initial literature review and conducted your original research, you’ll move onto the next phase of your doctoral dissertation, beginning to sketch out a plan that your thesis will follow.

The exact structure and make-up of your doctoral thesis will vary between fields, but this is the general template that many dissertations follow:

Introduction – This sets out the key objectives of your project, why the work is significant and what its original contribution to knowledge is. At this point you may also summarise the remaining chapters, offering an abstract of the argument you will go on to develop.
Literature review – The introduction will generally lead into a write-up of your literature review. Here you’ll outline the scholarly context for your project. You’ll acknowledge where existing research has shaped your PhD, but emphasise the unique nature of your work.
Chapters – After you’ve finished introducing your research, you’ll begin the bulk of the dissertation. This will summarise your results and begin explaining the argument you have based on them. Some PhDs will also include specific chapters on methodology and / or a recreation of the data you have developed. Others will develop your argument over a series of stages, drawing on sources and results as relevant.
Conclusion – The dissertation will end with a final chapter that pulls together the different elements of your argument and the evidence you have provided for it. You’ll restate the significance of your project (and its all-important original contribution to knowledge). You may also take the opportunity to acknowledge the potential for further work or opportunities to apply your findings outside academia.
Bibliography and appendices – At the end of your thesis, you’ll need to include a full list of the books, articles and data you’ve referenced in a bibliography. You may also need to provide additional information in the form of an appendix.

How long is a PhD thesis?

The length of a PhD thesis varies from subject to subject, but all are far longer than those for undergraduate or Masters degrees. Your university will usually set an upper limit – typically between 70,000 and 100,000 words, with most dissertations coming in at around 80,000 words.

Generally speaking, STEM-based theses will be a little shorter than those in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.

Different universities (and departments) will have different policies regarding what counts towards the PhD thesis word count, so make sure you’re aware what is expected of you. Check with your supervisor whether references, the bibliography or appendices are included in the word count for your dissertation.

How many chapters should a PhD thesis have?

There’s no hard and fast rule for the numbers of chapters in a PhD thesis, but most will have four or five chapters (in addition to the introduction and conclusion). This is the sort of thing you’ll discuss with your supervisor when planning out your research.

Writing up your PhD thesis

Once you’ve conducted your research and settled upon your thesis, there’s only one thing left to do: get it down on paper. Appropriately enough, this final part of a PhD is often referred to as the ‘ writing up period ’.

This is when you produce the final dissertation, which will be submitted as the basis for your viva voce exam. The nature of this task can vary from PhD to PhD.

In some cases you may already have a large amount of chapter drafts and other material. ‘Writing up’ therefore becomes a process of re-drafting and assembling this work into a final dissertation. This approach is common in Arts and Humanities subjects where PhD students tend to work through stages of a project, writing as they go.

Alternatively, you may have spent most of your PhD collecting and analysing data. If so, you’ll now ‘write up’ your findings and conclusions in order to produce your final dissertation. This approach is more common in STEM subjects, where experiment design and data collection are much more resource intensive.

Whatever process you adopt, you’ll now produce a persuasive and coherent statement of your argument, ready to submit for examination.

PhD thesis feedback

Your supervisor will usually give you feedback on each chapter draft, and then feedback on the overall completed dissertation draft before you submit it for examination. When the thesis is a work-in-progress, their comments will be a chance for them to make sure your research is going in the right direction and for you to ask their advice on anything you’re concerned about. This feedback will normally be given in the form of a supervisory meeting.

Although your PhD supervisor will be happy to give you advice on your work, you shouldn’t expect them to be an editor – it’s not their responsibility to correct grammatical or spelling mistakes, and you should make sure any drafts you submit to them are as error-free as possible. Similarly, they won’t be willing to edit your work down to fit a particular word count.

Finishing your PhD thesis

When you’ve finished the final draft of your doctoral thesis and it’s been approved by your supervisor, you’ll submit it for examination. This is when it’s sent to the examiners who will conduct your viva.

Submitting your thesis involves printing enough copies for your examiners and the university’s repository. Don’t leave this until the last minute – printing multiple copies of a 300-page document is a substantial undertaking and you should always allow enough time to account for any possible glitches or issues with the printing process.

Your viva will usually take place within three months of submitting your thesis. You can find out more in our dedicated guide to the PhD viva . After your viva, your examiners will give you a report that confirms whether or not you need to make any changes to your thesis, with several different potential outcomes:

Pass – You’ve received your doctoral qualification!
Minor corrections – These are usually fairly small edits, tweaks and improvements to your thesis, which you’ll be given three months to implement
Major corrections – For these substantial changes, you may have to rewrite part of your dissertation or complete extra research, with a six-month deadline

Most PhD students will need to fix some corrections with their thesis (hopefully not major ones). It’s very rare for a dissertation to be failed.

Once you’ve made any necessary changes to your thesis, you’ll submit it one last time (usually electronically).

If you have plans to publish all or part of your work, you may want to request an embargo so that it won’t be visible to the public for a certain time. 12 months is a fairly standard time period for this, although you may want to ask for a longer embargo if you know that you want to turn your thesis into a book or monograph.

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Thesis and Examination: The Code of Practice

Preparing a thesis

Guidance on writing your thesis and the support available.

English language requirements

Theses should normally be written in English. In exceptional circumstances, a student may request permission from their Faculty to present a thesis that is written in another language where there is a clear academic justification for doing so, eg. where the language is directly linked to the research project, or where there is a clear benefit to the impact and dissemination of the research.

Likewise, the oral examination should normally be conducted in English, except in cases where there are pedagogic reasons for it to be held in another language, or where there is a formal agreement in place that requires the viva to be conducted in another language. Permission should be sought from the appropriate faculty for a viva to be conducted in a language other than English.

Guidance on writing the thesis

The main source of advice and guidance for students beginning to write their thesis is the supervisory team. Students should discuss the proposed structure of the thesis with their supervisor at an early stage in their research programme, together with the schedule for its production, and the role of the supervisor in checking drafts. Supervisors should be prepared to advise on such matters as undertaking a literature review, referencing and formatting the thesis, and on what should or should not be included in the thesis, including any supplementary or non-standard material.

Additional support is also available via the English Language Teaching Centre (ELTC), which offers academic writing and thesis writing courses. In addition, the University offers a Thesis Mentoring programme to help students to manage better the process of writing their thesis.

Students may also find it helpful to consult theses from the same subject discipline that are available in institutional repositories such as White Rose Etheses Online or via the British Library’s EThOS service.

Students who intend to include in their thesis any material owned by another person should consider the copyright implications at an early stage and should not leave this until the final stages of completing the thesis. The correct use of third-party copyright material and the avoidance of unfair means are taken very seriously by the University. Attendance at a copyright training session offered by the Library is strongly recommended.

Students should take care to ensure that the identification of any third-party individuals within their thesis (e.g. participants in the research), is only done with the informed consent of those individuals, and in recognition of any potential risks that this may present to them. This is especially important because an electronic copy of the thesis will normally be made publicly available via the White Rose Etheses Online repository.

Use of copyright material

Guidance on good practices in authorship is set out in the GRIP policy expectations.

Good practices in authorship

Acceptable support in writing the thesis

It is acceptable for a student to receive the following support in writing the thesis from the supervisory team (that is additional to the advice and/or information outlined above), if the supervisory team has considered that this support is necessary:

Where the meaning of the text is not clear the student should be asked to re-write the text in question in order to clarify the meaning.
If the meaning of the text is unclear, the supervisory team can provide support in correcting grammar and sentence construction to clarify its meaning. If a student requires significant support with written English above what is considered to be correcting grammar and sentence construction, the supervisory team will, at the earliest opportunity, request that the student obtains remedial tuition support from the University’s English Language Teaching Centre.
The supervisory team cannot rewrite text that changes the meaning of the text (ghost writing/ghost authorship in a thesis is unacceptable).
The supervisory team can provide guidance on the structure, content and expression of writing.
The supervisory team can proofread the text.
Anyone else who may be employed or engaged to proofread the text is only permitted to change spelling and grammar and must not be able to change the content of the thesis.

The Confirmation Review and the oral examination are the key progression milestones for testing whether a thesis is a student's own work.

Requests for an extension to a student’s time limit for the student to improve their standard of written English in the thesis will not be approved. Students who require additional language support should be signposted to appropriate sources of help at an early stage in their degree to avoid such an occurrence.

Yellow Sticker scheme for disabled students

The University runs a sticker scheme for students who have an impairment that can affect aspects of their written communication. This applies to all students, including PGRs submitting a thesis for examination.

Yellow Sticker scheme

The University does not have any regulatory requirements governing the length of theses, but most faculties have established guidelines:

Arts and Humanities: 40,000 words (MPhil); 75,000 words (PhD)
Health: 40,000 words (MPhil); 75,000 words (PhD, MD)
Science: 40,000 words (MPhil); 80,000 words (PhD)
Social Sciences: 40,000 words (MPhil); 75,000-100,000 words (PhD)

The above word counts exclude footnotes, bibliography and appendices. Where there are no guidelines, students should consult the supervisor as to the length of thesis appropriate to the particular topic of research.

Related information

Contact the Research Degree Support Team

Thesis submission

Use of unfair means in the assessment process

Thesis Information: Writing

Introduction
Reviewing Literature

Organising your thesis

Thesis structure support, formatting your thesis, formatting your thesis (continued).

Academic integrity

Writing Support

What does the examiner look for.

Supervisors
Māori Postgraduates

As your audience will vary from supervisors to examiners to other researchers, writing up your thesis requires special attention to structure, writing style, formatting, and academic integrity.

Otago Guidelines
Word Processing
Document Management
Data Storage
Reference Management

Consult thesis writing guides, previous theses in your discipline, and your supervisor. There can be variations within disciplines on content and style. You must also consult the following official documents:

PhD - Thesis Format
Research Masters - Format of the Thesis
Presentation of Theses Regulations - Section 14
Guidelines for the Inclusion of Material from a Research Candidate's Publications in their Thesis
Guidelines for a PhD including a Nominated Creative Component
Proof-reading and Editing of Theses and Dissertation Guidelines

Email the Graduate Research School Office if you have questions about how these regulations and guidelines may affect you.

Formatting your thesis requires detailed attention so read the Library's practical guidelines in the Formatting your thesis box.

A prescribed Otago thesis writing template does not exist. Department requirements vary so consult your supervisor or recent departmental theses.

Graduate Research School provides access to an Otago thesis template based on APA Style, in your Blackboard Masters (or PhD ) >Academic Writing> section, or use the links below - adapt it for your thesis or dissertation:

Otago numbered thesis template June 2024
Otago unnumbered thesis template June 2024

If you want your thesis bound, single sided, use the Recto template; if double-sided, customise the gutter margin on mirror pages in Word, or set the Inside and Outside margins based on the templates below:

Verso page template binding margins (left hand, even numbered pages)
Recto page template binding margins (right hand, odd numbered pages)

OR, set your own margins:

The page binding margin should be at least 30mm - this means that:

the right hand pages of your thesis (the recto pages) require a left margin of at least 30mm,
the left hand pages (the verso pages) require a right margin of at least 30mm,

In addition, the Library recommends that you keep all other margins uniform and at least 20mm, including for any appendices, tables and figures, photographs, or other illustrations you might include in your thesis. Following these recommendations will ensure that your entire text and page numbers remain intact when your thesis is trimmed during the binding process.

Use word processing software such as Word, Open Office, or Pages. See the IT support tab for more details.

Specific title page layout, heading and citation styles may differ within Departments. Please consult your supervisor.
Document set-up, formatting aligning text - online IT training advice
Chapters - keep as separate document files during writing, to retain formatting. Once the thesis is complete merge these files into a new document.
Versions of files and regular back-ups of all documents - keep to avoid loss of vital work.
LaTeX is a programme for formatting scientific and technical documents. It is sometimes used by departments such as Computer Science, Information Science, Physical Geography, Mathematics and Physiology.

Effective management of the print and e-resources that you use and create during your research project ensures that you:

comply with all internal and external obligations e.g. ethics, funder requirements
store this information safely and securely, including large files - see the Data Storage tab for options
can find the information you need, when you need it
manage your research, through the many iterations or versions of your work
manage your files, so that they can be easily located and identified, by yourself and others.

Your large thesis files and related data will need secure storing, and sharing with your supervisor/s.

ITS offers support with these services here:

Otago's High Capacity Central File Storage (HCS)
HCS High Speed Data Transfer
Otago File Transfer

Check information on this when attending a Library PG workshop on Research Data Management.

Save time and checking by collecting all the necessary data for each reference, at the time of consulting the works concerned.

Managing your references - guide to recommended software for in-text and bibliography tasks.

Departments and supervisors vary in their preferred reference management systems - compare products :

Papers - for Mac users

Do not store your reference management files in cloud-based services, e.g. iCloud, Syncplicity, Dropbox, etc.

Seek assistance from your Subject Librarian and ITS staff.

Endnote overview videos (PC) and Mac - from Otago IT training

IT self-guided resources include:

Video tutorials on writing/formatting your thesis in Word (PC)
Long Documents - from University of Aberdeen - steps and videos
Microsoft 365 Training - quick access to training videos
How to Create and Edit long documents, project reports and research papers in Word - 2020 (42mins)
Writing Style
Style Guides
Formatting Details
Table of Contents
Figures and Tables

Some disciplines have specific style manuals on writing, and citing. Check their details on layout, structure, writing style and formatting. Also check with your supervisor.

University of Otago Regulations and Library guidelines are in other tabs in this box.

PhD theses are limited to 100,000 words of text, excluding appendices, footnotes and references/bibliographies; Masters theses are up to 40,000 words.

See PhD Formatting restrictions and Masters thesis formatting notes .

Some disciplines have specific style manuals on writing, and citing. Check the details on layout, structure, writing style and formatting. Always check with your supervisor.

The ACS style guide to scholarly communication Used in the Sciences 2020 Ebook
AMA Manual of Style, 11th ed. Used in Health Sciences and Sciences 2020 EBook; Health Sciences Library (Dunedin) Books WZ 345 A512 2020
The Chicago Manual of Style (17th ed.) Used in Arts and Humanities E-book and in Central Library Z253 .CH32 2017; Robertson Library 808.0270973 CHI 2017; 16th ed. at Wellington Medical Z 253 C534 2010
A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (9th ed.) Used in Arts, Humanities and some Sciences; based on Chicago style. Robertson Library LB2369 .T8 2018
MLA handbook (9th ed.) Used in Arts and Humanities Central Library Books PN147 .M52 2021; Robertson Library (Uni) Books LB2369 .M52 2021
New Zealand law style guide (2nd ed.) Used for writing and citing legal literature Geoff McLay (2011) E-book; Law Library K100 .NH3347 2011 and Hocken Library
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) (7th ed.) Central Library, Science Libraries: BF 76.7 .AG49 2020; Health Sciences Library WZ345 .P976 2020; Robertson Library 808.06615 PUB 2020; online resource: https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/references/examples
The CSE Manual: Scientific style and format for authors, editors and publishers (9th ed.) CSE style used in some Life Sciences; based on Chicago Author-Date style Science Library Reserve T11 .S386 2024

Font Face, Size and Spacing

The OU Regulations state that your thesis must be in typescript - s.14.2(a) . In addition, the Library recommends* that you:

use a 12 pt. serif font such as Palatino, Times New Roman or Cambria, for the main text,
use a sans serif font such as Arial or Calibri for headings and subheadings, and
leave one-and-a-half spacing between lines.

Page Numbers

The Library recommends that you consecutively number your pages, as well any additional sheets, tables, maps, and/or appendices you might include.

Center your page numbers at the top or bottom of the page, or keep them flush with the outer text margin, making sure that you keep them within the binding margins.
Number preliminary pages (i.e. contents, acknowledgements etc.) using lower case Roman numerals, and main text using Arabic numerals.
Clearly identify the location of any figures you inset in the text, e.g. facing p. 42 or between pp. 42 and 43.

The generally accepted rule is to spell out exact numbers up to ninety-nine. The following exceptions should be noted:

Use numerals for percentages, decimals, street numbers, page numbers and dates, and in technical or statistical discussions where groups of figures are used.
Numerals at the beginning of a sentence are spelt out.

Page Margins

See the Templates tab for details.

* Turabian, K. L. et al. (2013). A manual for writers of research papers, theses, and dissertations , 8th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

An abstract of no more than 500 words is required – see Examination and Assessment Regulations 2014 , 14.2d .

The abstract should consist of a statement of the problem, an explanation of the method and procedures, and a summary of conclusions.

The following order is usually observed:

Author Declaration Form (only in the Library copy)

All quotations should correspond exactly with the original in wording, spelling and punctuation.

Short quotations:

Usually not more than three lines in length, are enclosed in double quotation marks and incorporated into the text.

Longer quotations:

Single-spaced without quotation marks
Indented at both margins forming a block that stands out clearly from the text.

Single quotation marks are generally used for quotations within a quotation.

Interpolated comments:

Enclosed in square brackets, e.g. [sic], to assure the reader that some error has been noted in the original.

Omissions in quoted matter:

Use three spaced periods . . . and take care that the original meaning is not altered.

Use of double or single quotation marks varies from style to style:

Modern Languages Association and Chicago (Turabian) use double quotation marks around short quotations,
Harvard style uses single quotation marks, and
APA uses none,

so check with your supervisor in case your discipline has a preferred style.

These may include photographs, maps, graphs, charts, diagrams and musical examples.

Placing and numbering of figures is the same as that for tables (see below), except that the word Figure, its appropriate number and caption should appear below the figure.
Musical examples are the exception, placed above the example.
Referencing styles will vary on use of Figure in text, or fig. used parenthetically in text, e.g. (see fig. 3).
Number tables and figures consecutively throughout the text, or per chapter, and write their titles without terminal punctuation.
Number photographs, maps and graphs in Arabic numerals.
Text references are made in brackets and should precede the figure unless mentioned as part of a sentence.
If not the author’s own work, acknowledge the source and clear copyright.

Tables should appear as near as possible to the discussion relating to them:

Numbered consecutively using Arabic numerals.
The heading ‘Table’ and its number and caption title should appear above the table, leaving the remainder of the page for source citation or explanatory notes.
If the table occupies a full page, the caption may be typed on the reverse side of the preceding page, facing the table to which it refers.
Maps and Illustrative materials
Citing and Referencing

Footnotes have four main purposes:

To cite the authority for statements in the text.
To provide cross references.
To acknowledge indebtedness.
To explain or supplement material that is included in the text.

Use the Insert Footnote function in your word processing software to get consistency.

After the first footnote reference, in full, use short form for subsequent references, i.e. author, short title, page number/s. Reference management software will assist with this, or do this manually.

Ibid. (ibidem = in the same) is used for a consecutive reference to the same work, but not necessarily to the same page. If ibid. is used without a page number, the reference is to exactly the same page as that previously cited. Ibid. should not be used more than two pages after the original citation.

Any maps or other illustrative materials – including digital media such as CDs, DVDs or USB drives - that accompany your thesis can be deposited as separate files with your e-thesis PDF deposit;

OR if you are having a copy bound for yourself or department, these materials can be:

bound with the thesis, or
placed in a pocket inside the cover.

Extra large or bulky material can be bound separately as an appendix, or bound in (landscape form), folded in from the right edge,

An appendix is not always required. It provides a place for material that is not absolutely necessary to the text, or where inclusion in the text might break the flow of argument, e.g. the full text of an Act of Parliament; a timeline of key events; a questionnaire.

Appendices may be sub-divided according to the class of materials include, so list each appendix by capital letter and title in the Table of Contents.

In-text citation styles vary by discipline - check with your supervisor, and manuals of style, e.g. ACS, APA, Chicago, Harvard, Legal style, MLA, and Vancouver.

Use footnotes or one of these systems:

Author-Date system or Parenthetical system

Insert citations to the literature into the text as the reference is made, instead of using footnotes. Author-date citations consist of the author's surname and the year of publication, enclosed in parentheses. Depending on the sentence structure where the citation is made, parentheses may enclose either the name, or the date, or both. Page numbers may be included.

Full citations for these in-text sources should be listed alphabetically by author, in the “Bibliography” section of the thesis .

Reference Number system

Insert a number in superscript or parentheses, in the text at the point of citation. The citations appear in a numbered list of references at the end of the work. Vancouver, often used in the Biomedical Sciences, is an example of a "numbered" style and follows rules established by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors . Check examples of Vancouver style .

Bibliography or References

Commerce and Humanities

For theses in the humanities it is usual to choose a heading such as “Selected Bibliography”, “Works Consulted” or “Reference List”. Include all sources which have substantially affected the form or content of your thesis. For a “Works Cited” list only include materials referred to in-text. For a lengthy bibliography, as in a history thesis, the references can be arranged according to type of material, e.g. primary sources (manuscripts, official publications, newspapers) and secondary sources (books, periodical articles, theses).

Sciences and Biomedical Sciences

In science theses full citations for each source mentioned in-text are listed in a bibliography usually called “References”. If the Arranged references alphabetically by author’s surname and under each name by year of publication, in the Author-Date system. In the Reference-Number system arrange sources by authors’ names or in the order that the references are cited in the text.

There are preferred file types when depositing your thesis and supplementary files. This helps to ensure preservation and ongoing access to your research.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity - University of Otago has a strict policy surrounding original research.

Graduate Research School has set up Blackboard papers for PhD and Masters students where you can use Turnitin to check your thesis chapters and supporting documents for matching and ethical referencing of sources.

Follow the steps in this Guide to using Turnitin , or download this PDF:

Guide to using Turnitin for Thesis Checking
Frontline support tools
Other useful resources

Use a writing lab, follow tweets, join a writing blog, group or workshop, or read expert titles below:

- follow the tweets , an academic writing blog - Otago forum - thesis policy guidelines - run by Student Learning Development - suggests better terms to use when writing

Image:

Map the connections between the themes, ideas and papers you've discovered:

Use the Smart Group function in Endnote to tag papers with themes

How do I edit? [blogpost]

Writing the Introduction [blogpost]
Using a matrix to organise your notes
How to write a PhD in biological sciences : a guide for the uninitiated by G. John Measey - 2022 Ebook

Your PhD survival guide : planning, writing and succeeding in your final year - Katherine Firth. Robertson Library Books (Uni) LB2386 .F575 Y686 2021

Stylish Academic Writing - Helen Sword (2012) Robertson Library (Uni) LB2369 .SZ28

Academic Writing for Graduate Students (3rd ed.) - John M. Swales and Christine B. Feak (2012); Central Library PE1408 .SY86 2012; and Wellington Medical (2004)
Writing the winning thesis or dissertation: A step-by-step guide (3rd ed.) - William A. (Arthur) Rouse; Randy L. Joyner; Allan A. Glatthorn (2013) Robertson Library LB2369 .G56 2013
Writing up your research for a dissertation or thesis - Dan Remenyi and Frank Bannister (2012) Robertson Library LB 2369 .RC398
Thesis and dissertation writing in a second language : a handbook for supervisors - Brian Paltridge and Sue Starfield (2007) E-book and at Robertson Library LB2369 .P525

Robertson Library LB2386 .P67 2014; and at Hocken. See Pt 2 on writing and publishing.

Research Literacies and Writing Pedagogies for Masters and Doctoral Writers - Cecile Badenhorst and Cally Guerin (2015) E-book
Research reading

Clinton Golding, Sharon Sharmini & Ayelet Lazarovitch. (2014). What examiners do: what thesis students should know, Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education , 39:5, 563-576. DOI: 10.1080/02602938.2013.859230

From this research reading:

(1) be broadly consistent (2) expect a thesis to pass (3) judge a thesis by the end of the first or second chapter (4) read a thesis as an academic reader and as a normal reader (5) be irritated and distracted by presentation errors (6) favour a coherent thesis (7) favour a thesis that engages with the literature (8) favour a thesis with a convincing approach (9) favour a thesis that engages with the findings (10) require a thesis to be publishable (11) give summative and formative feedback

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Last Updated: Aug 13, 2024 4:29 PM
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How Long is a PhD Thesis?

Maisie Dadswell
July 31, 2024

If you look for an answer to the question, how long is a PhD thesis, you will notice that there is a lot of contradictory information on the internet because there is no one-size-fits-all answer for PhD students. Each university sets its maximum and minimum word count limits for PhD students.

PhD. Thesis Word Count

So how many words is a Ph.D. thesis? At UWS London, your PhD thesis should not typically exceed 40,000 words for PhD students studying Mathematics, Technology, Science, and Engineering – this excludes ancillary data. For PhD students studying in all other fields, a PhD thesis should not exceed 80,000 words.

How Many Pages is a PhD Thesis?

80,000 words should equate to around 350 pages, depending on how many photographs, tables, and figures are included. When you submit your thesis, you must also submit a statement of length. This statement confirms your thesis doesn’t exceed the word limit that has been set by your PhD committee.

As for the minimum word limits, your PhD thesis should be near the maximum limit; however, it should never exceed it. The word limit includes the contents page and the appendices, excluding the acknowledgements, the abstract, the footnotes, the references, the bibliography, abbreviations, the glossary, and any notes made on translations.

How Flexible Are PhD Limits of Length?

All limits of length are set by your university degree committee. If, for any reason, you need to increase the specified word limit set by your university for your field of study, you will need to make a written request for permission to go above the set word count. You will also need to apply for permission to extend the word count of your thesis if you need to increase your word limit following your viva after the corrections are made.

How to Structure Your PhD Thesis

Spending time thinking about the structure of your thesis will always be time well-spent. To start the structuring process, organise the material you have already drafted into distinct chapters. Your thesis should read as a continuous story you are trying to write. What works well for some PhD candidates while structuring their thesis works less for others; you can try discussing the structure with someone with a background in your field of study, using mind-mapping techniques, creating a storyboard, using index cards, or placing post-it notes on a whiteboard.

PhD structures can vary by field; however, they are commonly structured in the following way:

The title page
Acknowledgements
Content page or pages
Introduction
A literature review (which may have already been covered in the introduction)
Materials, sources and methods – unless these differ for each chapter
Themed topic chapters
Publications – if necessary
References
Appendices

Once you have sketched out a rough structure, many PhD students find it beneficial to assign a word count for each chapter and section. However, you should always remain flexible between the sections and chapters until you have a final draft. If after you have your final draft, you find that you have exceeded the specified word count, you will likely find that you can cut out unnecessary words during the editing process. In terms of thesis writing, PhD candidates typically have a planned writing approach or a generative writing approach.

Planned Writers

For planned writers, it may be helpful to define sections under each chapter and break down sub-sections to paragraph by paragraph level. With this method, you can work methodically through each section and put a tick mark next to completed tasks on your PhD thesis plan.

Generative Writers

For generative writers, it is typically easier to put ideas down on paper before arranging and organising them. If you use this approach, you will need to ensure you have imposed a structure afterwards; by summarising each paragraph or subsection as bullet points to create an overview of the structure. Re-ordering the sections or subsections may be required to strengthen the cohesion of your writing, and additional sub-headings may have to be written to make your thesis flow better. For both planned writers and generative writers, it is crucial to keep reviewing your thesis and structure as your writing and research develops. Amendments are a natural part of the process as you become aware of what your PhD thesis needs to include to demonstrate your understanding and contribution to your field of study.

PhD Writing Tips

After years of research and study, when it is finally time to start writing the PhD thesis, many candidates can feel overwhelmed by the task and the word count, which is significantly higher than what they encountered while writing their undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations. The good news is that there is no need to be daunted by the process. By spending a fraction of your research time on finding ways to maximise your chances of success, by the time you submit your PhD thesis, you will feel confident in how you have showcased your creative knowledge and your contribution to your field of study. Below, we have outlined some tips you can follow to make the writing-up stage as stress-free as possible.

1. Clear Exposition is Key

Though wordcount is important, PhD candidates should pay mind to plenty more than their thesis wordcount when drafting and structuring. Writing as concisely as possible with adequate and clear exposition is just as important for PhD candidates aiming for no corrections or minor corrections following their PhD viva.

2. Trust in the Process

Remember that even the most experienced and eloquent writers, in academia or otherwise, never hit the ground running and knock it out of the park with the first draft. As the adage goes, you can’t edit a blank page; even if you start with rough bullet points that outline your subsections, these can be built on and around until you have fully mind-mapped your thesis. In time, your thesis will take clear and concise form; there is no use trying to stride over the finishing line before you have entered the race! Rewriting and editing is never a sign of failure or literary inadequacy; many writers spend most of the writing process editing their work!

3. Don’t Be Shy Asking Your Supervisor for Help

By the time you have reached the writing-up stage as a PhD candidate, you will have already leaned on your PhD supervisor to flesh out your ideas and develop your creative knowledge. Your supervisor may not be able to map or write your thesis for you, but they can provide invaluably helpful tips on structuring your thesis. Never replace online advice for the guidance your PhD supervisor can offer you! To allow your supervisor to help, create rough drafts that you can bring to your meetings; in time, you can refine them as the writing-up stage approaches.

4. Style It Out with Flair

Contrary to popular belief, academic writing doesn’t need to be dry. While the amount of flair you can put into your work will vary with respect to your field of study, there is nothing to say that you can’t use your voice – to an extent. As long as your PhD reads clearly and concisely and proves you are worthy of your doctorate title, you will impress your examiners in your viva!

5. Refrain from Using Passive Words and Phrases

By using active wording in your thesis instead of passive phrases, you can simplify your work and make it read with more authority and conviction. To write actively instead of passively, always allow the subject in the sentence to act on the target. For example, a passive phrase would be “The philosophical discourse was changed by Foucault. The active equivalent of that phrase would be, “Foucault changed the political discourse”. It takes time to develop these habits; however, online tools, such as Grammarly, can help you to notice when you are writing passively or using excessive and unnecessary words.

6. Steer Clear from Chronological Writing

Even though your thesis plan sets a roadmap of what needs to be completed, chronological writing can ultimately kill your creativity. Always write when the material or epiphanies are fresh in the mind – if you save them for later, there is a chance that they could be forgotten, or they may lose their substance or contextual importance. During the writing-up stage, some research could be more pertinent to chapters you have not turned to yet. Remember you will always return to each section later to ensure your full thesis is coherent.

Looking to find out how long the PhD will take to complete? Whether you want to complete it in the UK full-time or part-time; it is a big commitment, which shouldn’t be taken lightly. The gratification may not be immediate, but the rewards can be lifelong when considering the professional careers that are more accessible for PhD holders, the increased earning potential and the sense of satisfaction that comes with creating unique knowledge and gaining a title only a minute fraction of the global population will only acquire.

For More Support and Information

The information outlined in this article will give you plenty of clues on how to construct your thesis and which parameters you should use while structuring and drafting it. However, your PhD supervisor will be in the best position to inform you of the limits of length and stylistic requirements for your particular field of study. At UWS London, all our PhD supervisors are committed to ensuring all our PhD candidates receive the support, information, and guidance required for their writing-up stage and PhD Viva to run as smoothly as possible.

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Faculty of --> faculty of graduate research, thesis length.

Research theses have a word limit that you must comply with.

A PhD thesis should not exceed a total of 100,000 words in length (or 70,000 for most professional doctorates), including scholarly apparatus such as footnotes or endnotes, essential appendices and bibliography. A doctoral thesis should however, be concise. Examiners often criticise excessive length, which frequently indicates poor judgement.

When you submit, you will be asked to certify that your thesis falls within the relevant word limit.

In exceptional circumstances, the Dean—Wellington Faculty of Graduate Research may grant permission for you to submit a longer thesis. You will need to apply for permission to exceed the word limit well in advance of submission.

Word limits

Doctor of Philosophy—100,000 words
Doctor of Government—70,000 words
Doctor of Health—70,000 words
Doctor of Nursing—70,000 words
Doctor of Midwifery—70,000 words
Doctor of Education—70,000 words
Doctor of Musical Arts—40,000 words

Thesis vs. Dissertation: What’s the difference?

Thesis and dissertation are extensive research papers that differ in terms of their requirements, length, and purpose, with the former being associated with a master's degree and the latter with a doctoral degree, but are often used interchangeably.

Updated on September 15, 2023

A thesis and a dissertation are both extensive research papers, and both require literature searches and novel findings, but the two differ in various ways. Their definitions also differ across regions. Typically, in North America, a thesis is required for the completion of a master’s degree, while a dissertation is required for the completion of a doctoral degree. The former is long, while the latter is longer and more intensive.

Despite these differences, the two terms are often used interchangeably, especially among those who haven’t completed one or the other. Here, we’ll compare the components, length, and purpose of these two academic documents to clearly understand the differences between these important papers in the life of a graduate student.

What’s a thesis?

The term “thesis” explained here is generally consistent with how the word is used in North America to describe this substantive research paper.

A thesis is an extended argument (PDF). It is a research-based document that displays the student’s/author’s knowledge and understanding of a specific subject within their field of study. It generally presents findings on a particular topic.

See this and this (PDFs) for examples. These superb master’s theses from Canada will give you an idea of the size and format of these papers.

Who would write a thesis?

You generally write a thesis if you’re undertaking a research-oriented master's degree program (as opposed to a practical program, which may require a capstone, internship, exam, etc.).

The thesis is the essential part of a program’s research component, demonstrating the student's ability to critically analyze the literature and complete independent research. The process of writing a thesis involves exploring a specific research question, conducting a comprehensive literature review, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting findings in a structured and cohesive way.

A thesis' specific requirements and expectations differ depending on the academic institution, department, and program.

Components of a thesis

A thesis is typically presented in chapters. How many chapters will vary, but a common structure is:

Introduction: Presents the research topic, purpose, and objectives, setting the context for the work.
Literature review: Comprehensive survey of existing scholarly material related to the research topic, highlighting key theories and findings.
Methodology: Describes the methods, procedures, and tools used in doing the research.
Research: The actual performing of the study, collecting, and analyzing data relevant to the research question.
Findings and conclusions: Gives the results obtained and explains their significance in relation to the research question.
Limitations and future research: Outlines the study’s shortcomings and suggests potential areas for future investigation.

Within that structure, and in addition to those parts, a thesis may also include:

Cover page: Contains the thesis title, author's name, institution, department, date, and other relevant information
Abstract : A brief summary of the thesis, highlighting the research objectives, methods, key findings, and conclusions.
Certificates of own work
Certificate of readiness to be included in the library
Certificate that the research has not been presented to another university
Acknowledgments
Table of contents: List of the main sections, subsections, and corresponding page numbers.
Index of figures and tables
References: A comprehensive list of all the sources cited in the thesis, following a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).
Appendices (optional): Additional materials include:
Abbreviations and/or acronyms used
Questionnaire or interview schedule/s (if used)
Data acquired in the form of transcripts or numeric tables
Research protocol
Ethics protocol

What’s a dissertation?

This is also viewed from a North American perspective, where a dissertation is usually the main research work toward completing a research-based doctoral program.

A dissertation is a comprehensive and in-depth research project completed as part of the requirements for a doctoral degree. It’s a substantial piece of original work that contributes new knowledge to a specific field of study. Naturally, when it’s completed as the major requirement for earning a PhD, it’s longer, more detailed, and the expectations are higher.

Dissertations themselves can add to the literature in the field. For this reason, some students choose to publish them and have them indexed. The research and the data acquired while working on a dissertation can potentially lead to more publications and help define the researcher’s growing area of expertise.

See this and this (PDFs) top-ranking dissertation on ProQuest for good examples.

Who would write a dissertation?

Completion and defense of a dissertation is a standard requirement for doctoral students to earn a PhD or another doctorate such as an EdD or DM. But some specialized degrees, such as a PsyD (Doctor of Psychology), JD (Juris Doctor) or DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) may have practice-based requirements in place of a research project, as these courses of study are geared more toward practical application.

Components of a dissertation

A dissertation’s components are generally the same as those of a thesis. You can look at the list above for a thesis to see what typically goes into a dissertation. But, if compared with a master’s thesis, most aspects are longer and more rigorous.

The word count requirements for theses can vary significantly, but doctoral dissertations often range 40,000–80,000 words or, per Harvard , 100–300 pages.

Differences between a thesis and a dissertation

As already touched on, the key differences are in where the two documents are used, length, and rigor. There are also regional differences.

A thesis typically demonstrates a master’s degree program student's grasp and presentation of a specific subject in their field of study. It normally involves a literature review, data analysis, and original research, but it is usually shorter and less comprehensive than a dissertation. The standards for rigor and novelty may also be lower.

A dissertation requires more extensive research, original contributions to the field, and a deeper exploration of the research topic. A dissertation is typically the output associated with a doctoral degree program.

The main differences in structure between a thesis and a dissertation are in the scope and complexity.

The word count requirement for theses and dissertations can vary depending on the institution and program.

A thesis is usually 20,000–40,000 words. However, there have been cases of mathematics dissertations that were only a few pages long!

Doctoral dissertations may range 60,000 to upward of 100,000 words, and exceed 100 pages. Many universities, however, seek around 80,000 words.

Oversight and process

A thesis may simply be submitted to the student's instructor, though rigorous thesis programs require a committee and defense. A dissertation will nearly always require the student to choose a chair, a committee, and then go through a more rigorous defense and revision (if necessary).

Committee: Master's thesis committees usually have fewer members (typically 2–3) than doctoral dissertation committees (often 4–5, or even more).
Guidance: Master's students often receive more detailed direction from advisers than doctoral students, who are expected to work more independently.
Review: Dissertation reviews are typically more rigorous, often involving external reviewers, while thesis reviews are usually internal.
Defense: A dissertation defense is generally more intense and formal, as it often involves a presentation to the wider academic community, while a thesis defense might be more confined and informal.
Revision: The revision process for a doctoral dissertation is typically more extensive, given the larger scope of the project and higher stakes involved, compared with those for a master's thesis.

Regional differences

The terms' use varies among (and even within) countries. Here are some general regional differences:

In the United Kingdom, a thesis is commonly associated with both master's and doctoral degree programs. For example, the University College London refers to a thesis for EngD, MPhil, MD(Res), and PhD degrees. At the University of Nottingham , a dissertation is written for a research master’s degree.

In Australia and New Zealand , “thesis” is generally used to refer to a substantial research project completed for a higher degree, though not limited to a master’s (you’ll find ample references to a “PhD thesis”).

In Latin American countries, the thesis is commonly used to refer to both master's and doctoral research projects.

Closing thoughts

Both theses and dissertations are necessary documents for students in graduate programs. Despite the differences in expectations, and even in definitions of these papers, the student-author must do a diligent and rigorous job to earn their degree.

Here are a few helpful resources if you want to get into greater detail:

Writing the Winning Thesis or Dissertation: A Step-By-Step Guide
100 PhD rules of the game to successfully complete a doctoral dissertation (PDF)
Theses and Dissertations: A Guide to Writing in Social and Physical Sciences

Perfect the English on your thesis or dissertation

Whether you’re submitting a thesis or a dissertation, if it’s in English, it should:

Have no grammatical or spelling mistakes
Use field-appropriate language
Concisely and clearly communicate your research.

That’s what AJE expert editors will do for you. Within days, you can receive an expert English edit of your work. The editor will be familiar with your field of study and will comprehensively improve both the language quality and the delivery of your message. Look into AJE English Editing .

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How to write a PhD in a hundred steps (or more)

A workingmumscholar's journey through her phd and beyond, word limits: arbitrary or purposeful writing boundaries.

There is a fair amount of art and craft that goes into any form of writing. Scholarly writing is a form that is not often seen—especially by novice writers—in ‘art and craft’ terms in the way that, perhaps, novel or short story writing is. But I think it’s important to understand writing an assignment, a journal article, a book or book chapter, a dissertation or thesis, as an act of ‘crafting’ our ideas and thoughts into a narrative that will engage, inform, persuade the readers we are writing to.

In any form of writing there are word limits. 1500 words for a first-year essay, 40000 words for a Masters thesis, 80000-100000 words for a doctoral dissertation, 7000 words for a journal article. Even in blogging land, the average post tends to hover around 800-1000 words, a fairly standard word limit for the average post. These word limits can frustrate and annoy writers —they either feel like they are hindering creativity and expression or are overwhelming (so many words!) A student once expressed having to stick to a very short word limit for an in-class task (300 words) as ‘deeply painful’ because he felt he had to cut ideas out that he wanted to include, that were part of him.

All of us writers have, at one point or many, had to sit with a piece that was over the requested or set word limit and work out what to cut, what to leave, and what to rephrase or reword to keep the idea but reduce the word count. This editing and re-crafting process can be a painful and frustrating exercise indeed. It can feel arbitrary after a certain point. ‘Why is there such an issue with an extra 126 words in a 6000-word paper or an extra 10 pages in a 200-page thesis? Just let me say what I want to say!’

These editing and revision experiences and my student’s frustrated plea for more words may beg the question: Are word limits a purposeful boundary around a single piece of writing and thinking or are they rather arbitrary conventions devised by publishers, lecturers and examiners to save costs or reduce marking stress? Why are some word limits negotiable and others are like a solid wall: not one more word may be written!

To answer this question, I am returning to the idea I started with: writing as a craft. In some ways, it is quite easy to include all of your ideas in a paper or thesis; you can write about everything you have read, everything you think on the issue. You can just capture your ideas as they come. This is often what we do in brainstorming and drafting: let the ideas flow so we get them out of our heads and onto pape r. But we cannot send this to reviewers, editors and examiners. This is what we perhaps may share with critical friends and supervisors to obtain feedback and help with shaping one argument that can be clearly supported with relevant literature and evidence, organised coherently and cohesively into a structure that will make sense to readers and persuade them to take our ideas seriously.

This ‘stream of consciousness’ type drafting needs to be crafted —edited, reorganised, shaped— into one argument, one ‘golden thread’ that runs through the paper. This is especially the case when working on a journal article or book chapter. If we try to throw all of our thoughts into one paper, or even one thesis, we end up confusing and confused. We struggle to work out where the focus of the paper or thesis is and that leads to confusion around what we should be including and excluding, what further reading we may need to do, what data we need to select, etc. Word limits are perhaps more accurately described as argument or thinking limits .

A word limit is actually a limit on purpose and focus : 6000 or 7000 words for a journal article, for example, makes it possible for one argument to be made well. That argument, or main claim/focus, then becomes a tool that enables you to choose: relevant literature to support your contribution to knowledge; relevant theory to apply to analysing your data; selected methodology and data from your larger methodological framework and dataset, chosen to make the argument; a focused conclusion that draws the argument to a coherent close. For a non-empirical paper (conceptual, systematic review, etc.) you still need a ‘choosing tool’ and that is still the main argument or focal point of the paper.

Word limits help up to choose judiciously with the aim of making meanings clear, well-supported and persuasive. For example, if I know I only have about 800 words for a whole blog post, I can’t spend all of those on the run-up to my point; I have to get to the point quickly so that I can spend my allotted words explaining, supporting and elaborating on my point so that it is made meaningfully and as fully as possible. ‘Rambling’ around the point means I have used up my 800 words and left you wondering: ‘Why am I reading this? What is she trying to say?’ This happens with any writing that is sent to a reader without being crafted into a form that has the reader in mind, as well as the purpose and focus of the writing in mind.

Word limits, then, are not arbitrary or there to save money or time. They are there to help us as writers focus our thoughts, our reading and our research. The outcome of all this focus is clearer writing that makes a limited set of points or an argument meaningfully and effectively with the reader and the purpose of the writing in mind. While all the crafting work that goes into making any piece of writing effective and meaningful is not easy or quick, it is important . Writing is about meaning-making and meanings take time to make well. For students used to writing a paper once and handing it in for a mark, this can be a big shift in thinking and action. Writing is far more about rewriting than people tend to think it is: re-drafting, re-thinking, re-working, re-editing. But, as I have been learning in editing and polishing my own writing these last few weeks, the work pays off in the writing you are able to share and be proud of in the end.

1. Thesis preparation

Information and services
Higher Degree by Research
Preparing for the Thesis Examination Process
Formatting your thesis
Alternate thesis formats
Including publications in your thesis
Language and writing
Preliminary pages
Plagiarism and iThenticate
Nominating thesis examiners
Requesting a confidential examination
Resources and training

2. Formatting your thesis

Your thesis must comply with the formatting requirements outlined in the Higher Degree by Research Thesis Examination Procedures:

Procedures with Oral Examination
Procedures without Oral Examination

The most appropriate referencing style will depend on your discipline and your advisory team will be able to provide advice on disciplinary norms.

It's important to adhere to the word limit when writing your thesis. Your thesis must not exceed:

80,000 words for a PhD
40,000 words for an MPhil .

The word limit:

includes the preliminary pages
includes all footnotes and appendices
includes all in-text referencing, but
does not include your bibliography/reference list.

If your thesis exceeds the above word limit, please consult your principal advisor and explore if there is a way to reduce the document. If it is not possible, you can request permission to exceed the limit by sending an email to [email protected] . You will need to attach confirmation from your PA and DHDR confirming they believe a higher limit is necessary. Requests will be considered by the Dean.

Art history thesis by exhibition format
Creative writing MPhil thesis format
Creative writing PhD thesis format
Music thesis format
2. Thesis submission
3. Thesis examination
4. Award of degree
Thesis submission date and scholarship extension

Need assistance?

Chat to the Graduate School Team

Higher Degrees by Research Thesis Format - Guidelines | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Higher Degrees by Research Thesis Format - Guidelines

Definitions:.

Article: A paper that has been published. This usually refers to work published in professional publications, edited journals and peer-reviewed scholarly or scientific journals.

Manuscript : A written paper pre-publication. Examples of manuscripts include, but are not limited to: drafts, writing in progress, work submitted to a publisher that is under review or not yet published, elements of your thesis that you are crafting for submission to a journal.

Introduction

These Guidelines apply to theses prepared for Higher Degrees by Research (HDR). HDR candidates at the University of the Sunshine Coast may structure their thesis either in a:

Traditional thesis; or
Thesis with manuscripts(s); or
Creative Artefact and Exegesis

These guidelines stipulate requirements for thesis format however where applicable, thesis structure should be adjusted to ensure conformity to discipline expectations. Regardless of the discipline area, it is required that the thesis be presented in scholarly English and be free from typographical and grammatical errors.

If there is a legitimate case for a thesis or exegesis to exceed the below word limits, special representation should be made to the Dean, Graduate Research, for prior written approval to submit such a thesis or exegesis.

Traditional format

Word length (includes appendices and footnotes; excludes reference list and bibliography)

PhD: ~80,000
Masters: ~40,000

Format (PhD and Masters)

Typically, the following type of approach should be adopted for the format of the thesis:

International Standard Paper Size A4 (297 x 210mm) should be used;
The typing should be 1.5 spaced, presented in a clear and legible font and would normally be expected to be double-sided;
Left and right margins should be no less than 30mm and page numbers should appear inside the margins;
Pages should be numbered consecutively and clearly;
Folding diagrams or charts should be arranged so as to open to the top and right;
Before producing final copies of a thesis for submission, the candidate should ensure that all the spelling, grammar, punctuation and choice of language are of a higher degree standard and the bibliography is complete and exact. It is recommended that candidates have their theses proof-read before producing final copies.

Refer to Template and Supplementary Guide (UniSC log in required)

Manuscript format

Manuscripts and Articles

Research articles may be at any stage of preparation prior to publication (i.e. Manuscripts) or following acceptance for publication (i.e. Articles). The status of each Manuscript or Article should be made clear to the reader. Research contributing to scholarly work that is included in the thesis must have been conducted during candidature. Works published prior to candidature cannot be included in the thesis.

Candidates may be either a sole or co-author.
In cases of co-authorship, the candidate must have a general declaration on all papers that they have contributed 50% or more.
The minimum number of manuscripts to be included in a thesis is dictated by discipline expectations.
For scholarly works that are published, the accepted author manuscript must be included in the thesis, rather than a journal formatted version.
The presence of peer-reviewed published works within the thesis does not pre-empt the assessment of the examiners regarding the quality of the thesis nor does it preclude amendments to the thesis based on examiners recommendations.

Creative Artefact and Exegesis format

The Creative Artefact is an original product designed, created or constructed by a candidate during candidature derived from one or more of the creative arts including graphical and new media techniques. The Creative Artefact is to be accompanied by an exegesis, which is a scholarly, critical commentary on the original creative work in dialogue with, and informing that original work or collection of works, resulting from research undertaken and produced during candidature. The exegesis also includes explicit reference to the research methodologies employed in the creation of the original creative artefact(s).

The indicative length for the exegesis is 30,000 to 40,000 words for a doctorate and 15,000-20,000 for a masters degree. The Principal Supervisor is responsible for providing guidance to candidates on the appropriate structure for their exegesis. There is no recommended word length for the creative component.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a dissertation.

Dissertation word counts vary widely across different fields, institutions, and levels of education:

An undergraduate dissertation is typically 8,000–15,000 words
A master’s dissertation is typically 12,000–50,000 words
A PhD thesis is typically book-length: 70,000–100,000 words

However, none of these are strict guidelines – your word count may be lower or higher than the numbers stated here. Always check the guidelines provided by your university to determine how long your own dissertation should be.

Frequently asked questions: Dissertation

A dissertation prospectus or proposal describes what or who you plan to research for your dissertation. It delves into why, when, where, and how you will do your research, as well as helps you choose a type of research to pursue. You should also determine whether you plan to pursue qualitative or quantitative methods and what your research design will look like.

It should outline all of the decisions you have taken about your project, from your dissertation topic to your hypotheses and research objectives , ready to be approved by your supervisor or committee.

Note that some departments require a defense component, where you present your prospectus to your committee orally.

A thesis is typically written by students finishing up a bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Some educational institutions, particularly in the liberal arts, have mandatory theses, but they are often not mandatory to graduate from bachelor’s degrees. It is more common for a thesis to be a graduation requirement from a Master’s degree.

Even if not mandatory, you may want to consider writing a thesis if you:

Plan to attend graduate school soon
Have a particular topic you’d like to study more in-depth
Are considering a career in research
Would like a capstone experience to tie up your academic experience

The conclusion of your thesis or dissertation should include the following:

A restatement of your research question
A summary of your key arguments and/or results
A short discussion of the implications of your research

The conclusion of your thesis or dissertation shouldn’t take up more than 5–7% of your overall word count.

For a stronger dissertation conclusion , avoid including:

Important evidence or analysis that wasn’t mentioned in the discussion section and results section
Generic concluding phrases (e.g. “In conclusion …”)
Weak statements that undermine your argument (e.g., “There are good points on both sides of this issue.”)

Your conclusion should leave the reader with a strong, decisive impression of your work.

While it may be tempting to present new arguments or evidence in your thesis or disseration conclusion , especially if you have a particularly striking argument you’d like to finish your analysis with, you shouldn’t. Theses and dissertations follow a more formal structure than this.

All your findings and arguments should be presented in the body of the text (more specifically in the discussion section and results section .) The conclusion is meant to summarize and reflect on the evidence and arguments you have already presented, not introduce new ones.

A theoretical framework can sometimes be integrated into a literature review chapter , but it can also be included as its own chapter or section in your dissertation . As a rule of thumb, if your research involves dealing with a lot of complex theories, it’s a good idea to include a separate theoretical framework chapter.

A literature review and a theoretical framework are not the same thing and cannot be used interchangeably. While a theoretical framework describes the theoretical underpinnings of your work, a literature review critically evaluates existing research relating to your topic. You’ll likely need both in your dissertation .

While a theoretical framework describes the theoretical underpinnings of your work based on existing research, a conceptual framework allows you to draw your own conclusions, mapping out the variables you may use in your study and the interplay between them.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation , such as:

Your anticipated title
Your abstract
Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review , research methods , avenues for future research, etc.)

When you mention different chapters within your text, it’s considered best to use Roman numerals for most citation styles. However, the most important thing here is to remain consistent whenever using numbers in your dissertation .

In most styles, the title page is used purely to provide information and doesn’t include any images. Ask your supervisor if you are allowed to include an image on the title page before doing so. If you do decide to include one, make sure to check whether you need permission from the creator of the image.

Include a note directly beneath the image acknowledging where it comes from, beginning with the word “ Note .” (italicized and followed by a period). Include a citation and copyright attribution . Don’t title, number, or label the image as a figure , since it doesn’t appear in your main text.

Definitional terms often fall into the category of common knowledge , meaning that they don’t necessarily have to be cited. This guidance can apply to your thesis or dissertation glossary as well.

However, if you’d prefer to cite your sources , you can follow guidance for citing dictionary entries in MLA or APA style for your glossary.

A glossary is a collection of words pertaining to a specific topic. In your thesis or dissertation, it’s a list of all terms you used that may not immediately be obvious to your reader. In contrast, an index is a list of the contents of your work organized by page number.

The title page of your thesis or dissertation goes first, before all other content or lists that you may choose to include.

The title page of your thesis or dissertation should include your name, department, institution, degree program, and submission date.

Glossaries are not mandatory, but if you use a lot of technical or field-specific terms, it may improve readability to add one to your thesis or dissertation. Your educational institution may also require them, so be sure to check their specific guidelines.

A glossary or “glossary of terms” is a collection of words pertaining to a specific topic. In your thesis or dissertation, it’s a list of all terms you used that may not immediately be obvious to your reader. Your glossary only needs to include terms that your reader may not be familiar with, and is intended to enhance their understanding of your work.

A glossary is a collection of words pertaining to a specific topic. In your thesis or dissertation, it’s a list of all terms you used that may not immediately be obvious to your reader. In contrast, dictionaries are more general collections of words.

An abbreviation is a shortened version of an existing word, such as Dr. for Doctor. In contrast, an acronym uses the first letter of each word to create a wholly new word, such as UNESCO (an acronym for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

As a rule of thumb, write the explanation in full the first time you use an acronym or abbreviation. You can then proceed with the shortened version. However, if the abbreviation is very common (like PC, USA, or DNA), then you can use the abbreviated version from the get-go.

Be sure to add each abbreviation in your list of abbreviations !

If you only used a few abbreviations in your thesis or dissertation , you don’t necessarily need to include a list of abbreviations .

If your abbreviations are numerous, or if you think they won’t be known to your audience, it’s never a bad idea to add one. They can also improve readability, minimizing confusion about abbreviations unfamiliar to your reader.

A list of abbreviations is a list of all the abbreviations that you used in your thesis or dissertation. It should appear at the beginning of your document, with items in alphabetical order, just after your table of contents .

Your list of tables and figures should go directly after your table of contents in your thesis or dissertation.

Lists of figures and tables are often not required, and aren’t particularly common. They specifically aren’t required for APA-Style, though you should be careful to follow their other guidelines for figures and tables .

If you have many figures and tables in your thesis or dissertation, include one may help you stay organized. Your educational institution may require them, so be sure to check their guidelines.

A list of figures and tables compiles all of the figures and tables that you used in your thesis or dissertation and displays them with the page number where they can be found.

The table of contents in a thesis or dissertation always goes between your abstract and your introduction .

You may acknowledge God in your dissertation acknowledgements , but be sure to follow academic convention by also thanking the members of academia, as well as family, colleagues, and friends who helped you.

A literature review is a survey of credible sources on a topic, often used in dissertations , theses, and research papers . Literature reviews give an overview of knowledge on a subject, helping you identify relevant theories and methods, as well as gaps in existing research. Literature reviews are set up similarly to other academic texts , with an introduction , a main body, and a conclusion .

An annotated bibliography is a list of source references that has a short description (called an annotation ) for each of the sources. It is often assigned as part of the research process for a paper .

In a thesis or dissertation, the discussion is an in-depth exploration of the results, going into detail about the meaning of your findings and citing relevant sources to put them in context.

The conclusion is more shorter and more general: it concisely answers your main research question and makes recommendations based on your overall findings.

In the discussion , you explore the meaning and relevance of your research results , explaining how they fit with existing research and theory. Discuss:

Your interpretations : what do the results tell us?
The implications : why do the results matter?
The limitation s : what can’t the results tell us?

The results chapter or section simply and objectively reports what you found, without speculating on why you found these results. The discussion interprets the meaning of the results, puts them in context, and explains why they matter.

In qualitative research , results and discussion are sometimes combined. But in quantitative research , it’s considered important to separate the objective results from your interpretation of them.

Results are usually written in the past tense , because they are describing the outcome of completed actions.

The results chapter of a thesis or dissertation presents your research results concisely and objectively.

In quantitative research , for each question or hypothesis , state:

The type of analysis used
Relevant results in the form of descriptive and inferential statistics
Whether or not the alternative hypothesis was supported

In qualitative research , for each question or theme, describe:

Recurring patterns
Significant or representative individual responses
Relevant quotations from the data

Don’t interpret or speculate in the results chapter.

To automatically insert a table of contents in Microsoft Word, follow these steps:

Apply heading styles throughout the document.
In the references section in the ribbon, locate the Table of Contents group.
Click the arrow next to the Table of Contents icon and select Custom Table of Contents.
Select which levels of headings you would like to include in the table of contents.

Make sure to update your table of contents if you move text or change headings. To update, simply right click and select Update Field.

All level 1 and 2 headings should be included in your table of contents . That means the titles of your chapters and the main sections within them.

The contents should also include all appendices and the lists of tables and figures, if applicable, as well as your reference list .

Do not include the acknowledgements or abstract in the table of contents.

The abstract appears on its own page in the thesis or dissertation , after the title page and acknowledgements but before the table of contents .

An abstract for a thesis or dissertation is usually around 200–300 words. There’s often a strict word limit, so make sure to check your university’s requirements.

In a thesis or dissertation, the acknowledgements should usually be no longer than one page. There is no minimum length.

The acknowledgements are generally included at the very beginning of your thesis , directly after the title page and before the abstract .

Yes, it’s important to thank your supervisor(s) in the acknowledgements section of your thesis or dissertation .

Even if you feel your supervisor did not contribute greatly to the final product, you must acknowledge them, if only for a very brief thank you. If you do not include your supervisor, it may be seen as a snub.

In the acknowledgements of your thesis or dissertation, you should first thank those who helped you academically or professionally, such as your supervisor, funders, and other academics.

Then you can include personal thanks to friends, family members, or anyone else who supported you during the process.

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How many words per day?

How many words per day of dissertation writing would be considered productive? How much do you write per day?

I posted awhile back about having issues with productivity since being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I used to be SUPER productive during hypomanic episodes and now that those are under control, I'm no longer pulling all-nighters and writing pages upon pages of work.

To deal with this, I've come up with a routine where I sit down at the same time every day and force myself to write something. I want to be productive. However, I don't really know what productive looks like anymore because it used to look like writing all night until sunrise and then later crashing into a depressive episode which would leave me entirely unproductive.

Since establishing this routine, I've written every day but varying amounts. Yesterday, I wrote 3,000 words. Today, I wrote 600. The day before yesterday, I only wrote 250. I feel great about myself on the days I write 1,000+ words but then I feel guilty and lazy when I write under that.

I have two chapters left to write before the rough draft of my dissertation is done. It's a rather short dissertation of approximately 40,000 words as the second part of my PhD requirement is a short story collection (I'm doing a creative PhD).

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Guide to Submission and Presentation of the Thesis

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Drafting, Submitting and Examining A Thesis

1. what is a thesis.

A thesis presents a student’s research results, describing the research with reference to relevant work in the field. It will include a description of the methods of research considered, and those actually employed, and present the student’s conclusions. It is essential that any use of another author’s work is properly acknowledged. The thesis is the student’s own work and must be written by the student.

1.1

It is essential that the student discusses general layout and referencing conventions with his/her supervisors to ensure that subject or discipline-specific requirements or rules are followed right from the start. Supervisors are expected to provide constructive criticism and feedback on the thesis during candidature; However, supervisors should not be requested to provide English language training or undertake proof-reading.

1.2

In assessing a thesis, the examiners will bear in mind the standard and scope of work which it is reasonable to expect a capable and diligent student to present after a period of time equivalent to the minimum candidature period for the degree being examined.

The University’s academic regulations for research master’s level degrees state:

The qualification shall be awarded to candidates who:

Have demonstrated knowledge and understanding that is founded upon and extends and/or enhances that typically associated with Bachelor’s level, and that provides a basis or opportunity for originality in developing and/or applying ideas, often within a research context;
Can apply their knowledge, understanding, and problem-solving abilities in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study;
Have the ability to integrate knowledge and handle complexity, and formulate judgements on a body of information, and to reflect on social and ethical responsibilities linked to the application of their knowledge and judgements;
Can communicate their conclusions, and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously;
Have the learning skills to allow them to continue to study in a manner that may be largely self-directed or autonomous.

The Degree of Doctor of Philosophy shall be awarded to a candidate who has:

1. presented a thesis containing the candidate's advanced study and research which satisfies the Board of Examiners as:

Making an original and significant contribution to knowledge;
Giving evidence of originality of mind and critical judgement in the conception and implementation of a research project in a particular subject;
Containing material worthy of peer-reviewed publication;
Being satisfactory in its literary and/or technical presentation and structure, with a full bibliography and references;
Demonstrating an understanding of the context of the research and mastery of the skills and methods of research associated with the field.

2. passed a viva voce examination conducted by the examiners on the broader aspects of the field of research in addition to the subject of the thesis.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) students

In the event any changes are made to postgraduate student research proposals, the University has a requirement to notify UKVI within 28 days of the changes, for those that require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate. Information regarding which courses require an ATAS certificate can be found here . Please note that this applies to non EEA students only. It is the responsibility of Swansea University supervisors to notify the University’s International Student Compliance Team (Education Services), of changes to the student’s original research proposal or the use of any new research technique. For more information, please read the ATAS and Change of Research Topic Policy and Procedure.

2. Maximum Word Limits for Each Degree

2.1 MRes

The word limit is 40,000 for the main text. The word limit does not include appendices (if any), essential footnotes, introductory parts and statements or the bibliography and index.

2.2 MA by Research/MSc by Research

2.3 MPhil

The word limit is 60,000 for the main text. The word limit does not include appendices (if any), essential footnotes, introductory parts and statements or the bibliography and index.

2.4 Professional Doctorates DBA and MD

The word limit is 80,000 for the main text. The word limit does not include appendices (if any), essential footnotes, introductory parts and statements or the bibliography and index.

2.5 PhD

The word limit is 100,000 for the main text. The word limit does not include appendices (if any), essential footnotes, introductory parts and statements or the bibliography and index.

3. Minimum Word Limits

There are no set minimum word limits for each degree, however, the maximum word limit of the preceding degree may be taken as a guide.

Note: Ultimately, whether the thesis is too long or too short is a decision for the examiners. The word limit is therefore guidance rather than requirement. A supervisor may record reservations regarding the length of a student’s thesis on the Research Management System. If a thesis is clearly above the indicated word limit, then the student should discuss editorial action with his/her supervisors before submission.

Students should be aware that examiners can decide that an overly-long thesis does not meet the degree’s standards, and students will not be awarded the degree or lower award without proceeding to the viva stage. A student can also be required to resubmit a thesis if there are serious grammatical or spelling errors – use of a spellchecker is very strongly recommended.

4. Practice-Based Research Degree Thesis

The practice-based research degree (either doctoral level or research master's level) is distinguished from the standard research degree in that a major element of the submission is an original creative work, which has been created by the candidate specifically for the submission of the award. Apart from the inclusion of such materials, the practice-based thesis must conform to the same standards expected for a standard research degree thesis.

A request to submit a practice-based research degree thesis must be submitted to the Student Cases Board for approval prior to confirmation of candidature. The student and the supervisor should produce a written request, counter-signed by the Executive Dean, explaining why the practice-based format is more appropriate for the research project and demonstrating how the project will take full advantage of the creative and/or practical element. The request should also clearly indicate the proposed balance of written and practical components to be submitted. The request must identify any issues about specific needs for supporting the student due to the nature of the research etc – impact on skills training requirements, supervisory requirements etc. The supervisors should provide detailed information about how the practical component will be supervised.

The major element of the submission is an original creative work which has been created by the candidate specifically for the submission. The practical element should be accompanied by a written commentary. The length of the written element should be determined by the nature of the research, but should be no more than 40,000 words for doctoral level and 20,000 words for research master's level.

5. Bar on Access

Sometimes the results of research are commercially valuable or sensitive in other ways, for example in the use of material that is restricted by agreements or other contracts. To protect this confidentiality the University permits a bar on access to be placed on the thesis and this will mean that it will not be available to the general reader for up to five years (the period can be extended in special circumstances).

The University offers a tiered system for access to a thesis: Open Access, Embargoed (to later become Open Access), Redacted Content Open Access and Permanently Restricted. Authors should ensure that the selected access level of the thesis is appropriate and lawful. The bar on access application should be submitted to the Faculty/School for approval by the Executive Dean or nominee. Applications for a bar on access must state the title of the work, and the reasons for a bar on access. Applicants may request a formal restriction for the duration of a temporary embargo period (maximum duration five years), indicate the intention to release a redacted electronic version of the thesis, or request a permanent formal restriction of the electronic version.

Authors are required to provide the Library with a completed deposit agreement upon successful completion of the degree. The Library will respect any permanent bar on access or temporary embargo request specified in the deposit agreement.

Students funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI - formerly Research Councils UK) only. It is expected that a full text version of the thesis should be available no longer than 12 months following award of the doctorate. UKRI recognise that commercial, collaborative or publication arrangements may necessitate a slight delay but expect the thesis to be deposited as soon as possible thereafter, unless a bar is in place.

6.1 - 6.2.15 Thesis Conventions

As of 1 October 2021, the University requires all final version (completed) PGR theses to be submitted in electronic (e-thesis) format. Physical hardback copies are no longer required for Swansea University Library or the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth, however temporary binding for examination purposes may still be needed (see below).

6.2

Temporary Binding

Temporary binding may be required for examination purposes, in addition to the e-thesis copy. It is recommended students check with their Faculty/School which thesis format is appropriate for the examination.

6.3

Permanent Hard-back Binding

The University no longer requires permanent hard-back copies of final theses to be submitted, rather all Postgraduate Research theses are to be submitted in electronic (e-thesis) format. However, sections 6.3.1 – 6.7 below have been retained as a guide for students wishing to produce their own hardback copies in the style historically used at Swansea University.

The colour of the cover is not specified by the University but is usually black, dark green or red.

The spine of the thesis (permanent binding only) must show:

• The student’s surname and initials; • Swansea University; • The full or abbreviated title of the work; • The year of submission; • The degree for which the work is submitted.

6.3.3 Note:

If two volumes are needed Vol.1 and Vol.2 should be added, as appropriate, to the spine text.


Tugandlow, G. Swansea University 2018 Self-Criticism and Self-Determination [Vol. 1] PhD

Internal Layout of a Thesis

The layout of the thesis (whether in temporary binding format or e-thesis), will generally align to the pattern illustrated below. However, the student must check with their supervisors to see whether there are any particular conventions applicable to the specific subject area:

Summary (Abstract)

Declarations and Statements

Contents page

Acknowledgements

List of tables, illustrations, etc.

Definitions or Abbreviations

TEXT: Appropriately divided and with chapters and sections continuously paginated. (The layout of the text is an important aspect of the thesis design. The division of material can be by Parts, Chapters, Sections, etc. the supervisor’s advice is essential)

Appendices (Where these are substantial, a separate volume should be considered) (not relevant for e-thesis versions)

Bibliography

Theses may deviate from the above structure, subject to permission being sought from the Student Cases Board, no later than submission of the Notice of Intention to Submit form.

The title page must contain the following information:

• The approved title and any subtitle; • The total number of volumes if more than one, and the number of the particular volume (not relevant for e-thesis versions); • The full name of the student followed, if desired, by any qualifications and distinctions; • The text “Submitted to Swansea University in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of” followed by the name of the degree programme (Doctor of Philosophy/Master of Philosophy/Doctor of Engineering etc.); • The text “Swansea University”; • The year of submission.

A brief description of the work: Its aims, methods and conclusions. Not more than three hundred words, using single line spacing.

Students should bear in mind, when writing the summary, that this may be the only part of the thesis that is read by other research workers. It should be written in such a way as to help researchers in the same field decide whether to read the thesis. The summary should consist of a piece of connected prose and should not be more than 300 words in length. It may be much shorter. Abbreviations should be avoided.

Information about the standard declarations and statements, which must be made when a student submits their thesis, is provided with the Submission Pack issued to candidates who have notified of their intention to submit. In summary these comprise of:

1. A declaration that the work has not previously been accepted in substance for any degree and is not being concurrently submitted in candidature for any degree.

2. A statement that the thesis is the result of your own investigations, except where otherwise stated and that other sources are acknowledged by footnotes giving explicit references and that a bibliography is appended.

3. A statement regarding metadata and an abstract. The metadata and abstract are automatically made available in the University repository to outside organisations. An e-thesis deposit agreement is required by the Library if accepted. Access levels to the full-text are managed according to the completed agreement.

4. A statement that indicates that the University’s ethical procedures have been followed and, where appropriate, that ethical approval has been granted.

Contents Page

Details of the division of the thesis, with page numbers.

If the student wishes to include a dedication or acknowledgement in the thesis this should be inserted on a page following the Contents Page.

List of Tables, Illustrations, etc.

Titles of all tables and illustrations in the thesis, with page numbers.

All abbreviations used in the thesis should be clearly defined.

The Main Text – appropriately divided into parts, chapters and sections

The student should seek the advice of their supervisors about the appropriate form of division to be used in the main text. The main text should be a self-supporting document in its own right and not require the reader to refer to the appendices.

The appendices are not included in the word count of the thesis. The appendices allow the student to further illuminate the main text and can act as a repository of raw data. It should be noted that examiners are not obliged to read the appendices when examining a thesis.

The glossary should comprise a list of specialised terms used in the thesis with which a reader is not expected to be familiar, each with its definition as understood in the text.

The bibliography should list all works referred to in the thesis and should also include works that have informed the thesis even if not directly referred to.

6.4 - 6.7 Conventions

6.4

Physical Appearance of the Thesis

White, A4-size, with sufficient opacity to prevent any show-through: to achieve this paper with a weight of 70 to 100 gsm should be used. Standard 80 gsm copying paper is acceptable. (If physical copies are required)

The main text must be printed in black ink, and may be printed on both sides of the page.

Font Character or Print Height

Print or character size should not be less than 8 point (2.50 mm) but, normally, the text-size would be equivalent to 12 pt Times New Roman.

Margins should be 4 cm (1½ inches) wide on the left-hand side and at least 2 cm (¾ inch) on the right-hand side, although 1 inch (2.5 cm) on the right-hand side is preferable.

Line Spacing

One-and-a-half line spacing should be used in the main text. However, single spacing should be used in the Summary and in any indented quotations and footnotes.

Page Numbering

Pages in the thesis should be numbered sequentially.

6.5

Referencing and the Bibliography

The first requirement of a thesis submitted in candidature for a degree is that it presents the results of the student's own work. Clearly, this demand does not exclude quotations or the representation of the views or results of other scholars in the field. Indeed, another expectation in any thesis is that the student will relate his or her own work to that of other researchers.

It is important that in writing the thesis the student must clearly and unambiguously distinguish between their own thoughts, conclusions and results and those of other scholars. The standard mechanism for ensuring that a plain distinction is made is by means of quotation marks, for direct quotations from the work of other scholars, and references to acknowledge direct and indirect use of the work of other scholars. References must be sufficiently precise to enable the reader to obtain and consider the original work. Paraphrasing without attribution is considered to be academic misconduct.

The aim of a reference is to enable the reader to locate and consult the work the student has cited in the thesis.

References are used to indicate the works mentioned in the text but the bibliography, placed at the end of the thesis, will not only provide the necessary details of cited work but also other works that have been useful in the student’s study, even if they are not explicitly cited in the text.

Building a thesis begins with surveying the relevant literature in the field of study and it is important to adopt, at the beginning, a useful method for recording the student’s reading. Endnote software for managing bibliographic references is available on all open access PCs across campus, and training is offered by the Library.

It is very important that in the earliest stages of study the student talks to their supervisors about which referencing system is most appropriate for the thesis. Incorrect referencing is often viewed by examiners as a failure to fully meet the necessary standards for a research degree. If the Faculty/School does not recommend a particular convention, basic guidance on referencing styles is available on the Referencing Library Guide , or from your Subject Librarian.

Any reference to a web-based source must include the web address (full path) and the date of last access.

The thesis may not include extensive unchanged material that has previously been submitted and approved for the award of a degree by this or any other university.

6.6 Inclusion of Publications

A thesis may include papers authored by the candidate that have been published in externally refereed contexts such as journals and conference proceedings.

Papers should relate directly to the candidates study and must have been written during the candidature period.

Any publications must constitute an essential part of a coherent and integral body of work rather than a separate component.

To demonstrate their contribution, candidates would normally be the first author on such papers. Where the candidate has included publications in journals that specify the listing of authors in alphabetical order, this should be clearly stated. Candidates must acknowledge co-authors and their specific contribution to the paper, by means of an authorship statement for each paper, to be included in the thesis. See example statement 6.7.6.

The number of papers which may be included is not prescribed, but they and the other contents of the thesis should reflect the amount, originality and level of work expected of a candidate towards a conventional thesis.

That a thesis includes a paper that has been published is no guarantee that the examiners will recommend the award for which the candidate is being examined. The examiners are required to assess the quality of the whole thesis against the criteria set out in section 1.0.

Candidates are reminded of the need to adhere to the terms of their publishing agreement, with respect to copyright ownership. Candidates should inform the editor of their intention to include the article as part of their thesis and obtain written consent. Candidates should be aware, it may be necessary to redact publisher-owned material from the Open Access version of their thesis.

Where published papers are to be included as a thesis chapter, these must include an introduction and conclusion and be included into the thesis at the appropriate point.

6.7 Authorship Statement

The following declaration must be included in the thesis to document the contributions of the authors to a publication. The candidate must for each paper, list all authors and provide details of their role in the published work. Where possible, also provide a percentage estimate of the contribution made by each author.

Declaration:

The following people and institutions contributed to the publication of work undertaken as part of this thesis:


	Name and College
	Name and Institution
	Name and Institution
	Name and Institution
	Name and Institution
	Name and Institution
	Name and Institution

Author Details and their Roles:

Paper 1 (title)

Located in Chapter <insert chapter number>

Candidate contributed <insert type and proportion of contribution>

Author < insert author number> contributed <insert type and proportion of contribution>

We the undersigned agree with the above stated “proportion of work undertaken” for each of the above published peer-reviewed manuscripts contributing to this thesis:

Signed Candidate __________________________________________

Author 1_____________________________________________ Author 2_____________________________________________ Author 3_____________________________________________ Author 4_____________________________________________ Author 5_____________________________________________ Author 6_____________________________________________

7 & 8 Thesis Conventions

Notice of Intention to Submit

At least three months before you expect to submit your thesis you should indicate intended submission by forwarding a Notice of Intention to Submit form to your Faculty/School. This is to allow your Faculty/School to make the necessary arrangements for your examination in good time. You do not need to be over exact in calculating your submission date (as long as this is before the absolute deadline). Before submitting your thesis, you should check carefully that it is the version you wish to be examined, and that it contains no accidental errors or omissions. Please note you may not retract your thesis once it has been submitted.

After the student has notified their intention to submit the student will normally no longer be able to apply for an extension of candidature.

7.2

1. The student notifies of their intention to submit a thesis three months prior to the expected submission date; 2. The supervisor records whether approval has been granted if the thesis is to be submitted prior to the student’s minimum candidature date (see Guide to Research Degree Candidature for details on early submission); 3. The supervisor records whether a request for a bar on access will be or has been requested; 4. The supervisor indicates whether the thesis will be submitted in Welsh and whether the oral examination will be in Welsh; 5. The supervisor indicates whether the thesis will be submitted in a language other than English/Welsh (permission to do so should be obtained at the time of confirmation of candidature, see Guide to Progress Monitoring of Research Students ) and whether the oral examination will be in a language other than English/ Welsh; 6. If the supervisor has any comments/concerns about the student’s intention to submit, these should be noted on the Notice of Intention to Submit. If the student is submitting prior to the minimum candidature date, the supervisor should include a specific comment on this; 7. The Faculty/School alerts Education Services of the pending submission Research; 8. The Faculty/School begins the process of nominating the Examining Board (see Guide to Examination of Research Students for guidance on nominating examiners).

7.3

Submission of the Thesis for Examination

After notifying of their intention to submit via the Notice of Intention to Submit form, the student will be issued with a Submission Pack.

Once the student has written their thesis, the supervisors should see the final draft copy for comment. The student will then make the final revisions to the thesis.

All research students are required to incorporate into the thesis a summary of the thesis and the relevant declarations and statements (see Internal layout of a thesis above).

When a student is ready to submit their thesis the required statements and declarations should be completed and an electronic copy prepared for examination. It may also be necessary to provide a temporary bound physical copy of the thesis on the advice of the Faculty/School. The electronic copy will be stored securely by the student’s home Faculty/School until such time it is no longer required.

Each Faculty/School has a designated member of staff who is responsible for formally accepting submission of theses. The student should submit the electronic copy hand the two bound copies of the thesis together with a temporary bound hard copy (if required).

The submission is recorded on the Research Management System which will generate an email to the student noting confirmation of submission of the thesis.

The following procedures then occur:

a) The student’s matriculation status and financial status will be checked. If the student is in debt to the University, the examination of the thesis will not take place. b) The student will be asked to confirm the address to which they require the formal notification to be sent – this will normally be the student’s “Home Address”.

Once the Examining Board's appointment has been confirmed by Education Services, examination of the thesis can commence.

Note: Examination/Viva dates should not be arranged until the Examining Board has been approved. Submission of the thesis is final, and once made cannot be retracted.

7.4

Continued Access to Facilities After Submission

All students will be granted access to the Library and to IT facilities until the end of the examination process (as indicated in the formal notification from Education Services).

7.5

Resubmission Arrangements

If a student is required to resubmit their thesis (rather than make corrections and amendments), the re-submission arrangements are exactly as outlined above for the first submission. The Examining Board should be re-nominated and examination of the resubmitted thesis cannot commence until the re-appointment of both examiners has been confirmed by Education Services.

After the oral examination the student will be formally informed by the University of the recommendation of the Examining Board. The student will be provided with detailed feedback on the points which must be addressed in the resubmission through the Chair of the Examining Board. Normally, the same examiners will examine the resubmitted thesis to see whether the points raised in the reports from the first examination have been addressed. As a rule, the resubmitted thesis must be examined by a second oral examination. In very exceptional cases, the requirement for a second oral examination may be waived at the examiners’ discretion if a pass is agreed by them on resubmission. In this scenario, the Chair of the Examining Board will inform the student that the requirement for a second oral examination has been waived (see the Guide to Examination of Research Students ).

The Chair of the Progression and Awards Board will be asked to ratify the Result and Report form once they have been received by Education Services. Once the viva outcome has been ratified the student will be sent an email confirming the viva outcome and the date by which they are required to re-submit. After the student's record has been updated, the student will be able to access the University electronic facilities and the Library services until the new end of candidature date.

The student must resubmit their thesis on or before the deadline as advised by the University, and pay the resubmission fee on or prior to re-submission. This can be by card payment via MyUniHub. MyUniHub can be contacted to discuss other payment methods.

Submission of Final Thesis

After the student has had the corrections and amendments required by the Examining Board approved by one or both of the examiners (as indicated on the Result Form), they are required to submit one electronic copy in Portable Document Format (PDF) to the Faculty/School, before the degree can be awarded.

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Table of Contents

A dissertation and thesis serve similar purposes but have key differences that students should understand. Read on to learn everything from definitions to tips for completing these major academic papers.

Defining Dissertation and Thesis

A dissertation is a lengthy, original research document completed by doctoral candidates, typically over 18 months, to earn a PhD. Dissertations are generally between 50,000 and 100,000 words presenting the student’s findings and analysis.

A thesis is a shorter research paper completed by master’s degree candidates, usually between 40,000 and 60,000 words. These may contain original research but rely more heavily on existing studies than dissertations.

Contrasting the Purpose and Length

The primary purpose of a dissertation is to contribute new knowledge or analysis as part of earning a doctoral degree. These also demonstrate expertise but focus on earning a master’s degree and do not necessarily require original research.

Dissertations are considerably longer as doctoral candidates are required to conduct extensive research over an extended period, often 18 months or more. Thesis are typically shorter since the research component is less intensive for a master’s program.

Structural and Research Variations

Both a dissertation and a thesis have a standard structure, but a dissertation has more required sections that are broader in scope. Dissertations include an extensive literature review of previous research, thoroughly explaining the chosen methodology, and discussing research findings. Dissertations always involve substantial original research conducted independently by the doctoral candidate to make a novel academic contribution and are rigorously reviewed by the dissertation committee.

Students may incorporate original research and analysis for a thesis but rely more heavily on synthesizing and building upon existing studies and theoretical frameworks. Thises are narrower in focus compared to dissertations. While original research is encouraged, it is not an absolute requirement in all master’s programs. Theses undergo review by advisors, but the process is less intensive than with doctoral dissertations subject to oral defense.

Expert Tips for Completing Your Paper

Successfully planning and completing a thesis or dissertation requires dedication and organization. Here are some tips:

Create a realistic writing schedule with daily word count goals to help you progress consistently. Breaking the large project into smaller milestones can make it feel more manageable.
Regularly consult your academic advisor or committee members regularly for guidance on your research and analysis. Their feedback can help you refine your approach and arguments.
Carefully document all sources and information included to avoid unintentional plagiarism allegations. Develop strong note-taking skills early in the process.
Avoid burnout by scheduling regular breaks during writing sessions and taking time away from the project daily. The long duration can lead to fatigue, so find ways to recharge.
Be prepared to write multiple drafts over time. As you learn more, you may need to revise sections to strengthen your analysis, argumentation, flow, and structure.
Craft your introduction once the body of the paper is complete. This allows you to comprehensively summarize and frame the content most effectively for readers.

Conclusion

A dissertation and thesis have key differences that research students should be aware of in terms of length, purpose, structure, and research requirements. By understanding these distinctions, students can be better prepared to complete their culminating paper successfully.

For working professionals looking to earn a PhD degree and make original contributions to their field, upGrad offers online doctoral programs without requiring an 18 month on-campus residential requirement and necessary assignments like dissertation.

1. What is the main difference between a dissertation and a thesis?

A dissertation is longer, requires extensive original research, and leads to a PhD. A thesis is shorter, may incorporate original research, and leads to a master’s degree.

2. What are the critical sections of a dissertation?

Key sections include literature review, methodology, findings, discussion, and conclusion.

3. Does a thesis require an oral defense?

No, an oral defense is only required for doctoral dissertations.

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Alternative formats of thesis submission

This page provides guidance about alternative formats of thesis submission. Its content is primarily directed at staff and students involved in the programmes indicated, across all of the UK, China and Malaysia campuses.

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Relationship with existing doctoral programmes and regulations.

The regulations for the degrees listed below are the same as those which govern the PhD allowing for different submission formats:

Creative Writing
Drama and Performance Practice as Research
Translation Studies

Alternative formats for Music

1. In the case of MPhil/PhD students in Musical Composition, assessment is by submission of a portfolio of conventionally-notated compositions - in varying genres and for varying forces - initiated and completed during the period of study. These works will be developed through regular individual consultations with the supervisor. One of the compositions should be substantial and extended in length. The portfolio must be accompanied by a written commentary illuminating the composer’s methodology, aesthetic and communicative intentions, and their detailed evaluation of the portfolio when placed alongside contemporaneous works from other composers living both in this country and abroad. The commentary must also include precise analyses of selected aspects of the submitted compositions and must demonstrate how the candidate’s development of their compositional skills can be seen within the portfolio.

2. For submissions at MPhil level, the composition portfolio should amount to 40 minutes of music with a commentary of 12,000 words. The compositions should display originality of imagination and critical awareness of current issues, a high level of creative ability, a comprehensive understanding of techniques utilising instrumental and/or vocal and/or electro-acoustic resources, a systematic understanding of structural control and coherence and, where appropriate, impeccable skill and accuracy with regard to notation and presentation (whether calligraphic or computer-processed). Submitted compositions should be worthy of performance within a professional environment.

For submissions at PhD level, the composition portfolio should amount to 60 minutes of music with a commentary of 20,000 words. The compositions should display an original and imaginative contribution to contemporary music, an advanced level of creative ability, technical mastery in usage of instrumental and/or vocal and/or electro-acoustic resources, accomplished structural control and coherence and, where appropriate, impeccable skill and accuracy with regard to notation and presentation (whether calligraphic or computer-processed). Submitted compositions should be worthy of a professional standard of performance.

Alternative formats for Creative Writing

1. In the case of MPhil/PhD students in Creative Writing assessment is by submission of an extended and original piece of creative work and a shorter critical evaluation in which this creative work and its contexts, are discussed and analysed. The creative element could be a novel, a manuscript of poems, a collection of short stories, a play, or another form of creative output, as required by the project.

2. For submission at MPhil level the word length of the creative element section will normally be 30,000 - 40,000 words (or equivalent, depending on genre or output as agreed with thesis supervisor), with a critical component of 10,000-20,000 words. The MPhil thesis should not normally exceed 60,000 words.

For submission at PhD level the word length of the creative element section will normally be 50,000 - 70,000 words (or equivalent, depending on genre or output as agreed with the supervisor). The critical component will involve a self-reflective and evaluative analysis about some aspect of the creative or research process and will normally be 15,000-30,000 words in length. This may involve any of the currently debated topics in English or Theatre Studies as they relate to the candidate's creative work: thematic or generic preoccupations, wider literary, theoretical, or poetic contexts, and so on. The PhD thesis should not normally exceed 100,000 words.

Alternative formats for Drama and Performance Practice as Research

1. In the case of Drama and Performance MPhils/PhDs involving an element of practice as research assessment the thesis submission may include a performance work or works and a critical evaluation in which this performance practice is discussed and analysed. The form of the performance work will be negotiated with and approved by the supervisors but may be pilot/exploratory practice and/or a finished performance as required by the project.

2. Taking the practice element into account, for submission at MPhil level the written component should not normally exceed 40,000 words and at PhD level should not normally exceed 60,000 words.

Alternative formats for Translation Studies

In the case of MPhil/PhD students in Translation Studies, assessment may be either through submission of a thesis (which should be not more than 100,000 words for PhD or 60,000 words for MPhil), or through a combined extended translation and thesis option. The extended translation may be of material belonging to any genre, subject to prior approval. The accompanying thesis must engage with, and contribute to the development of, translation theory.

1. For submission at MPhil level, students opting for the translation and thesis option should submit an extended translation of 10,000 - 20,000 words. The translation should be of publishable or near-publishable standard. The translation should be accompanied by a thesis of 20,000 - 40,000 words. The total word-count for thesis plus translation together must be 40,000 - 60,000 words.

2. For submission at PhD level, students opting for the translation + thesis option should submit an extended translation of 20,000 - 40,000 words. The translation should be of publishable standard. The translation should be accompanied by a thesis of 45,000 - 80,000 words. The total word-count for thesis plus translation together must be 80,000 – 100,000 words.

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Dissertation Center

A General Guide to PhD Dissertation Word Count And Structure

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Number of references in a PhD thesis?

Im currently writing-up and my endnote says i have 356 references for my 80,000-word PhD. Just out of curiosity (and fear that i dont have enough!), how many have others cited by the time theyve reached the end? whats the average? (mine's a qualitative study, which may or may not make any difference).

I'm qualitative and, doing a rough calculation, my final thesis has around 280 references - so less than you! Now I hope I have enough!!

I'm doing an computer science PhD and my institution has a maximum of 50000 words (as opposed for 80000 for humanities). Looking at 5 example PhDs I have, they average about 130 (though one has 350). Its not about how many, but whether you have made your point. There is a danger that they might ask you a question on a reference that you might not have read.

It does vary a lot by topic. Mine is interdisciplinary and very heavy on the referencing - I'm trying to cut it back a bit from around 500. I really doubt I will remember much about them even if I've read them!

How weird.. I did a computer science one and mine came in at 87,000 - Max was 90,000... arts had 130,000 to play around with! I think I had about 350 references in total...

PC_Geek - the documentation states that references and appendices aren't counted - maybe that is why? I hope I'm right! I would be gutted to find that another 40000 words are expected! I think its because a lot of 'science' PhDs at my University (Bham) are experiment based, as opposed to humanities, so a lot of background work is expected to have taken place that wouldn't necessarily be written in full detail - eg I'm sure I have several tens of thousands of lines of code, but I wouldn't include that.

I've read somewhere that you are expected to reference 50 books and 150 articles. Good luck.

I am doing a qual too (heavy political theory), and it depends on your approach. I am focusing on four authors and how their work contrasts/complements so referencing is relatively high, but the number of works is actually quite low. I normally get only 100 pieces of work, but around 500 references.

'PC_Geek - the documentation states that references and appendices aren't counted - maybe that is why?' Different Unis, different rules... including my appendicies and references it comes to 98,500 I imagine yours will be more concise than mine.. mine was a lot of waffle

I just finished two chapters (1&2) and had 50 and 52 references in them.

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Did You Know..... Full Sail’s Graphic Design program , offered both on campus and online, teaches students skills that are highly sought-after in the creative industry. Students will learn how to meet deadlines and work within specific creative demands while producing high-end design work in a variety of format. Learn more about Full Sail University's graphic design program .

Top 50 Graphic Design Schools and Colleges in the U.S. – 2024 Rankings

What are the top graphic design school programs in the US?

Top 50 Graphic Design Schools and Colleges in the U.S. – 2024 Rankings
Ranking	School	State	Top %
1	Rhode Island School of Design	Rhode Island	1%
2	School of Visual Arts	New York	1%
3	ArtCenter College of Design	California	1%
4	Yale University	Connecticut	1%
5	California Institute of the Arts	California	1%
6	Savannah College of Art and Design	Georgia	1%
7	The New School’s Parsons School of Design	New York	1%
8	Pratt Institute	New York	2%
9	University of Texas at Austin	Texas	2%
10	North Carolina State University	North Carolina	2%
11	Maryland Institute College of Art	Maryland	2%
12	Carnegie Mellon University	Pennsylvania	2%
13	School of the Art Institute of Chicago	Illinois	2%
14	Arizona State University	Arizona	2%
15	Ringling College of Art and Design	Florida	3%
16	The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art	New York	3%
17	California College of the Arts	California	3%
18	University of California, Los Angeles	California	3%
19	University of North Texas	Texas	3%
20	University of Florida	Florida	3%
21	University of Washington	Washington	3%
22	Virginia Commonwealth University	Virginia	4%
23	University of Cincinnati	Ohio	4%
24	Washington University in St. Louis	Missouri	4%
25	Brigham Young University	Utah	4%
26	University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign	Illinois	4%
27	Otis College of Art and Design	California	4%
28	The Ohio State University	Ohio	5%
29	Minneapolis College of Art and Design	Minnesota	5%
30	University of Southern California	California	5%
31	San Diego State University	California	5%
32	University of Illinois Chicago	Illinois	5%
33	Boston University	Massachusetts	5%
34	Portland State University	Oregon	5%
35	Rochester Institute of Technology	New York	6%
36	Full Sail University	Florida	6%
37	Auburn University	Alabama	6%
38	Fashion Institute of Technology	New York	6%
39	Massachusetts College of Art and Design	Massachusetts	6%
40	University of Kansas	Kansas	6%
41	Michigan State University	Michigan	6%
42	Texas State University	Texas	7%
43	University of Georgia	Georgia	7%
44	Kansas City Art Institute	Missouri	7%
45	University of Minnesota	Minnesota	7%
46	San Jose State University	California	7%
47	Purdue University	Indiana	7%
48	University of Utah	Utah	7%
49	Kent State University	Ohio	8%
50	Temple University	Pennsylvania	8%

Our 2024 rankings of the Top 50 Graphic Design School Programs in the US. We considered over 700 colleges with graphic design programs for this year's rankings. For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here .

The Graphic Design program at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) provides collaborative and individual spaces that allow students to create everything from traditional books to interactive texts, while learning about grids, systems, typography, and more. The school’s dedicated studios also provide access to screen printing, bookbinding, and papermaking facilities, as well as printing and photographic resources for digital and traditional creations.

Serving approximately 150 BFA students and dozens of MFA students, the RISD Graphic Design program is one of the school’s largest departments. The four-year BFA program is project-based, allowing students to explore areas such as UX design, film graphics, packaging, and book covers. All students will complete the First-Year Program, which consists of courses such as Critical Introduction to the History of Architecture and Design; Drawing I-II; Spatial Dynamics; and Design I-II.

After the first year, RISD Graphic Design students will move on to courses such as History of Graphic Design; Typography I-III; Color + Surface; and Studio I-IV. Throughout the program, students will also have access to electives and workshops that allow students to work in various areas of graphic design. Other benefits include visiting artists, critics, and designers from around the world, and the opportunity to pursue a professional internship in summer or during the semester in the junior and senior years of the program.

The Graphic Design BFA program at Rhode Island School of Design culminates with an independent degree project to be reviewed by visiting critics and viewed by the public.

The RISD Graphic Design MFA has a two-year track designed for students who have a BA of BFA in the field and related professional experience. The program also provides a three-year track for individuals with a fine arts, sciences, or liberal arts degree. Both tracks allow students to customize the curriculum through cross-disciplinary electives.

The two-year track has two sequences including Graduate Studio and Graduate Seminar. In the Graduate Studio sequence, students will explore the design process. During the Graduate Seminar sequence, students will explore design history and current critical issues. In this sequence students will also begin the process of developing their graduate thesis projects.

In the three-year track, students will begin the program with skills development in areas such as color, typography, image, theory, and design application. After the first year, three-year track students will begin working their way through the same curriculum as two-year students.

All RISD Graphic Design MFA students have individual workspaces in a large design studio in RISD's Center for Integrative Technologies (CIT), which also houses the graduate student gallery and several advanced degree programs. MFA students will have opportunities to interact with other graduate students in Digital + Media, Interior Architecture, Teaching + Learning in Art + Design, and Textiles.

Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at Rhode Island School of Design graduates enjoy a high employment rate. Around 96% of RISD alumni are employed one year after graduation, with 70% employed in positions directly related to their major. RISD Graphic Design alumni go on to become Senior Graphic Designers, Product Designers, Textile Designers, Packaging Designers, Art Directors, UX Designers, Brand Identity Designers, Industrial Designers, and Creative Designers.

Founded in 1877 as both a school and a museum, Rhode Island School of Design is one of the first independent colleges of art and design in the U.S. This private, nonprofit college serves approximately 2,540 students enrolled in 43 full-time bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

RISD is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). The Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and MA in Teaching programs have special accreditation by the National Architecture Accrediting Board, Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board, and the RI Department of Education, respectively.

Serving approximately 730 students, Design is the third largest program at School of Visual Arts (SVA). The program has multidisciplinary BFA and MFA options that provide access to the SVA Digital Imaging Center; internship opportunities at local and national companies; participation in the student-run Visual Arts Press; and private studios with 24-hour access for graduate students.

Design at SVA also provides opportunities to engage with guest lecturers; enter competitions covered by networks such as NBC and CNN; and participate in workshops and exhibitions. All students may also take advantage of the program's complimentary membership to The One Club for Creativity, which includes The Art Directors Club and Type Directors Club.

At the end of every academic year the Design Department also hosts an Industry Review Day for graduating seniors. Designers, creative directors, and editors are invited to meet and network with students. The event is held in-person and virtually.

The SVA BFA program has four concentration options including Graphic Design; 3D Design; Interaction Design; and Motion Graphics. Students may customize an additional area of focus within their chosen concentration. Examples include information graphics, branding, experiential design, environmental design, package design, editorial design, and book cover design.

The Design program with a Graphic Design concentration requires 120 credit hours of study including 72 credits in studio art courses. Students will take required courses such as Design Thinking; Graphic Design I-II; Fundamentals of Typography I-II; Intermediate Drawing I-II; and Click, Touch, Move: Designing for Interactive Experiences I-II.

Other course examples include History of Graphic Design: A Survey of Styles from the Late 19th Century to the Present; Zines; Visual Storytelling: Autobiography Through Visual Language; Experimental Book Art; Integrated Advertising and Communication; Branding; The International Typographic Style; Package Design; Book Design for Today; Multimedia Storytelling for Designers; and Poster Design.

In the final year of the Graphic Design BFA program at School of Visual Arts, students will complete a series of senior project courses and the following four courses: Graphic Design Portfolio I-II; Presentations Skills Seminar; and Intellectual Property and the Law. Senior project courses include Production Studio for the Graphic Designer; Fashion: The Campaign; Advanced Typography I-II: The Perfect Paragraph; and Differentiate or Die: How to Get a Job When You Graduate.

Graduates of the Design BFA program at School of Visual Arts have been hired at advertising agencies, design studios, nonprofit organizations, marketing firms, publishing companies, museums, and academic institutions. Some SVA alumni have even launched their own start-ups, studios, and design firms.

The Design MFA at School of Visual Arts requires 60 credit hours. The curriculum emphasizes leadership and entrepreneurship, so students will explore areas such as advertising, business, networking, ethnography, promotion, marketing, intellectual property, research, publicity, and networking. The curriculum also explores branding, user experience, art book publishing, motion graphics, video, digital publishing, interaction, and new media directing.

Course examples for the program include Can Design Touch Someone’s Heart?; Design and Branding; The Joy of User Experience; Paul Rand Lecture Series; Intellectual Property and the Law; Logic and Type; Designing a Business; Telling Stories; Seminars I-II; Design in Context; Type for Masters; Design Decisions; and Interaction Aesthetics: Designing Digital Products for the 21st Century.

During the final year of the Design MFA program at SVA, students will complete a thesis across five courses. The final three courses highlight production; pitch and presentation; and the thesis video and media launch.

Graduates of the MFA Design programs at SVA have gone on to launch more than 50 design studios around the world. Some program alumni have become partners in businesses and individual projects, while others work for corporations and non-profit organizations.

School of Visual Arts opened in 1947 as the Cartoonists and Illustrators school. Classes began with just three teachers and 35 students. Today, SVA serves approximately 3,440 students enrolled in dozens of BFA, MA, MFA, and MPS programs. School of Visual Arts is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), with individual program accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).

ArtCenter College of Design (ArtCenter) houses a social innovation department known as Designmatters. Through this department, the school became the first design institution to be formally affiliated with the United Nations as a non-governmental organization (NGO). ArtCenter also houses the Graphic Design Department, that provides opportunities to study abroad in Berlin at the school’s satellite studio—ArtCenter Berlin. Organized like a creative agency, the studio highlights department led initiatives and transdisciplinary projects; sponsored studios and collaborations; and industry partnerships.

Within the department are two programs: the BFA in Graphic Design (Gx) and the MFA (MGx). Minors in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, and Product Design are also available through the Designmatters program, which combines immersive, real-world studios with humanities, sciences, and studio courses.

ArtCenter Gx BFA requires 132 units. The program explores both traditional and emerging media such as books, coding, press kits, apps, 3D motion graphics, packaging, and film, books. The curriculum is hands-on with courses taught by professors with expertise in visual interaction, print, transmedia design, motion, and packaging. Course examples for the program include Narrative Imaging; Communication Design 4: Identity Systems; Transdisciplinary Studio; Communication Design 5: Transmedia; Motion Design; Intro to Transmedia 1; Graphic Design History 1-2; Package Design 1: Design Principles; Visual Interaction Design 1: Intro to UI; Information Design; and Business and Professional Practice.

Throughout the program, ArtCenter Gx BFA students will complete projects in state-of-the-art facilities such as Hoffmitz Milken Center for Typography and Archetype Press. Students will have opportunities to collaborate with subject experts, work on real-world digital campaigns, and create and distribute materials for ArtCenter partners such as Nike, Cedars-Sinai Research Centers, Adobe, and Homeboy Industries. Students will also have the opportunity to develop their own entrepreneurial branding.

During the final term of the ArtCenter Gx BFA, students will complete the Portfolio and Career Preparation course.

The ArtCenter College of Design MGx program has both two-year and three-year options. The two-year option consists of 75 units completed across four full terms, plus one ArtCenter Lite (ACL) summer term. During the ACL, students will have the option to complete a design internship, studio independent study, or Testlab Berlin. Options are worth six credits each. All two-year students will also complete the Graduate Forum course, worth three credits.

Consisting of 86 units, the three-year MGx option is for students who need to develop additional design skills in order to be successful in the graduate program. This option consists of two additional terms. Upon successful completion of both terms, students may be admitted to the traditional graduate track.

Course examples across options include Digital Basics: LinkedIn Learning 1.0; Graduate Project Writing; Design Research/Strategy; Graduate Visual Interaction Design; Graduate Typography 3; Grad Studio Materials Lab; and Professional Leadership. MGx students will complete a Portfolio Lab, and a thesis project to graduate.

Students in all ArtCenter College of Design programs have the opportunity to intern, network, and interview with major companies and studios such as Amazon, Walt Disney Imagineering, Nike, Google, Blizzard Entertainment, IBM, Apple, Microsoft, Ford, Riot Games, Mattel, Warner Bros., BMW, DreamWorks, Meta, Netflix, Honda, and Chronicle Books.

ArtCenter Graphic Design alumni go on to establish careers in areas such as branding and corporate identity, visual interaction design, broadcast graphics, transmedia design, information architecture, printing and poster design, web design and development, app design, motion graphics, film title design, production management, package design, art direction, publication design, environmental graphic design, and exhibition design.

Many ArtCenter College of Design graduates have been hired at places such as Google, Meta, and IDEO. Some program alumni have also been hired to work with Local Projects—an exhibition and media design firm for public spaces and museums.

ArtCenter College of Design serves approximately 2,385 students from more than 50 countries. Founded in 1930, the school has campuses in Pasadena and Los Angeles, California, along with satellite studios in Petersen Automotive Museum (Miracle Mile, Los Angeles) and Berlin, Germany. ArtCenter provides 11 undergraduate programs; 10 graduate degree programs leading to an MFA or MS; a joint MS/MBA program; and undergraduate minors for Business, Creative Writing, and Social Innovation students.

ArtCenter College of Design is fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Yale University (Yale) is home to the School of Art (SoA). Within the school is an Art major for students enrolled in Yale College, and MFA degrees in Graphic Design, Photography, Painting and Printmaking, and Sculpture. Across programs, students have the option to enroll in elective courses in other professional schools across the university.

Other Yale SoA features include visiting professionals that take part in lectures and critiques; free evening events hosted by faculty members and visiting artists; and two galleries—Green Hall and 32 Edgewood Gallery. Both galleries are open year-round with frequent exhibitions by students, faculty, and special guests.

The Graphic Design MFA program at Yale University accepts just 12 students each year and up to six students into the preliminary-year program. This option is ideal for students with experience in an area outside of design. Consisting of 60 credit hours, the MFA consists of workshops, lectures, exhibitions, and presentations. Students also benefit from immersive studio work; individual sessions with editing and writing tutors; group thesis meetings; and access to more than 2,000 courses each year.

Examples of required courses for the program include Interactive Design and the Internet: Software for People; Critical and Professional Practice; Advanced Graphic Design: Ad Hoc Series and Systems; First-Year Graduate Studio: Graphic Design; Second-Year Graduate Studio: Graphic Design; Writing as Visual Practice; and Degree Presentation in Graphic Design.

All MFA students benefit from designated workspaces in the design studio loft; access to motion capture and VR tools at the Center for Collaborative Arts and Media; unlimited access to equipment such as the RISO Digital Duplicator, Vandercook presses, bookbinding materials, and wide format printers; opportunities to attend conferences and film festivals; and access to Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library; and

The Yale SoA Graphic Design MFA culminates with the completion of a thesis and a professional portfolio. The program takes two years to complete, full-time. Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles at advertising agencies, print and online publishing companies, public relations firms, computer systems design companies, design firms, web design studios, manufacturing companies, and marketing firms.

Established in 1701, Yale University is one of the oldest institutes of higher learning in the U.S. A member of the Ivy League, the school houses approximately 15,080 students served by more than 10,500 staff members. Eighty majors are provided across more than 100 departments and schools including Yale College, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and Yale Professional Schools—including the School Art (SoA).

Established in 1869, Yale SoA was the nation’s first art school connected with an institution of higher learning. The school serves more than 100 students enrolled in five programs. As part of Yale University, the School of Art is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is home to the School of Art. Within the school is a Graphic Design program that focuses on small critique-based courses that encourage collaboration, discussions, and debates. Led by industry professionals with years of experience, courses and projects take place in residence in communal studios with 24-hour access. Students also have unlimited access to state-of-the-art facilities and labs; the opportunity to work with faculty mentors throughout the program; study abroad opportunities; and the option to complete an internship with a major design firm or studio.

The Graphic Design program at CalArts provides two degree options: the BFA or MFA. The BFA curriculum explores all areas of graphic design through a combination of core courses, required courses, and electives. Courses are delivered as lectures, studios, labs, and technical workshops. Course examples include Graphic Design I-IV (Lecture); Skills for Visualization; Graphic Design I-IV (Studio); Intro to VR Workshop; Typography I-III; Digital Design LAB I-II; and Professional Practice for Graphic Design.

To enhance the degree, BFA students may add the Digital Arts minor, which consists of 18 units of study. Students in the minor may explore areas digital bookmaking/InDesign; programming; CG art and animation; mapping techniques; advanced web design; filmmaking; and sound design.

In the final year of the Graphic Design BFA program at California Institute of the Arts, students will complete Professional Practice for Graphic Design, a final project, and a professional portfolio.

The Graphic Design MFA at CalArts has an Integrated Media (IM) concentration, which combines IM critiques and seminars with specialized coursework and elective courses across the Institute. Course examples for the program include Graphic Design Theory; Visual Literacy; and Typographics IA-IB.

MFA students will also participate in two MFA Graphic Design Practicum workshops; Graduate Seminar I-II (Lecture); and Graduate Seminar I-II (Studio).

Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at CalArts are prepared to pursue positions at design studios, advertising agencies, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, government agencies, museums, and in-house design departments across industries. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Google, ArtCenter College of Design (ArtCenter), Walt Disney Imagineering, Whitney Museum of Art, Meta, North Carolina State University College of Design, Evernote, M+ Works, Kookmin University (Seoul South Korea), Museum of Arts and Design, SMOG Design, and California College of the Arts (CCA).

Walt and Roy Disney formed California Institute of the Arts in 1961 through a merger of the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music and the Chouinard Art Institute. Today, CalArts serves 1,440 students enrolled in more than 70 degree programs across six schools. California Institute of the Arts also houses the Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater (REDCAT), located in downtown LA, and the Community Arts Partnership (CAP) with community organizations and public schools across LA County.

California Institute of the Arts is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The school is also an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD).

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has a Graphic Design program that provides the opportunity to collaborate with Fortune 500 companies such as Disney and BMW through the university’s in-house design studio SCADpro. Graphic Design students also have opportunities to study abroad for a quarter at SCAD’s Lacoste, France campus. During this experience students will take field trips to historic sites and museums, interact with visiting artists, and exhibit their work at a local gallery or museum.

Each year, Savannah College of Art and Design welcomes visiting artists and other professionals that provide workshops, panel discussions, master classes, and individual critiques. Examples of recent guests include Google's UX visual design team, Coca-Cola senior creative director Henry Kim, FontLab CEO Thomas Phinney, Grammy Award-winning graphic designer Stefan Sagmeister, and Pentagram partner DJ Stout.

The Graphic Design program at Savannah College of Art and Design provides four degree options: the BA and BFA in Graphic Design, and the MA and MFA in Graphic Design and Visual Experience. All options are available at the Savannah and Atlanta, Georgia campuses and through SCADnow Online. A Graphic Design Minor is also available at both U.S. campuses and online.

Across all programs, students benefit from courses taught by industry professionals from companies such as Google, Hasbro, and Airbnb; access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities; mentoring by top professionals in the design industry; and access to events such as SCADstyle, which attracts the biggest names in global art, modern design, and fashion.

All SCAD Graphic Design options offer the opportunity to add a minor to enhance the degree. Examples include Advertising Copywriting; Mobile and Interactive Design; User Experience Design; and Advertising and Branding. Students may also add the Digital Publishing Certificate. Undergraduates may choose up to 20 hours of electives, which provides additional opportunities to develop skills in multiple areas of art and design.

Course examples across the BA and BFA programs include Digital Communication; Visual Design Systems; Typography I: Anatomy, Form, and Purpose; The Evolution of Graphic Design; Typography II: Brand Direction and Activation; Studio I: Production and Technique; Studio II: Language, Expression, Media; Speaking of Ideas; Typography III: Type Design and Implementation; Studio III: Discovery, Innovation, and The Human Experience; and Graphic Design Professional Portfolio.

MA students will take courses such as Design Research, Analysis, and Discourse; Typographic Voice and Visual Narrative; Methods of Contextual Research; Visual Analysis of Static Content; and Methods of Contextual Research. MFA students will complete the same courses listed above, as well as Curated Narrative for Dynamic Content; Experience Design for Physical Spaces; User-centered Strategy and Process; and Visual Design for Interactive Contexts.

MFA students will also compete the required graduate internship and three thesis courses including Graphic Design and Visual Experience MFA Thesis I: Research and Discovery; Graphic Design and Visual Experience MFA Thesis II: Synthesis and Insight; and Graphic Design and Visual Experience MFA Thesis III: Validation and Execution.

BA, BFA, and MA students have the option to complete an internship at a local, regional, national, or global company.

Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at Savannah College of Art and Design are prepared to pursue titles such as Art Director, UX/UI Designer, Graphic Designer, Brand Designer, Mobile App Designer, Publication Designer, Digital Designer, Creative Director, and Interactive Designer.

Program alumni have been hired at places such as Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, Disney, Google, Riot Games, IBM, Ralph Lauren, Apple, Verizon, Meta, Under Armour, Live Nation, Airbnb, Hulu, Reddit, and Hulu. SCAD alumni have gone on to launch their own design studios, while others have established successful freelance careers.

Savannah College of Art and Design has more degree programs and specializations than any other art and design college in the U.S. In 1979, the school opened in the renovated Savannah Volunteer Guards Armory with just one classroom, an administration building, and 71 students. Today, SCAD serves more than 17,500 students across campuses in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia; Lacoste, France; and SCADNow.

SCAD students come from all 50 states and more than 120 countries. Programs include 100+ degrees and more than 75 minors and certificates. Savannah College of Art and Design is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), and the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB).

The Communication Design BFA at The New School’s Parsons School of Design (Parsons) is the oldest program of its kind in the U.S. Housed within Parsons School of Art, Media, and Technology (AMT), the program is also STEM-designated. Consisting of 120 credits, the BFA requires courses such as Drawing/Imaging; Time; and Space/Materiality. Other courses include Objects as History; Typography Lab; Design Studies; and Interaction Lab. The Parsons Communication Design BFA is provided on-campus (full-time), and it takes four years to complete.

The Communication Design program at Parsons has additional undergraduate option for students seeking a shorter degree program. The campus-based, 60 credit hour AAS program has both full- and part-time schedules. Course examples include Typography and Interaction; Design History and Practice; and Professional Practices and Portfolio. The Communication Design AAS program can be completed in just two years (full-time).

For students seeking an even shorter program, the Division of Continuing and Professional Education at Parsons has a Graphic and Digital Design certificate that consists of eight courses. Required courses include Introduction to Graphic Design; Color Theory; Graphic Design History; Digital Graphics with Illustrator I; and Digital Imaging Workshop. The remaining courses can be selected from elective options.

Examples include Graphic Design 2; Print Production in a Digital World; Animation Fundamentals; 3D Modeling; Adobe InDesign; Digital Layout: and Graphic Design Portfolio. Students typically complete the Graphic and Digital Design certificate in just 18 months.

At the graduate level, Parsons School of Design has a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Communication Design with a concentration in Digital Product Design. This specialized, STEM-designated program emphasizes teamwork strategies and collaboration. Course examples include Typography and Interaction 1-2; Visual Culture Seminar; Major Studio 1-2; and Methods and Practices. Students can complete this 30 credit hour program in one year, full-time.

All Parsons School of Design students benefit from participation in AMT events; interactions with visiting artists and lecturers; interdisciplinary collaborations; internship opportunities in New York and other major cities; study abroad experiences in places such as Paris, London, and Florence; and access to a state-of-the-art Making Center. This facility houses 600 workstations along with equipment and tools for animation, 3D prototyping, printmaking, and motion capture.

Graduates of the Parsons School of Design AAS and BFA programs work in areas such as brand and editorial design, environmental and spatial graphics, type design, data visualization, digital product design, motion graphics, UX/UI design, and exhibition design.

Program alumni are employed at creative agencies, tech companies, publishing houses, digital design firms, start-ups, cultural institutions such as MoMA, and publications such as the New York Times .

Graduates of the Parsons MPS program have gone on to pursue additional advanced studies in areas such as Human-Computer-Interaction (HCI). Others are Interaction Designers, Product Managers, Digital Product Designers, Creative Directors, and Entrepreneurs.

The New School was founded in 1919. Parsons School of Design was established as The Chase School in 1896 by American Impressionist William Merritt Chase. In 1904 Frank Alvah Parsons joined the school, eventually becoming its sole director. The Chase School became Parsons in 1941, and joined The New School in 1970. Today, The New School serves 10,000 students, with more than 5,000 enrolled in Parsons School of Design.

The New School provides more than 120 degree and diploma programs across six colleges and schools, including Parsons Paris. The New School is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), with Parsons School of Design included within the scope of MSCHE accreditation.

Established in 2014, the School of Design (SoD) at Pratt Institute (Pratt) houses the Communications Design BFA and MFA programs; the Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Graphic Design program; the Graphic Design/Illustration AAS; and a STEM-designated Packaging, Identities and Systems Design MS.

All SoD programs provide access to the Design studio—a creative space and community for collaboration and design exploration; access to hands-on, immersive maker spaces and production labs; internship opportunities at a field related professional site; and participation in more than 20 study abroad experiences such as faculty led summer excursions, fall and spring break travel, and custom semester programs. Tokyo, Florence, Copenhagen, London, Berlin, Glasgow, and Milan are just a few past destinations.

The Communications Design BFA at Pratt Institute has an emphasis in Graphic Design. Consisting of 126 credit hours, this interdisciplinary program features upper-level studio courses in areas such as branding, media and platforms, inclusivity, visual systems, interactivity, experience design, motion, and sustainability. All students will have opportunities to explore experimentation, creative coding, independent publishing, user experience, and design writing through electives.

Course examples for the program include Visualization/Representation; Light Color Design Studio; Process and Production; Typography and Information Design; Branding and Messaging; History of Graphic Design and Illustration; Graphic Design Intensive; 1-3; and Digital Prototyping. The Communication Design BFA at Pratt Institute culminates with the Professional Practice course and Graphic Design Senior Thesis Project.

The Graphic Design AOS and Graphic Design/Illustration AAS programs allow students to begin creating from day one as each option eliminates general education courses. Designed for high school graduates and adults with or without a degree, the AOS is an intensive, career-track program that features internship opportunities; courses led by industry professionals; and internships across industries at places such as Marvel Studios and The Painting Center.

Course examples for this 66 credit hour program include Graphic Design I-II; UI/UX Interactive Media I-II; Digital Design; Typography I-III; and Advertising Design I-II. In just two years, AOS students will graduate with a professional portfolio of their best work. Program alumni are prepared to pursue immediate employment in areas such as publishing, interactive media, advertising, package design, marketing, web design, illustration, brand design, and UI/UX design.

The AAS in Graphic Design/Illustration at Pratt Institute is a 64 credit hour program that prepares students for transfer into the Communications Design BFA, the Fine Arts Department at Pratt Institute, or any other related school or program at Pratt. The AAS combines advanced art and design coursework with liberal studies. Course examples include Drawing I-II; UI/UX Interactive Media; Pre-Press and Print Production; Illustration I-II; Digital Media; Communication Design I-II; and Themes in Art and Culture I-II.

The Communications Design MFA at Pratt Institute consists of 60 credit hours completed over two years. Taught by renowned professionals in the field, courses for the program include (but are not limited to) Graduate Studio: Visual Language A and B; Design Writing; Graduate Studio: Technology A and B; Origins of Contemporary Communication Design; Graduate Studio: Transformation Design A and B; and Cross-Disciplinary Studio.

Students in this graduate program will attend seminars, and complete a thesis project and exhibition across five courses. Graduates are prepared for academic careers, and leadership positions in areas such as print and digital media, data visualization, user experience design, identity systems and branding, environmental design, typography, information design, social media, design strategy, and interaction design.

First offered in 1966, the Packaging, Identities and Systems Design MS program at Pratt Institute consists of 48 credit hours, completed over two years. Course examples include Design Ethics and Practice; Packaging Design I-II; Origins of Contemporary Communication Design; Packaging and the Retail Space; Design Management; Prototyping and Production; Cross-Platform Design; and Sustainability and Design.

The Packaging, Identities and Systems Design MS program culminates with a Capstone Project that results in a professional body of work.

Graduates of the creative programs at Pratt Institute have been hired at major companies, studios, and organizations such as Apple, Google, Ogilvy, HBO, Penguin Random House, DreamWorks Animation, Hasbro, IBM, Warner Music Group, Peacock, Carhartt, Inc., Dior, RGA, Gensler, Memorial Sloan Kettering, NYC Department of Transportation, Perkins Eastman, Wolff-Olins, Partners & Partners (P&P), HOK Group, and 2x4.

Founded in 1887, Pratt Institute was one of the nation’s first colleges to welcome students without regard to color, gender, or class. With 1,200 dedicated faculty, the school serves approximately 5,140 students across campuses in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Utica, New York. Around 48 programs are provided across six schools and The Center for Interdisciplinary Studies. Pratt Institute is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

The College of Fine Arts at the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) houses the School of Design and Creative Technologies. Within the School is the Design Department. Housed in the Doty Fine Arts Building (DFA) and the Art Building (ART), the Design Department provides BA, BFA, and MFA programs in Design.

For students seeking a shorter program, the Center for Professional Education at UT Austin has a three-month Graphic Design certificate program that may be completed 100% online. Over 13 sessions, certificate students will master industry software such as Illustrator, After Effects, InDesign, and Photoshop. The program also explores design practices and the production of static and motion graphic designs.

All UT Austin Design students benefit from dedicated studio spaces and fabrication labs; courses taught by industry professionals; and opportunities to engage in experiential learning through the school’s internship and study abroad programs. Students may also take courses through The Center for Integrated Design (The Center), which has partnerships with companies and organizations such as IBM, McKinsey & Company, the Austin Arts Commission, Logitech, the Office of Sustainability, Planet Texas 2050, EcoRise, and agrodesign.

At all degree levels, design students will explore graphic, industrial, and interaction design. All coursework is project-based and industry-oriented, with the opportunity to create a specialization by selecting courses from formal five areas. This includes Graphic Design, Design History, Interaction Design, Design Research, and Industrial Design.

The Design BA at UT Austin combines liberal arts coursework with project-based courses in design techniques, aesthetics, history, theory, and research methods. While students in this program will take fewer courses than BFA students, they will have the opportunity to explore other areas in additional departments across the university.

Course examples for this 120 credit hour program include Introduction to 2D and 3D; Typography; Interaction Design; Sketching; Design Research and Images in Communication; and History of Design. The Design BFA is a pre-professional degree consisting of 120 credit hours. Around two-thirds of the courses for this program are in design and related coursework. Course examples include Identity Systems; Design and Social Environment; Typography I-III; and Industrial Design. Students will also complete one or more paid internships at places such as Apple, EA Games, Google, IBM, Dell, and Samsung.

The Design BFA program at UT Austin culminates with capstone design project that will be presented in UT Austin’s Annual Public Exhibition.

The Design MFA at University of Texas at Austin is a 60 credit hour program designed for students with professional design skills. The curriculum for the program consists of the design core, design studios, electives, and thesis studios. Course examples for the program include Design in Context; Design Pedagogy and Instruction; User Research; Design Documentation and Storytelling; Topics in Interaction Design Studio; Service and Systems Design; Visiting Designer Studio; and Fieldwork in Design.

All Design MFA students have 24/7 access to shared studio spaces; design, materials, digital fabrication, and computer labs; the Wood Shop; a Visual Arts Center; The Foundry; a Fine Arts Library; and the Harry Ransom Center. The program culminates with the thesis project that will be presented at the MFA Exhibition.

Graduates of the Design programs at UT Austin are Graphic Designers, Project Managers, Book Designers, Design Strategists, UI/UX Designers, Interaction Designers, Product Designers, Brand Designers, Visual Designers, Creative Directors, Industrial Designers, Freelance Designers, and Entrepreneurs.

Program alumni have been hired by major companies, organizations, and studios such as Walt Disney Imagineering, Razorfish, Deloitte, Meta, The New York Times, H-E-B Digital, Publicis Sapient, Serenity Forge, Droga5, Double A Labs, Gensler, and frog design (part of Capgemini Invent).

Founded in 1883, University of Texas at Austin serves approximately 51,915 students, making it one of the largest universities in Texas. UT Austin provides more than 155 undergraduate degree programs with 170+ fields of study; 139 graduate degree programs; and nearly 100 doctoral programs across 19 colleges and schools. University of Texas at Austin is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The Graphic and Experience Design (GXD) program at North Carolina State University (NC State University) is one of less than 350 programs accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The program is also recognized by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA).

Housed in the College of Design’s Department of Graphic and Industrial Design, the program has options at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Degrees include the Bachelor of Graphic and Experience Design (BGXD) and Master of Graphic and Experience Design (MGXD). The MGXD is one of the few graphic design graduate programs in the U.S. with STEM Classification (CIP).

The undergraduate Graphic and Experience Design program at NC State consists of 120 credit hours. Students in the project-based program will take specialized courses such as Image and Tech Tinkering; Branding, Interaction, and Service Design; Typography and Technology; Designing for Settings, People, and Use; Information and Publishing Design Systems; and Typographic Language, Writing, and Reading. BGXD students will also complete a graphic and experience design practicum studio; three advanced graphic and experience design studios; and design electives that focus on individual interests.

Other BGXD program features include the opportunity to study abroad for a semester or summer at the NC State Prague Institute, Greece, or other study abroad locations; professional paid internships at major design firms; and participation in sponsored studios as part of the GXD curriculum. Examples of past sponsors include Coca Cola, The National Civil Rights Museum, Hanes, Bosch, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, John Deere, Under Armour, Lowe’s, Caterpillar, BD Medical, and SAS.

Graduates of BGXD program at North Carolina State University are prepared to pursue positions across industries. Program alumni have been hired at design firms and technology companies such as Lenovo, IDEO, R/GA, IBM, Red Hat, SAS, Pentagram, IQVIA, Willowtree, and Citrix.

The graduate Graphic and Experience Design program at NC State has two-year and three-year options. Both lead to a terminal degree, equivalent to the MFA, which qualifies graduates to pursue leadership roles across industries, teach at the university level, or pursue a Design PhD.

The two-year program (MGXD II) is designed for students with a graphic design BFA (or equivalent) and experience in visual communication, design, interaction design, or related field. The three-year program (MGXD III) is for students who have earned a BA in another field or a Graphic Design concentration.

All MGXD students will participate in studios and seminars such as MGXD Studio I-III; Theoretical Frameworks in Design Seminar; Advanced Graphic Design Studio; Tech Tinkering Seminar; and Design Research Methods Seminar. Electives allow students to enhance the degree. Elective examples for the MGXD II pathway include Environmental Communication; Film Production; Advanced Technical Writing and Education; Enterprise Design Thinking with Emerging Tech for Social Good (w/IBM); and Cognitive Processes.

Elective examples for the MGXD III pathway include Responsible AI and Society; Graphic Design History; Typography I-II; Special Topics in Social Innovation; and Enterprise Design Thinking with Emerging Tech for Social Good (w/IBM). Across pathways, students will have opportunities to take additional electives at affiliate universities such as Duke and UNC Chapel Hill.

In addition, MGXD students will have opportunities to work on collaborative projects and research with major companies and institutes such as IBM, NC State Laboratory for Analytic Sciences, Red Hat Software, SAS, and the Institute of Emerging Issues.

For their final graduate projects, MGXD students will research an area of focus, record conclusions, design studies and mock-ups, and present the project to the public.

Graduates of the Master of Graphic and Experience Design program at North Carolina State University have gone on to establish successful careers at consulting firms, software companies, and universities. Examples include Adobe, Carnegie Mellon University, IDEO, University of Michigan, Lenovo, Pratt Institute, IBM, University of Washington, Red Hat Software, and Accenture.

North Carolina State University employs more than 10,000 faculty and staff that serve approximately 38,440 students. This makes NC State the largest university in the University of North Carolina System and one of the largest employers in the state. Established in 1887 as a land-grant institution focusing in agriculture and engineering, NC State provides more than 250 degree programs across 11 colleges, 68 departments, and The Graduate School. North Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) provides several paths to study graphic design. At the undergraduate level, students can earn a Graphic Design BFA. At the graduate level, MICA has MA (GDMA) and MFA (GD MFA) degrees in Graphic Design.

The Graphic Design BFA begins with the First Year Experience (FYE). A requirement for all undergraduates, the FYE allows students to explore various MICA’s programs and build foundation-level art and design skills. The FYE is also designed to prepare students for upper-level study within the school’s Undergraduate Studies (UGS) programs. FYE courses include Ways of Writing; Form I-II; Color Design (2D); Drawing (Fundamentals); Fabrication (3D); Modernisms; and New Media (4D) and Fabrication (3D).

After completing the FYS, students will move into the major, where they will have the opportunity to customize an area of specialization through electives and thesis projects in environmental graphic design, branding, UI/UX design, motion graphics, advertising, product design, package design, visual design, and font design. To enhance the degree, BFA students may also choose a minor from more than 20 options or focus in an additional area.

Minor examples include Illustration, Animation, Sequential Art, Printmaking, Interactive Arts, Creative Entrepreneurship, Photography, Film and Video, Game Design, and Sustainability and Social Practice.

Courses for the program are led by 25 faculty from all areas of design. Major course examples include Advanced Design I-II; Graphic Design I-IV; Flexible Design Studio; Typography I-II; and Senior Seminar. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to pursue positions in fields such as publishing, UI/UX design, advertising, marketing, entertainment, public relations, retail, app design, multimedia, architecture, and social media.

The graduate programs at Maryland Institute of College and Art serve more than 300 students from nearly every state and 20 countries. Housed in a loft-style studio space with dedicated computers and workspaces, the 60 credit hour Graphic Design MA prepares students for career advancement or entry into a MICA GD MFA program. Course examples include Design Theory and Practice; Transmedia Type Lab; Typography Intensive; and Graphic Design MA Studio I-II.

Program features include courses taught by industry professionals; participation in seminars; internship opportunities; and the GDMA Workshop. This three credit hour workshop provides the opportunity to create and exhibit a self-directed design project and professional portfolio.

Also consisting of 60 credit hours, the GD MFA program at MICA features studio courses, seminars, and independent work. Elective options in print, digital media, and video allow students to create an area of specialization. Course examples include Advanced Publication Design; Visiting Designers I-II; Design Studio I-IV; Visiting Thesis Critics; and Thesis Writing.

The graduate Graphic Design programs at MICA can be completed in two years, full-time. Graduates are prepared for leadership roles across industries. MICA alumni have been hired at places such as Google, Adobe, Morehouse College, Netflix, and Under Armour. Program alumni have also presented their work at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA), The Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian), and The Whitney Museum of American Art (The Whitney).

Founded in 1826, Maryland Institute College of Art is the nation’s oldest independent, continuously degree-granting college of art and design. The school serves nearly 3,500 undergraduate, graduate, and open studies students from 49 states and 52 countries. Programs at MICA lead to a BFA, MA, MFA, MBA, MPS degree, or post-baccalaureate certificate. Maryland Institute College of Art is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is home to the College of Fine Arts (CFA), which houses the School of Design. Within the school is a four-year Bachelor of Design (BDes) program. Equivalent to the BFA, the program has with three tracks: Communications (Graphic Design); Products (Industrial Design); and Environments (Physical and Digital). BDes students have the option to focus in one or all three areas or pursue a focus that combines two of the three tracks.

Other program features include access to collaborative dedicated studio spaces; the opportunity to work in multidisciplinary teams in the areas of Design for Service (Sv) and/or Design for Social Innovation (Si); participation in Confluence—a career event that attracts more than 70 major companies; and study abroad opportunities in places such as Paris, London, Korea, the Netherlands, Milan, Hong Kong, and New Zealand.

Graduates of the CMU BDes program have worked on a number of major projects including the Starbucks logo; the Pinterest interface design; typefaces for The Guardian ; and the title sequence of the Spiderman movie.

The School of Design at Carnegie Mellon University has several other options for undergraduate students seeking a degree or program that combines liberal arts and design with interdisciplinary studies across pathways. The most notable option is the interdisciplinary BXA. The curriculum for this program combines components of the CMU Bachelor of Humanities and Arts (BHA), Bachelor of Science and Arts (BSA), and the Bachelor of Computer Science and Arts (BCSA).

BXA students may add a Design concentration, which consists of 98 units of required courses and 10 units of design electives. Course examples include Studio I: Form and Context; Collaborative Visualizing; Design Lab; Design Studies: Systems; and Prototyping Lab. BXA graduates go on to work in areas such as user research, strategic planning, and information systems analysis.

Another option is the Design minor. Consisting of 54 units (including 27 units of design electives), this program is open to students who would like to focus in design within another major. Course examples for the program include Design for Interactions for Products; Human Experience in Design; and Design for Interactions for Communications.

Finally, Carnegie Mellon University provides an Integrative Design, Arts, and Technology (IDeATe) program that allows students to add a concentration in an area such as Media Design, Design for Learning, Sonic Arts, Immersive Technologies in Arts and Culture, or Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Graduate programs for designers include a one-year Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Design, a two-year MDes in Design, and a Transition Design PhD. The CMU Design graduate programs are interdisciplinary with hands-on exposure to design, thinking, and skill processes.

Across programs, graduate students will take seminar and studio courses such as Communication Design Studio: Theory and Practice; Framing Proposals for Change; Experiential Futures; Design Writing Workshop; Studio + Lab: Designing for Interactions; Seminar: Advanced Interaction and Service Design Concepts; Design Research Methods; Seminar: Interaction and Service Design Concepts; Studio: Research Based Design for Interactions; and Transition Design.

The culminating experience for the MDes program is the thesis completed across four courses. MPS students may complete a colloquium for their culminating experience. During years two and three, PhD students will complete Research I, II, III, and IV. During the final year of the program, across two courses, PhD students will assemble a 60,000- to 80,000-word dissertation or a body of written and practical work consisting of 40,000 to 60,000 words.

Graduates of the Design programs at Carnegie Mellon University are prepared to pursue leadership roles across industries. Program alumni have been hired at major companies, firms, and organizations such as Microsoft, Google, Apple, Mayo Clinic, IDEO, Whirlpool, R/GA, the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Volkswagen/Audi, Skype, Motorola, Pinterest, Meta, and global creative agency Isobar.

Founded in 1900 by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, Carnegie Mellon University began as Carnegie Technical Schools. Today, the school serves more than 14,500 students from 100+ countries with access to over 200 programs across seven colleges and schools. This private, global research university also has more than a dozen degree-granting locations, along with 20+ research partnerships in Silicon Valley, Australia, Africa, and Qatar. Carnegie Mellon University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has three pathways to study Graphic Design. Housed in the Visual Communication Design (VCD) Department are the Studio BFA with a VCD focus, and a flexible Studio MFA that allows students to design their own plan of study. The Continuing Studies Department has a Graphic Design certificate consisting of courses such as Introduction to Graphic Design; Color Theory; and Digital Design: Adobe Photoshop.

All students benefit from the courses taught by practicing designers; technical advising; and the VCD Departments visiting designer lecture series Exploratory Languages . This annual event features some of the world’s foremost designers and design educators.

The Studio BFA with a VCD focus explores environments, objects and print (physical media) and interactive and time-based media (virtual media). Course examples for the program include Environmental Graphics; Packaging Design; Letterpress Printing and Book Binding; Motion Graphics Design; Offset Printing/Digital Printing; Sustainable Design; Interaction Design/Interface Design; Publication Design; Book Design; Font/Typography Design; Symbol Design; Website Design/Cross-Platform Design; Exhibition Design; and Identity Design/Strategic Design.

In addition to a variety of course options, VCD BFA students have the opportunity to complete a Career and Professional Experience (CAPX) internship, and participate in the Fall or Spring Exhibition. Students may also participate in the department’s year-end Visual Communication Design Show.

Graduates of the SAIC VCD program at SAIC will enter the market with a professional portfolio of their best work. Program alumni while our alumni are Designers and Educators at major institutions and studios across the U.S. and abroad.

The 60 credit hour Studio MFA is an interdisciplinary program that allows students to explore other SAIC departments such as Film, Video, New Media, and Animation (FVNMA); Designed Objects; Intermedia; Writing; Architecture; Photography; and Interior Architecture. Course examples for the program include Type and Image in Motion; Advanced Typography; Package Design; Letterpress Bookworks; Electronic Publications; Image Studio; 4D Design: Manipulating Media; and Envisioning Information.

A major component of the SAIC Studio MFA is the opportunity to complete a graduate project every semester. MFA students will work one-on-one with artists, writers, and other academics from different SAIC departments. Graduate seminars, such as Form-Configuration-Content and Narrative Architectures, are also part of the program. Successful completion of a thesis is required to graduate.

Students in all SAIC Design programs may join the VCD AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) Chapter, which hosts local visiting designers, the annual Town Hall AIGA event, a biannual portfolio preparation seminar, and tours of Chicago studios. The VCD Department also offers the opportunity for students to participate in juror-led student workshops, and jurors’ lectures through the Chicago International Poster Biennial (CIPB).

Graduates of the MFA programs at School of the Art Institute of Chicago are employed at museums, advertising agencies, marketing firms, non-profit organizations, and major companies and studios across the U.S. and around the world.

Founded in 1866 by a group of 35 artists, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago is one of the nation’s oldest accredited independent schools of art and design. Serving approximately 3,100 students from around the globe, SAIC provides more than 50 areas of study across 24 academic departments. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University (ASU) houses six schools, more than 8,000 students, 125+ degree programs led by 750 faculty and associates, and one of the region’s leading contemporary museums—ASU Art Museum. Within the Herberger Institute is The Design School, which houses the Graphic Design program.

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the program consists of a Bachelor of Science in Design (BSD); a Master of Science in Design (MSD) with a concentration in Visual Communication Design (VCD MSD); and a Master of Visual Communication Design (MVCD).

Delivered at ASU’s Tempe campus and through ASU Online, the Graphic Design BSD is a studio and lecture-based program that emphasizes collaborative teams and professional projects in areas such as branding, publication design, interface design, animation, information design, motion graphics, web design, interaction design, and sensorial design.

Course examples for this 120 credit hour program include Regenerative Graphic Design; Sustainability; Communication/Interaction Design Theory; Advanced Interaction Design; Visual Communication Design I-VI; Motion Graphics and Interaction Design Advanced Media; Technology for Design I-II; Letterform; Typography; Exhibit Design; Graphic Design History I-II; American Institutions; and Design Drawing.

The Graphic Design BSD at Arizona State University culminates with a final project and a professional portfolio of the students best work. Graduates are prepared to pursue positions in areas such as advertising and marketing design; publication design; information design; brand and corporate identity design; broadcast design (TV graphics); web design; interaction and interface design; VCD; and museum or exhibition design.

Delivered in-person at the ASU Tempe campus, the VCD MSD consists of 36 credit hours of study completed over four semesters (two years). In addition to interactions with visiting designers and an internship in teaching design, VCD MSD students will take courses and seminars such as Methods in Visual Communication I-II; VCD Seminar: Contemporary Issues; Qualitative Research in Design; and Research Methods.

To graduate, students will have the option to complete a thesis or the applied project course. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles advanced design and other industries, as well as graphic design education or research.

The MVCD program at the ASU Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts explores areas such as interaction design, visualization, user experience design, prototyping, design for social innovation, visual research, service design, ideation, and participatory design.

Consisting of 42-43 credit hours, the MVCD program has two options. The two-year, studio-based degree is designed for professionals with design experience or a degree in VCD, graphic design or other related area. The three-year studio-based degree is designed for students without an undergraduate design degree or experience in VCD/graphic design.

Students in the two-year ASU MVCD program are encouraged to complete an internship, while three-year students are required to complete an internship. Internships take place during the summer after the first year, and they may be completed anywhere in the U.S. and around the world. Both options require successful completion of the culminating experience for the program—Advanced Visual Communication Design Studio IV. Students will earn five credits upon completion.

Graduates of the graduate Design programs at Arizona State University are prepared to pursue titles such as Senior Graphic Designer, Art Director, Visual Design Consultant, Creative Lead, Senior Visual Communication Designer, Media Collection Specialist, Managing Graphic Designer, Creative Director, UI/UX Designer, Instructional Designer, Package Designer, Brand Manager, Commercial and Industrial Designer, Senior Technologist, and Design Professor.

ASU Design alumni have been hired at major companies and organizations such as American Airlines, Google, Banner Health, UNICEF, and GoDaddy.

Arizona State University serves 145,655 students, making it one of the largest universities in the U.S. Founded in 1885 as the Arizona Territorial Normal School, ASU has four campuses that provide 800 fully accredited degree programs across 16 colleges and schools. Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Graphic Design Program at Ringling College of Art and Design (RCAD) has been around since 1980. Students can enroll in the program’s 120 credit hour BFA or the 15 credit hour minor. Students in the minor will select from courses such as Graphic Design I-II; New Media UI/UX; Design and Typography; Expressive Typography; New Media: Music Branding; and Special Topics: Wearable Messages.

Across programs, students benefit immersive, studio-based courses; interactions with visiting artists from major studios such as DreamWorks and creative agencies such as Push; the chance to submit work to the ADDY Awards; internships at top design studios; and the opportunity to work on real-world projects for local businesses at the school’s in-house design studio Ringling College Design Center.

Graphic Design BFA students will take a combination of required courses in general education and liberal arts; art and design history; first year community; the graphic design major; open electives; and graphic design electives. Elective examples include Word, Image and Book; Expressive Typography; Contemporary Topics in Graphic Design; Intro to Letterpress; Special Topics: Wearable Messages; and Design for Business.

In the major, students will take courses such as Graphic Design I-VI; New Media UI/UX; Visual Persuasion; Designing with Type I-II; Three Dimensional Problem Solving; and Design and Typography. First year community courses total 15 credit hours and include 2D Design I-II; Time Based Communication; and 3D Design I-II.

In the final course for the RCAD Graphic Design BFA—Portfolio (GDES 480)—students will develop interview, written communication, and job search skills; engage with guest speakers who will provide career insights; and create web-based and print portfolios that display the students best works and problem-solving abilities.

Graduates of the Ringling College of Art and Design Graphic Design BFA program are prepared to pursue roles across industries. RCAD alumni hold titles such as Director of Product Design, Interface Designer, Associate Creative Director, Graphic Apparel Designer, Brand Manager, Junior Art Director, Senior Graphic Designer, Designer and Illustrator, Senior Art Director, and Multimedia Designer.

Program alumni have worked with major companies, firms, and studios such as Microsoft, Walt Disney Imagineering, Google, Apple, Saatchi & Saatchi X, Ogilvy, BBC Studios, Nickelodeon, Netflix, Target, Wieden+Kennedy, Meta, Leo Burnett, GM, Instagram, Hallmark, Cartoon Network, LinkedIn, Spotify, Hasbro, Squarespace, DAZN, Arc Worldwide, Ethos, Spark, Blue Bottle Coffee, Hype, and Loyalkaspar. Some RCAD alumni have also gone on to launch their own design firms and freelance businesses.

Ringling College of Art and Design is a private, nonprofit college accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Founded in 1931 by Dr. Ludd M. Spivey (then president of Southern College) and circus baron John Ringling, RCAD serves approximately 1,700 students enrolled in 11 different majors leading to a BFA degree, two majors leading to a BA, and minor options in 10 areas.

The School of Art at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (Cooper Union) houses an Art BFA program that allows students to customize the curriculum by choosing courses across seven disciplines, elective options, and techniques classes. Disciplines include graphic design, drawing, printmaking, photography, audiovisual, painting, and sculpture.

All Art BFA students will complete the first year Foundation Program, which consist of courses in art history, visual art techniques, humanities, social sciences, and art theory. This 130 credit hour program also explores critical thinking methods and writing as part of the artistic process. Students will work on two-, three-, and four-dimensional projects as well.

In the sophomore year of the Art BFA program at Cooper Union, students will begin taking prerequisite studio courses in their area of focus. In the junior year, students may begin taking electives and other courses from the School of Art, as well as the Schools of Architecture and Engineering to develop skills in other areas. Elective examples in the School of Art include Art of the Book; Computational Studio; and Painting Techniques and Materials.

Course examples for the Graphic Design area include Graphic Design I-II; Interactive Design Concepts: AI + Play; Motion Graphics; Advanced Design; Typography; Data Science and Design Projects for Social Good; and Type Design.

All Cooper Union students have the opportunity to complete an internship and study abroad experience. Art BFA graduates are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as publishing, advertising and marketing, packaging design, brand identity design and management, public relations, motion graphics, web design, exhibit design, user interface/user experience (UI/UX) design, multimedia design, and illustration.

Founded in 1859 by industrialist, inventor, and philanthropist Peter Cooper, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art is one of the nation’s oldest institutions of higher education. Serving approximately 890 students, this all-honor private college awards all admitted undergraduate students a half merit tuition scholarship currently valued at $22,275 per academic year. Programs at Cooper Union are housed in the Irwin S. Chann School of Architecture; Albert Nerken School of Engineering; the School of Art; and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art has been accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) since 1946.

California College of the Arts (CCA) has two paths to study graphic design—the BFA and MFA. The Graphic Design BFA is a STEM-designated program that features dedicated studio space for students; a Prototyping Studio and Hybrid Lab, where students can explore virtual reality and other emerging technologies; and the Book Arts and Letterpress Studio, which houses bookbinding equipment and lithography presses.

Leading to a BFA, the CCA Graphic Design program begins with the First Year Experience, where students have the opportunity to explore a variety of techniques, tools, and materials; participate in studio projects; and engage in critiques. Course examples for this 120 credit hour program include Graphic Design 1-3; Advanced Interactive; Typography 1-3; Graphic Design Tools; 2D, 3D, and 4D; Media History 2: Current Issues in Design; Writing 1-2; and Professional Practice Workshop.

In the final years of the CCA Graphic Design program, students will have the opportunity to intern for technology companies, design studios, and cultural institutions in the Bay Area and beyond. The program culminates with a thesis project that will be presented to faculty and peers.

Graduates are prepared to pursue titles such as Graphic Designer, UX Designer, Packaging Designer, Interaction Designer, Visual Designer, Product Designer, Book Designer, Motion Graphics Designer, Type Designer, Identity Designer, Editorial Designer, and Web Designer. Program alumni have landed positions at places such as Google, IDEO, MacFadden & Thorpe, Atlassian, California Academy of Sciences, Frog Design, Wolff Olins, Snap Inc., and Bonfire Labs.

The Design MFA at California College of the Arts is a terminal degree program that requires 90 units of study. Students in this program benefit from 24/7 access to the Hybrid Lab and Rapid Prototyping Studio; a lecture series that explores all disciplines; access to an extensive Materials Library; a yearly retreat at Headlands Center for the Arts; intensive workshops with visiting designers; and exhibitions for studio and end-of-year work.

The program also has three concentrations—Graphic Design, Interaction Design, and Industrial Design—and two options including the two-year program and three-year program. The two-year option is designed for students with experience in one or more areas of design. The three-year option is for students with an undergraduate degree in an unrelated area. The first year of the three-year program allows students to develop design skills in preparation for the traditional two-year curriculum.

The CCA Design MFA provides a variety of course options including Design in Context Seminar; Digital Electronics; The Studio 2: IxD; Contemporary Design; Mechatronics; Hybrid Business Models; Interactive Media; Typography; and Professional Practice. The program culminates with the thesis project and exhibition.

Graduates of the Design MFA program at California College of the Arts are prepared to pursue leadership roles such as Senior Graphic Designer, Project Manager, Art Director, Senior Product Designer, Managing UI/UX Designer, Research and Development Technologist, Managing Curator, Entrepreneur, and Educator.

CCA MFA alumni have worked with or been hired at places such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Apple, The New York Times, Google, IDEO, Headlands Center for the Arts, Adobe, and Meta. Graduates have also launched their own design firms and companies. Examples include BackerKit, Sensoree, and Gold Collective.

California College of the Arts was established in 1907 as the School of the California Guild of Arts and Crafts. When it opened, CCA had just three teachers and 43 students when it opened. Today, the school employs 420 faculty members that serve approximately 1,500 students enrolled in nearly 40 degree programs and minors. California College of the Arts is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), and the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

The School of the Arts and Architecture at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) houses the Department of Design Media Arts (DMA). Within the department are two paths to study Graphic Design: the DMA BA and the Media Arts MFA. Both multidisciplinary programs explore narrative, visual communication, network media game design, and video. Courses for the UCLA DMA and Media Arts programs are taught as studios, typically with no more than 22 students.

All UCLA DMA and Media Arts students have access to a number of labs, spaces, and other facilities. Examples include the Experimental Digital Arts (EDA) Space; New Wight Gallery; the UCLA Game Lab; Media Arts Research Space (MARS); the Shoot Room; Fabrication and Electronics Labs; DMA Graduate Student Gallery; Audio and Video Labs; the Print Lab; Broad Art Center; the Arts Library; DMA Labs; and the Art-Sci Center + Lab.

Students in the DMA BA program will take foundation courses that explore typography; interactivity and motion; and color, space and form. Specific course examples include Media Histories; 3D Modeling and Motion; Topics in Visual Communication and Image; Drawing and Color; Tangible Media; Word + Image; Topics in Interactivity And Games; Design Culture; Typography; Special Topics in Design Media Arts; Design Culture; Network Media; Form; Game Engine; Design Futures; and Motion.

The DMA BFA program at UCLA culminates with the Senior Projects courses in the areas of visual communication and image; interactivity and games; or video and animation.

Media Arts MFA students will participate in seminars, group critiques, and research projects, while developing skills through one-on-one mentoring. Course examples for the program include Virtuality; Programming Media; Contemporary Topics in Media Arts; TA Training; Creating Context and Collaborative Practice; and Graduate Seminar.

The Media Arts MFA program at UCLA culminates with a thesis project to be presented at the UCLA MFA Exhibition.

Graduates of the DMA and Media Arts programs at University of California Los Angeles are prepared to pursue positions in areas such as graphic design, book art and publishing, content strategy, branding and packaging, multimedia design, advertising and marketing, motion art and design, UI/UX design, presentation design, art or design direction, media art, web design, exhibition design, and graphic art.

UCLA graduates are routinely hired at places such as Apple, Walt Disney Company, Google, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Bloomberg, Amazon, Deloitte, KPMG, the County of Los Angeles, Microsoft, NBCUniversal, Getty, Mattel, Oracle, Kaiser Permanente, Cisco Systems, Target Corporation, SpaceX, Accenture, and Teach for America.

Founded on May 23, 1919 as the Southern Branch of the University of California, University of California, Los Angeles serves 46,430 students from more than 100 countries. The school provides 250+ programs across 12 professional schools and UCLA College. University of California, Los Angeles is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The College of Visual Arts and Design (CVAD) at the University of North Texas (UNT) houses the only Art Education PhD in the state of Texas. CVAD also houses the Design Department, which attracts recruiters from many Dallas and Fort Worth design studios. As such, design students are routinely hired for internship opportunities and paid positions after graduating.

For UNT CVAD students seeking a design degree, the CVAD Design Department has a Communication Design BFA with two tracks: Graphic Design and User-Experience Design (UX Design). Both tracks consist of studio courses and additional requirements such as Typography I; Foundations for Communication Design; and Image-Making and Color Theory.

UNT UX Design students will take other requirements such as Foundations of User-Centered Design; Contextual Research Methods; and Typographic Systems.

Other course examples across tracks include Publication Design; Advanced Communication Design Studio; Interaction Design; Data Visualization and the Design of Information; Prototyping and User Testing; Graphic Design Advanced Campaigns; Digital Patterns and Systems; Cause-Based User-Experience Design; Advanced Product Design in UX Design; Planning and Developing Interactive Systems; and Art History Survey I-III.

Students in both tracks may add a minor such as New Media Art, Printmaking, Art History, or Photography. To graduate, all UNT Communication Design students will complete a final portfolio of their best work.

Program alumni are prepared to pursue roles in areas such as advertising, entertainment, publishing, computer systems design, manufacturing, and education. University of North Texas CVAD graduates also qualify for jobs with government agencies, museums, colleges and universities, and nonprofit organizations.

Established in 1890 and employing more than 4,600 faculty and staff, University of North Texas is one of the largest employers in the City of Denton, Texas. The school serves 46,940 students, making it one of the top 10 largest universities in Texas, and one of the largest in the U.S. Students at UNT have access to more than 200 degree options across 14 colleges and schools. University of North Texas is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Established in 1925, the College of the Arts at University of Florida (UF) houses four schools; two centers, and the Digital Worlds Institute. Accreditations include the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD); the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM); the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST); and the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD).

Among the schools in the College of the Arts is the School of Art + Art History, which provides opportunities for all students to work with clients on real-world projects. The school also provides access to state-of-the-art studios and labs; internship opportunities; and study abroad experiences in places such as France, China, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, Brazil, the UK, and Spain.

For students seeking a graphic design program, the UF School of Art + Art History provides four paths. At the undergraduate level, students can enroll in the Graphic Design BFA, minor or certificate program. Graduate students can earn a Graphic Design/Design and Visual Communications (MxD) MFA.

The Graphic Design BFA explores art history; 2D, 3D, and 4D; design; and drawing. Course examples include Visual Methods and Processes; Design Technologies; Typography 1: Letterform; Image, Form and Meaning; Design and Professional Practice Studio; Graphic Design History I-II; Graphic Design: Visual Systems in Design; Design: Ideas and Styles; and Typography 2: Composition.

In the final semester of the program, BFA students will complete the Senior Design Studio; the Design Workshop; and a professional portfolio.

The Graphic Design minor and certificate are available to Art and Art History majors in the School of Art + Art History. Both curriculums explore graphic design thinking, methods, processes, and practices. Course examples across options include Design Studies; Visual Methods and Processes; Design Technologies; and Typography 1: Letterform. The minor requires 18 credit hours. The certificate requires 15 credit hours.

The MxD MFA at University of Florida is a 60 credit hour, terminal degree that launched more than 20 years ago. This design-centered, interdisciplinary program consists of studios, workshops, seminars, and practicums. In addition to opportunities to develop entrepreneurial, teaching, and other skills through electives, the program allows experimentation, collaboration, and field experiences.

Elective examples include Methods of Research in Art Education; Global Entrepreneurship; Seminar in Museum Studies; Creativity in Entrepreneurship; Arts, Advocacy and Public Policy; Teaching Art in Higher Education; Creativity and Health: Foundations of the Arts in Medicine; and Creativity in Entrepreneurship. The UF MxD MFA culminates with a thesis or creative project.

Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at University of Florida are prepared to pursue roles in all areas of design in industries across the U.S. and abroad. Some program alumni have gone on to teach or launch their own studios, while others have been hired at companies, studios, and organizations such as Walt Disney Imagineering, Apple, Google, Microsoft, IBM, L’Oréal, Verizon, Twitter/X, R/GA, West Elm, IDEO, Fossil, Viacom, JetBlue, Kate Spade, Facebook/Meta, and the Miami Heat.

Graduates who have gone on to teach have been hired at UF, University of Colorado–Boulder Northern Alabama University, Auburn University, Ball State University, University at Buffalo, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Illinois State University, among others.

University of Florida traces its founding to 1853, when the East Florida Seminary opened as the state’s first state-supported institution of higher learning. Today, University of Florida is a top 10 public, comprehensive, land-grant research university with professional campuses in Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Orlando, Florida. UF serves 60,795 students enrolled in more than 300 programs across 16 colleges and schools. University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The College of Arts and Sciences (ArtSci) at University of Washington (UW) is home to the School of Art + Art History + Design (SoA+AH+D), which houses one of the largest undergraduate programs at UW: Visual Communication Design (VCD). Featured in international design journals Art and Design (China), IDEA (Japan), and Novum (Germany), the VCD program leads to a Bachelor of Design (BDes). The School of Art also has a two-year Master of Design (MDes) for students with experience in design, and a three-year option for students from other disciplines with outstanding design potential. This option focuses on developing core design skills in preparation for advanced design coursework in the two-year MDes program.

The VCD BDes is an intensive program that encourages collaboration and experiential learning such as study abroad experiences in places such as Italy, Paris, and Amsterdam. The curriculum for this 180 credit program includes courses in general education, art history, studio, and electives. Course examples include Corporate Identity; Interface Design I-II; Visual Systems; Publication Design; Advanced Typography; Introduction to Motion Design; Visual Storytelling; and Exhibition Design.

In the Junior and Senior years of the UW BDes program, students will complete an internship, a Design Capstone, and Design Exhibition worth 1-3 credit hours.

The MDes at University of Washington is considered the terminal degree in the field. Consisting of 80 credits (minimum), the MDes emphasizes individualized and interdisciplinary studies. This provides opportunities to study Visual Communication. Also, a research-based program, the MDes allows students to choose courses from and complete research projects with the Departments of Communication, Psychology, and Biomedical Informatics; the College of Engineering; and the Schools of Business and Nursing.

Throughout the UW MDes program, students will have opportunities to complete several special projects sponsored by major corporations and led by design faculty. Other program benefits include project-based studios, seminars, and independent study.

During the final year of the UW MDes program, students will work with their chair and committee to complete a thesis document and exhibition to be displayed at UW’s Henry Art Gallery. Past thesis topics include Urban Planning, Information Visualization, Healthcare, and Aviation.

Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in all areas of design across all industries. Some of the top employers for UW graduates include Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Boeing, Apple, Meta, Deloitte, KPMG, T-Mobile, Starbucks, Accenture, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Oracle, EY, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Nordstrom, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), ScribeAmerica, and Highspot.

Established in 1861, the University of Washington serves approximately 60,700 students across campuses in Seattle (main), Bothell, and Tacoma, Washington. UW provides approximately 475 programs and 845 degree options across 18 colleges and schools. The University of Washington is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU). Engineering at UW is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) is home to the School of the Arts (VCUarts). Within the school is the Department of Graphic Design, which provides a BFA in Graphic Design and an MFA in Design/Visual Communications. Students in both programs have access to labs and design studios such as the Creative Print Bureau (CPB) and middle Of broad (mOb). CPB is a student and staff operated lab that provides print production services and learning opportunities through workshops, demos, and self-service machines. Students may participate in print production projects for various local businesses.

The experimental design lab mOb brings together the departments of graphic, fashion, and interior design. Designers from all departments work with faculty mentors on projects for companies across the state. Students may also participate in community and government projects. Past projects have included a reimagined Monument Avenue in Richmond; signage for the James River Park System; and the development of bridge concepts for Interstate 95.

Consisting of 122 credit hours, the Graphic Design BFA emphasizes collaboration. Students will begin the BFA with the Art Foundation Program (AFP), which consists of courses and studios such as Survey of Art I-II; Time Studio; Surface Research; Drawing Studio; Space Research; and Project Studio.

Upon completion of the AFP, students will move on to courses such as Core Studio I-IV; Synthesis; Multi Studio I-II; Design Practices; Precedents Inquiry; Dialogues; and Critical Inquiry. Electives allow students to explore everything form book design to management. Elective examples include Book Arts; Letterpress; Typographic Systems; Web Design; Exhibition and Environments Graphic Design; Experimental Letterpress; Typeface Design; Studio Management; and Design Activism.

The Graphic Design BFA culminates with a final project and professional portfolio. Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Program alumni are Graphic Designers, Exhibition Designers, Creative Directors, Interaction Designers, User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX) Designers, Film Production Designers, Environmental Graphic Designers, and Broadcast Designers.

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, the 60 credit hour Design/Visual Communications MFA at Virginia Commonwealth University is a design and research degree that culminates in a final research project, work of art, thesis or dissertation. MFA students will complete several workshops and seminars; research/individual study; and an Internship or Teaching Practicum. Optional study abroad programs for a semester, summer or several weeks are also available.

Graduates of the VCUarts Design/Visual Communications MFA program are prepared to pursue leadership roles in all areas of design. Graduates may also pursue positions in art and design education and research. Program alumni are prepared to pursue titles such as Senior Graphic Designer, Creative Director, Critical Analyst (Publishing), Public Art Director, Program Manager (Non-Profit), Design Strategist, Art Educator, Media Production Manager, Identity and Branding Design Manager, and Information Architect.

Founded in 1838, Virginia Commonwealth University is a top 100 research university that serves approximately 28,595 students. The largest employer in Richmond, Virginia, VCU provides more than 200 academic programs across 15+ colleges, schools, and centers. Virginia Commonwealth University accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Founded in 1928, the School of the Arts at VCU is a four-year, non-profit art and design school accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the National Association for Schools of Theatre (NAST). The school serves around 3,230 students enrolled in 18 bachelor’s degree programs and five master’s degree programs. In 1998, VCUarts founded its Doha, Qatar campus. This location serves approximately 380 students enrolled in five bachelor’s degree programs and one master’s degree program.

The College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati (UC) is home to the Myron E. Ullman Jr. School of Design. Within the school is a Communication Design program that features five semester-long co-op experiences. These paid opportunities are part of the UC Co-op Program, which has been in existence for more than 100 years.

Participation is mandatory for all DAAP students, and these paid experiences take place at Fortune 500 companies and abroad in places such as Morocco, South America, and China. Examples of past co-op employers include Disney, IBM, Nike, Procter & Gamble, Guess, Toyota, 3M, Abercrombie & Fitch, Southwest Airlines, Macy’s, GE Aviation, and Kroger.

In addition to opportunities to gain valuable paid experience, the five-year, 120 credit hour Communication Design program at UC provides access to state-of-the-art production labs and studios; a curriculum that emphasizes studio-based learning that explores graphic, motion, and interaction design; and the opportunity to customize a focus area through electives.

Course examples for the program include Welcome to Design; Typography 1-3; Design and the Future; Collaborative Studio; Design Aesthetics 1-3; Design and Meaning; Motion Design 1-2; Interaction Design 1-2; and Graphic Design 1-2; Design in History I-II; and Applied Professional Practice - DAAP. The Communication Design program culminates with a final project and portfolio. The program leads to a BS in Design (BSDES) with a Communication Design major.

At the graduate level, University of Cincinnati has a multidisciplinary STEM Master of Design (MDes) program that explores user experience (UX), industrial design, communication, and fashion design. Considered the terminal degree in the field, the MDes also covers design strategy, systems thinking, design methods, and designing for social impact.

Course examples for the program include Design Communication; Research Methods; Proposal Studio; Professional Development Seminar; Translational Research; Design Strategy; and Writing Studio.

The MDes program culminates with the Thesis Development; Defense Studio; and Thesis Delivery courses. Final projects will be exhibited at the Annual UC DAAPworks Show.

Graduates of the Design programs at University of Cincinnati have been hired at design firms across the U.S.; they work on internal design teams across industries; and many alumni have launched their own design studios and freelance businesses. Some graduates also go on to teach or perform research for various businesses.

Founded in 1819, University of Cincinnati is an urban research university serves approximately 50,920 students enrolled in more than 400 academic programs across 14 colleges and three campuses. The school has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1919. As an Ohio Public Institution, every program at UC is also approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE).

Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) is home to the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts, which houses the College of Architecture; the Graduate School of Art; the Graduate School of Architecture and Urban Design; and Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum. Together, these academic divisions provide access to numerous maker spaces and exhibitions; a dedicated art and architecture library; one of the nation’s first Master of Urban Design programs; and approximately 3,500 significant pieces of art and installations by 19th-, 20th- and 21st-century American and European artists.

Sam Fox also provides dozens of degree programs, including a Design BA with a Communication concentration, and a Communication Design BFA. All first-year students will take Digital Studio and two courses such as 2D Design, Drawing, or 3D Design. Electives from the Sam Fox School and advanced studio courses allow students to create an area of focus.

The BA program is designed for students seeking a liberal arts curriculum within the studio major, while the BFA provides an immersive studio experience. Students in both programs benefit from low student-to-faculty ratios allowing opportunities to work one on one with instructors; internship opportunities; and study abroad for a summer or semester in Florence.

Across programs, students have access to courses such as Global Topics in Visual Communication; Design in Social Systems; Type as Image: The Design of Books; UX Research methods for Design; Applied Illustration; Letterpress Printing; Programming Design; image and Meaning; Multimedia Design: Time/Sound/Space; Content to Cover: The Design of Books; and Printing Propaganda: The Letterpress Poster. Courses for the BA and BFA Washington University in St. Louis are supplemented by seminars and readings.

The BA program culminates with a final project. The BFA students will complete the BFA Capstone + Thesis Exhibition to graduate. Students in both programs will take Professional Practice Seminars highlighting portfolio development, CV creation, interviewing, public speaking, and developing job search skills.

The BA and BFA programs at Washington University in St. Louis are accredited by the College Art Association of American (CAA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Graduates are prepared to pursue roles across all areas of design. Recent Sam Fox alumni have been hired at places such as Pixar, Walt Disney Imagineering, Google, IBM Design, The Atlantic , Nickelodeon, YouTube, Isaac Mizrahi, New York Magazine , Meta, Guggenheim Museum, Levi Strauss & Co., American Museum of Natural History, Pentagram, Princeton University Press, National Gallery of Art, and Gensler.

Founded in 1853, Washington University in St. Louis serves approximately 15,190 students enrolled in more than 300 academic programs across seven schools. The Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts was founded in 2006 after the merging of Architecture and Art, and the WashU Museum. Washington University in St. Louis has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1913.

The Design Department at Brigham Young University (BYU) is part of the College of Fine Arts and Communications. Within the department are six degree programs, including a limited enrollment Graphic Design BFA. For students seeking a shorter program with a flexible schedule, BYU also has a Graphic Design Fundamentals certificate program that builds into the school’s BAS in Professional Studies (BAS PS).

The certificate consists of 12 credit hours. Courses include Introduction to Graphic Design; Adobe CC Basics; Typography I; and Graphic Design. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to pursue positions such as Junior Graphic Designer, Marketing Production Artist, Junior Production Artist, and Design Assistant.

Although the Graphic Design Fundamentals certificate can prepare students for employment in the field, many graduates continue into the BAS PS program. This four-year option is designed for students who would like to tailor the curriculum to meet their specific career goals.

The Graphic Design BFA at Brigham Young University is a 120 credit hour professional degree program that focuses on design thinking; professional practice, design across media types, effective communication through design; design impact and sustainability; and cultural change, context, and audience. Course examples include Motion Concepts; Interaction and Design Systems; Typography 1-2; Analog Motion; Design Theory; History of Graphic Design; 3D Motion; Collaborative Design: Brand and Strategy; Advanced Interaction Design; Interface and Usability; Letterpress Studio; Ethnographic Research Design; 3-Dimensional Design; Design Lab; and Design Lecture Series.

The program also provides a number of career and business courses to prepare students for entry into the field or to launch their own design studios. Course examples include Marketing Management; Introduction to Entrepreneurship; Studio Practices for Designers; Introduction to Advertising; New Venture LaunchPad; and Career Strategies.

All Graphic Design BFA students at BYU will complete a design internship. For the culminating experience, students may complete the BFA Capstone, consisting of three courses, or Collab. UX Design: Discovery, Research, and Implement—three separate courses totaling 6.5 credits.

Graduates of the Graphic Design BFA program at Brigham Young University are prepared to pursue positions in areas such as advertising, branding and product design, data visualization, publishing, interaction design, user interface/user experience (UI/UX), exhibit design, motion graphics, mobile app development, and web design.

BYU graduates have been hired at places such as NASA, Amazon, Walt Disney, Microsoft, Walmart, Boeing, Visa, Apple, Wells Fargo, Nestle, Southwest Airlines, Nike, Adobe, Target, eBay, Raytheon, Samsung, PepsiCo, JCPenny, Dell, Toyota, Marriott, Ford, Overstock.com, Allstate, Verizon, Intel, Divvy, AT&T, USAA, General Motors, NortonLifeLock, Oracle, Procter & Gamble, FedEx, KPMG, Lenovo, Capital One, Delta Airlines, HP, and Bank of America.

Brigham Young University was founded as Brigham Young Academy (BYA) in 1875 by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints President Brigham Young. With more than 35,000 students from the U.S. and 105 countries, BYU is the one of the largest private universities in the nation. The school provides approximately 435 programs across more than a dozen colleges and departments. Campuses include BYU-Utah, BYU-Idaho, BYU-Hawaii, BYU Pathway Worldwide, and Ensign College.

Brigham Young University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) houses the College of Fine and Applied Arts, home to the School of Art and Design. Within the school are two paths to study Graphic Design—the Graphic Design BFA program and the Art and Design MFA. The BFA is a 122 credit hour, interdisciplinary program that requires 37 credit hours in the major. Course examples include Introduction to Graphic Design; Advanced Interaction Design; Graphic Design Toolbox; Typographic Practice; Design Methods; Graphic Design Inquiry; Ethics of a Designer in the Global Economy; Type and Image; and Graphic Design Inquiry.

All Graphic Design BFA students benefit from the programs lecture series; designated studio spaces; 44/7 access to computer labs and state-of-the-art production facilities; and the opportunity to join the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA) Student Chapter. This professional organization provides networking opportunities, workshops, and trips Chicago-based design studios.

All Graphic Design BFA students also have the opportunity to take advantage of enrichment programming such as minors, internships, and 300+ study abroad programs in more than 50 countries.

The Graphic Design BFA program at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign culminates with the Senior Portfolio Review held in Chicago and the Graphic Design Capstone. This advanced studio is the student’s final preparation for practice in graphic design. Capstone projects may be presented at the Annual BFA Exhibition held at UIUC’s Krannert Art Museum.

Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in advertising, user interface/user experience design (UI/UX), marketing, publications design, communications, multimedia design, and web design. Program alumni enjoy a 92% success rate (employed or pursuing an advanced degree).

The Art and Design MFA at UIUC is a 64 credit hour program that provides several areas of concentration. Ideal options for design students include Design for Responsible Innovation (formerly Graphic Design) and Interdisciplinary Studio-New Media. Students in both areas will explore digital interaction, information design, visual narrative, data visualization, systems thinking, and responsible practices in print media. Course examples include Ethics of a Designer in the Global Economy; Design for Responsible Innovation Research Impact; and MFA Design for Responsible Innovation Studio.

The Art and Design MFA program at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign culminates with a written thesis and participation in the graduation exhibition. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles in all areas of design. Program alumni can also pursue teaching or research positions or launch their own studios or freelance businesses.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign was established in 1867 as Illinois Industrial University. The second oldest public school in the state, UIUC serves more than 55,000 students from 50 U.S. states and 120+ countries. More than 250 programs are provided across 16 colleges and instructional units. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Otis College of Art and Design (Otis College or Otis) provides several paths to study Graphic Design: the BFA, MFA, and a certificate. The 14-course Graphic Design certificate prepares students for entry-level positions in graphic design and it can be completed in 1-2 years. Course examples include Design for Branding and Marketing; Advanced Graphic Design; Typography I-II; Advertising Concept and Design; Digital Design Tools: Print; Digital Drawing: Illustrator; 2D Design; and Digital Design Tools: Graphics.

The Graphic Design BFA at Otis College emphasizes craft, presentation skills, collaboration, and cross-disciplinary studies. Students will explore design areas such as package design, branding and logo development, web design, interactive design, book design, poster design, and app design.

Through required coursework, BFA students will also explore UX/UI design, typography, printmaking, motion design, storyboarding, traditional letterpress, and type design. Course examples include Graphic Design I-IV; Visual Culture; Typography I-IV; Thought Lab; Graphic Design/Illustration History; Creative Action Junior Studio; Systems and Identity; Visual Language; and Entrepreneurship 101.

Otis BFA students will have opportunities to develop skills in additional areas of design through electives such as Making with AI Generators; Editorial Illustration; Propaganda; and Web Coding Fundamentals.

During the final year of the Graphic Design BFA program, students will complete a semester-long project. The schedule includes weekly lectures, workshops, demonstrations, and coursework that focuses on technical and critical approaches to design.

The Graphic Design MFA program at Otis College of Art and Design features an accelerated curriculum spanning four consecutive semesters completed over 14 months. The program, which typically begins in the summer semester, consists of studio projects, workshops led by visiting artists and designers, round table discussions, and courses in history and design theory. Course examples for the program include Contemporary Graphic Design Issues, Models of Practice, Seminar Studio I-IV, and Entrepreneurship.

Graduates of the Graphic Design degree programs at Otis College of Art and Design are prepared to pursue positions in fields such as advertising, publishing, branding, environmental graphics, entertainment, packaging, emerging technologies, user interface/user experience (UI/UX), and interactive design.

Program alumni have been hired at places such as Conde Nast Publications, Young & Rubicam, Disney Consumer Products, Amazon, GUESS, Google, the WB Network, Apple, Capitol Records, Metro, Hallmark, Anthropologie, Ogilvy Worldwide, Museum of Art (LACMA), Deutsch Inc., Southern California Institute of Architecture (SciArc), Los Angeles County, Gehry Partners, and Interscope Records.

Established in 1918, Otis College of Art and Design is Los Angeles’ first professional school of the arts. This private, non-profit college serves more than 1,200 students enrolled in 11 BFA and MFA degree programs in the Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Public Practice, and Writing. A variety of minors and certificate programs are also available. Programs and courses at OTIS are led by more than 430 professors—all active professionals in their respective fields.

Otis College of Art and Design is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). OTIS is also a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD) and the Partnership for Academic Leadership on Sustainability (PALS).

The College of Arts and Sciences at The Ohio State University (OSU) provides several paths to study Graphic Design. Houses in the college’s Department of Design is a Bachelor of Science in Design (BSD) in Visual Communication Design, and a Design Thinking Minor. The college’s Department of Art houses an interdisciplinary Visual Arts MFA.

The Design Thinking Minor is a 15 credit hour program that covers the basics of design. Courses include Introduction to Design Practice, Design History, Exploring Design Thinking, Visualization as Thinking, and Presentation as Thinking. Students in all departments may add the Design Thinking Minor to their degree program.

The Visual Communication Design BSD provides research opportunities; the chance to study with students from Mackenzie Presbyterian University in São Paulo, Brazil; portfolio development throughout the program; the opportunity to pursue the Arts Honor Program; and participation in Design Week in Milan, Italy. BSD students may also get involved with student organizations such as NOMA: Designers for Diversity; D3: Design Develop Deploy; and Design for 90.

Course examples for the OSU BSD program include Design Media I-IV for Visual Communication Design; Typographic Design; Materials, Process, and Production for Visual Communication Design; Visual Principles and Techniques I-II; Advanced Collaborative Design; and Design History.

Graduates of the Visual Communication Design BSD at OSU are prepared to pursue creative roles across industries. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Walt Disney Imagineering, McGraw-Hill Education, Microsoft, IBM, Publicis Sapient, Abercrombie & Fitch, Push Digital, WD Partners, Wildflower Press + Paper, Creative Spot, Sketch Blue, Ring, MKSK, Impact Communications, and Roto Group.

The Visual Arts MFA at The Ohio State University is a three-year, 66 credit hour program that provides 24/7 access to private and semi-private studios, state-of-the-art facilities and exhibition spaces, and the Wexner Center for the Arts—a renowned contemporary art center located on the OSU campus. MFA students also benefit from access to the Fine Arts and Cartoon Libraries; the OSU-run Urban Arts Space located in downtown Columbus; and interactions with visiting artists, critics, and curators.

Students in this full-time program may specialize in a variety of design disciplines through electives and other coursework. The OSU Visual Arts MFA program culminates with the MFA Thesis Exhibition held at the Urban Arts Space. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles across all areas of design.

The Ohio State University was established in 1870 as Ohio Agricultural and Mechanical College. The school serves 64,405 students across six regional campuses including Columbus (main), Lima, Mansfield, Marion, Newark, and OSU’s Agricultural Technical Institute in Wooster. More than 200 majors, minors, and specializations are provided across 18 colleges and schools. The Ohio State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The Graphic Design Department at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) provides a Graphic Design BFA and a minor; a Graphic and Web Design MA; an interdisciplinary MFA; and a User Experience (UX) Design certificate that can be completed entirely online. The 15 credit Graphic Design minor is a collaborative program that allows students to develop intermediate skills through required courses such as drawing and painting, and hands-on studio electives.

Students in all MCAD Design programs benefit from critiques and collaborative projects; hands-on training through internships and client projects; and study abroad experiences in places such Italy, England, Japan, Ireland, and Germany.

The 120 credit hour Graphic Design BFA at MCAD consists of 36 credit hours of core courses, 19 credits in foundation studios, 26 studio elective credits, and 39 credits in humanities and sciences. Course examples for the program include Introduction to Art and Design History 1-2; Publication Design; Graphic Design 1-3; Digital Production; Narrative Design; Web and Screen; Type Plus; Coding Concepts: Expressive Computation; Ideation and Process; Media Art Tools and Technique; Art and Globalization in the Atlantic World and Advanced Graphic Design Seminar.

The MCAD Graphic Design BFA culminates with the Senior Project: Graphic Design course, worth six credit hours.

The Graphic and Web Design MA at Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a 30 credit hour program that can be completed entirely online. The program explores design principles, typography, web design, programming, research, and workflow management. A major component of the program is the opportunity to work in teams to complete industry projects and solve problems.

Course examples for the program include Design in Context; Experimental Interaction; Typography; Motion Design; Web Development; User Experience Design; and Design Studio.

The Interdisciplinary MFA at Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a unique program that allows students to pursue creative work in one or more areas. Examples include graphic design, sound art, interactive media, animation, drawing and painting, book design, installation, comic arts, illustration, digital media, public arts, textiles and fiber arts, performance, social practice, and sculpture.

Consisting of 60 credit hours, the program also emphasizes one-on-one work with a mentor (the core of the MCAD MFA curriculum); independent and collaborative studios; and participation in opportunities in the Twin Cities’ creative community including art centers, fundraisers, nonprofit organizations, and galleries.

Graduates of the Design programs at Minneapolis College of Art and Design are prepared to pursue titles such as Graphic Designer, Creative Director, Brand and Logo Designer, Editorial Illustrator, User-Experience (UX) Designer, Art Director, Production Artist, Front-End Developer, Exhibiting Artist, Web Designer, Arts Educator, and Arts Administrator.

MCAD alumni can be found at design firms, advertising agencies, publishing companies, large corporations, museums, government agencies, small businesses, production studios, and start-ups. Some graduates have launched their own design studios or freelance businesses.

Minneapolis College of Art and Design was established in 1886 by the Minneapolis Society of Fine Arts. The school serves approximately 800 students from 45 states and 15 countries. Programs include 14 undergraduate majors leading to a BFA or BS, three MA degrees, one MFA degree, and seven professional development certificate options.

Minneapolis College of Art and Design is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The school is also affiliated with the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD).

First organized in 1883, and founded in 1895, the Gayle Garner Roski School of Art and Design at University of Southern California, Los Angeles (USC) is one of Southern California’s oldest art and design schools. School highlights include an experimental and collaborative approach to learning; hands-on studio courses; coveted internships at places such as DreamWorks, Lego, National Geographic, and MTV; skills-based workshops in 2D and 3D design media; seminars; and international design study tours in places such as London, South Africa, Italy, and Australia.

Within the USC Roski School of Design are several paths to study Graphic Design including BFA and MFA degrees in Design; an interdisciplinary Communication Design minor; and BFA/MFA Design progressive degree designed for exceptional students in the junior year of the Design BFA program. The dual degree program can be completed in less time than taking the BFA and MFA programs separately. The BFA/MFA also allows students to skip the formal graduate application.

The Design BFA is an intensive program that requires 128-units over four years. This pre-professional degree also requires a minor such as Advertising, Multimedia Experiences, Digital Experiences, Business, Communication, Marketing, Designing Products, or Entrepreneurship. Students may also choose 26 units of electives to customize a specialization in practically any area of design or other related discipline. Selections may be from the Roski School or other schools across USC, Los Angeles.

Course examples for the Design BFA program include 3D Design: Materials and Tools; Publication Design; Advanced Design Projects; Art and Design Studio I-II; Web Design; and Professional Practice in Design. A professional internship in the arts is a required component of the program, as well as the Senior Thesis completed over two courses.

The Design MFA at University of Southern California, Los Angeles is a studio-based program that requires a minimum of 56 units of study. This includes 26 elective units. Eighteen elective units must be from USC Roski School of Art and Design, and eight can be from any department or and school outside Roski.

Elective examples include Directed Research; Design Studio Co-Lab; Field Internship Experience; Design Pedagogy; and International Design Study Tour. Examples of required courses for the program include Contemporary Issues in Design; Design Theory; Individual Studies; Designers in Residence Forum; and Advancement (workshop).

The culminating experience for the USC Roski Design MFA program Master’s Thesis, completed across three courses totaling four units.

In addition to all USC Roski has to offer, Design MFA students benefit from partnerships with organizations such as the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA). The school also provides opportunities to participate in seminars, discussions, and events featuring leaders in the design industry.

The USC Roski Communication Design minor is a 24-unit program that explores digital imaging, visual literacy, communication, marketing, public relations, and business. Specific course examples for the program Design II-II; Typography; Consumer Behavior and Marketing; Graphic Design in Fashion; Advertising Media and Analysis; Ideas in Intermedia; and Histories of Art, Design and Visual Culture.

All students in the USC Roski Communication Design minor have the opportunity to participate in the New York Design and International Study Tours, or the Practicum in Marketing Communication and Promotion Design.

Graduates of the Roski School of Art and Design at University of Southern California, Los Angeles have been hired at hundreds of major companies, studios, and organizations. Examples include Marvel Studios, L’Oreal, DreamWorks Animation, Vogue, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Conde Nast, Disney Interactive, Skechers, MTV Networks, J. Crew, Harper’s Bazaar Magazine, Cisco, American Apparel, NBCUniversal, DirectTV, 20th Century Studios, Fandango, Mattel, American Express, Beats, PETA, Paramount Pictures, Macy’s, E! Entertainment, and Oliver Peoples.

University of Southern California, Los Angeles opened in 1880 with 53 students and 10 teachers. Today, USC serves 47,000 students and employs approximately 4,770 full-time faculty. This makes University of Southern California Los Angeles the largest private sector employer in LA and the largest school by enrollment in the state of California.

Students at USC have access to more than 600 graduate and professional programs across 23 schools and divisions. University of Southern California, Los Angeles is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

San Diego State University (San Diego State or SDSU) is home the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts (PSFA), which houses seven schools, three departments, 15 interdisciplinary centers and institutes, and over 40 student clubs. Serving more than 5,000 students, the PFSA provides professional internship opportunities, and optional international experiences for students across all departments and schools.

Among the PFSA’s seven schools is the School of Art and Design, which has BA and MFA degrees in Applied Arts and Sciences. Students in these Art programs have the option to add the Graphic Design emphasis. Course examples across programs include Graphic Design I-IV; Expressive Typography; Experiential Graphic Design; Packaging Design; Typography I-IV; Screenprinting Studio; History of Graphic Design; Artists and Designers in Real Time; Drawing I-II; and Two-Dimensional Design.

In addition to a variety of courses, BA and MFA students have access to state-of-the art facilities such as seven Mac Computer Labs; the Computing Labs for Digital Imaging, Interactive Media, and Video; Intaglio and Relief Printmaking Studios; Printmaking, Letterpress, and Book Arts Studios; and the Screen Printing Studio. SDSU Graphic Design students also benefit from the Art and Design School’s visiting lecture series; access to local galleries and museums; interaction with visual and performing arts organizations; and AIGA membership.

Graduates of the San Diego State University Graphic Design programs are prepared to pursue leadership and other roles such as Packing Designer, Lead Graphic Designer, Brand Designer, Graphic Illustrator, Creative Director, Print Production Artist, Multimedia Designer, Technical Illustrator, Layout/Production Artist, Logo Designer, Book Artist, and Art Director.

Established in 1897, San Diego State University is the oldest higher education institution in San Diego. Serving more than 37,000 students, SDSU is also one of the largest schools in the U.S. The school provides more than 200 degree programs across seven colleges and hundreds of departments. San Diego State University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) houses the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts (CADA), home to the School of Design. Within the school is a Bachelor of Design (BDes) and Master of Design (MDes) in Graphic Design. The UIC School of Design also houses a studio-based, Design Studies BA for students who prefer an interdisciplinary program that emphasizes collaboration and hands-on projects.

Course examples for the program include Color Theory; Typography I: Form; Digital Media Design; Integrative Design Studio I-II; Typography II: Systems; Design Research Methods; Integrative Design Studio I-III; Human Experience in Design; Design Drawing; Integrative Studio Project; and Design Colloquium.

The Graphic Design BDes at UIC is a 132-unit program that requires 59 units in the major. The program begins with a Foundations Year, which consists of courses such as 2D Form Studio; Digital Media Design; Color Theory; 3D Form Studio; Design Drawing; Design Photography. In the Graphic Design major, students will complete courses such as Typography I-IV (Form, Systems, Expression, and Advanced Topics); Digital Media Design III: Motion Design; Digital Media Design III: Motion Design; Form and Image Studio; Digital Media IV: Advanced Topics; History of Design; and Information Aesthetics I-II.

Electives for the program allow students to study video game design and development and additional areas outside of the School of Design.

In the final year of the Graphic Design BDes program at UIC, students will complete two Senior Design Colloquium courses and the Graphic Design Thesis I-II courses.

The Graphic Design MDes at UIC is an intensive, collaborative program that takes two years to complete. A major component of is the study abroad experience. All Chicago-based students will participate in the Basel School of Design summer workshops, which take place at the FHNW HGK Basel Visual Communication Institute in Münchenstein, Switzerland.

Course examples for the Graphic Design MDes program include Advanced Graphic Design I-II; Documentation Studio; Research Seminar I-II; Combined Studio; Design Seminar; and Research Studio. Students may also study additional areas of design or others areas through the required 16 hours of graduate-level electives.

The culminating experience for the Graphic Design MDes program is the Master’s Research Project + Exhibition. Graduates of the BDes and MDes programs are prepared to pursue positions in all areas of design. Program alumni are Graphic Designers, Educators, Researchers, and more. System-wide, University of Illinois graduates are routinely hired at places such as Walt Disney, Amazon, Ford, Coca Cola, Microsoft, IBM, Target, State Farm, Walgreens, Nike, Pepsi, Chase, Apple, and Boeing.

University of Illinois Chicago serves 34,000 students, making it the largest university in the Chicago area. With roots dating back to 1859, when the Chicago College of Pharmacy was founded, UIC provides more than 250 degree programs and 85 minors across 16 academic colleges. The University of Illinois Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Boston University (BU) is home to the College of Fine Arts, which houses the School of Visual Arts. Within the school are three paths to study Graphic Design: the BFA, MFA, and certificate. All options are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

Established in 1954, the School of Visual Arts at Boston University houses state-of-the-art facilities such as Media Center, Computer Labs, and Darkrooms; the Engineering Production Innovation Center (EPIC); and the Visual Arts Resource Library. As part of the SVA, Graphic Design students also benefit from seminars, professional internship opportunities, and visiting artists and designers.

The BU SVA Graphic Design programs consist of workshops, immersive studio experiences, and a variety of electives and minors that complement all curriculums. Elective examples include Editorial Design, Interactive Design, Exhibition Design, Experience Design, Motion Graphics, and Design for the Web.

Other program benefits include partnerships with area design studios and businesses that lead to internships and employment; participation in a two-week design intensive in Amsterdam; and a two-week Printmaking workshop at the Franz Masareel Centrum in Kasterlee, Belgium. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the Studio Arts program in Venice, Italy, which consists of 16-18 credit hours in graphic design, drawing, painting, printmaking, art history, and sculpture. Courses are held at Boston University’s Venice Center, with some electives provided off-site at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia.

Consisting of 132 credit hours, the Graphic Design BFA is a cross-disciplinary program that begins with first-year foundation courses. In the following years of the program, students can select courses from the College of Communication; Innovate@BU ; the Faculty of Computing and Data Sciences; Hariri Institute for Computing; and Questrom School of Business. The program culminates with the thesis project and end-of-year exhibition at the Boston University Art Galleries.

Consisting of 60 credit hours, the Graphic Design MFA program provides 24/7 access to individual private studios. Through BU’s partnership with AIGA Boston, MFA students also have opportunities to network with industry leaders through visits to local studios and campus events.

Of the 60 required credit hours for the program, 32 are in graduate graphic design courses. Other requirements include Graphic Design Theory I-II; Graduate Typography; and History of Graphic Design. Twelve required elective credits allow students to explore additional areas within and outside of design.

The BU Graphic Design certificate program is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree and little to no experience in graphic design. This one-year, intensive program requires 30 credit hours of study including core studios, typography, and electives. Graduates are prepared for positions in the design industry or entry into the BU Graphic Design MFA program.

Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at Boston University have worked with companies such as Converse, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO), and Free People. Some program alumni go on to launch their own design studios or freelance businesses.

Boston University dates back to 1839, where it began as the Newbury Biblical Institute. Officially chartered in 1869, the school serves approximately 37,560 students enrolled in more than 300 programs across 22 colleges, divisions, and schools. With 10,000 faculty and staff and a 175-acre campus that houses close to 3,000 buildings, laboratories, classrooms, and libraries, BU is Boston’s largest employer. Boston University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Serving approximately 2,700 students, the College of the Arts at Portland State University (PSU) is the largest art school in the Pacific Northwest. Within the college are the Schools of Architecture; Film; Music and Theater; and Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design. The Schnitzer School houses the Graphic Design BFA program and a 32 credit hour Graphic Design minor.

The School of Business at Portland State University houses an Advertising Management (AM) minor for Graphic Design majors. This 24 credit hour program provides opportunities to work with real clients through the Creative Strategy and Advertising Campaigns courses and in the on-campus advertising agency FIR. Electives allow students to develop skills in digital media, social media, and portfolio development.

Graduates of the AM minor are prepared to pursue roles the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Potential careers include Graphic Designer, Brand Designer, Art Director, Production Designer, UX Designer, Multimedia Designer, Digital Designer, Packaging Designer, Creative Director, and Web Designer.

The Graphic Design BFA at Portland State University provides the opportunity to work on projects for real clients through the Schnitzer School’s in-house studio A + D Projects. Students also benefit from professional off-campus internships; field trips; the peer mentorship program; the Matthias Kemeny Endowed Design Lecture Series; professional portfolio development courses; and access to more than 200 study abroad programs. Examples include Art History in Rome, Mixed Media and Printmaking in Guanajuato, Mexico, and Berlin: The Fall and Rise of an Art City.

Consisting of 180 credits, the Graphic Design BFA requires courses such as Design Process; Show and Tell; Digital Graphics; Typography I-II; Digital Imaging and Illustration; Interaction Design Principles; Foundations in Motion, UI, and UX; Storytelling and Narrative; Information Design; and Brand Lab.

Each spring, PSU Graphic Design students will take what they’ve learned so far and participate in the student showcase Be Honest . This allows them to present their work to design professionals during all phases of the program.

In the final year of the Graphic Design BFA at PSU, students will complete the Design Thesis I-II, and Design Portfolio courses, and participate in Fresh —the A + D Graphic Design Senior Showcase. The event allows students to continue networking, display their work, and get additional feedback from industry professionals.

Graduates of the Graphic Design program at Portland State University are prepared to pursue titles such as Graphic Designer, Publication Designer, Brand and Identity Designer, Motion Graphics Designer, Interactive Designer, Art Director, User Interface Designer, Illustrator, Design Manager, App Designer, Web and Mobile Designer, Product Designer, and Environmental Designer.

Program alumni have been hired at places such as Wieden+Kennedy, R/GA, Nike, Apple, IBM, Nordstrom, IDEO, Adidas, Dropbox, Buzzfeed, Snapchat, and Spotify. Others have found success at design studios such as OMFCO, Jolby, Sandstrom, and Instrument. Some PSU Design alumni have gone on to launch their own design studios, product lines, or freelance carers.

Portland State University opened in the summer of 1946 with 220 students. Today, PSU serves 21,040 students enrolled in more than 200 degree programs across nine colleges and schools. Portland State University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

The College of Art and Design at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) houses the School of Design. Within the school are two paths to study graphic design—the Graphic Design BFA and the Communication Design (VCD) MFA.

Students in the Graphic Design BFA program have opportunities to gain industry experience through cooperative education and internships with top companies in New York and across the country. Coursework for this 120 credit hour program provides additional opportunities to gain real-world experience through collaborative class projects with RIT partners such as Kraft, Unilever, Starbucks, Roomba, and Wegmans.

Each year, Graphic Design at RIT hosts multiple workshops that encourage collaboration and community engagement. Examples include PUSH and EUREKA! PUSH is a multi-day event led by industry designers. EUREKA allows students to work in multilevel, interdisciplinary teams to complete a project. Students will also work with stakeholders and community organizations on projects that will be presented to a panel of experts. The winning project will move forward to implementation.

Besides participating in a variety of projects and workshops, Graphic Design BFA students will study everything from branding and identity systems to user interface/user experience (UI/UX) design. Senior electives allow students to choose advanced coursework a specific area of interest. Elective examples include Interactive Design III; Advertising Design; Editorial Design; Typography III; and Collaborative Design.

All BFA students will take four Graphic Design Studio courses and others such as Motion Design I-II; Experiential Graphic Design; 2D Design; History of Graphic Design; 3D Design; Drawing I-II; and Professional Practices. The RIT Graphic Design BFA culminates with a Graphic Design Capstone and final public exhibition.

Around 94% of all RIT Graphic Design graduates are employed, pursuing graduate study, volunteering, or in the military within six months of graduating. For those who are employed, typical job titles include Graphic Designer, Visual Designer, Product Designer, Associate Art Director, Identity/Packaging Designer, Illustrator, Digital Product Designer, Motion Designer, UI/UX Designer, Promotions Marketing Coordinator, Presentation Designer, and Social Media Director.

Program alumni have been hired at places such as Walt Disney Company, ESPN, Adobe, Vogue Italia, Apple, Fisher-Price, Sesame Street, Sports Illustrated, and the NHL.

The Visual Communication Design (VCD) MFA at Rochester Institute of Technology is a STEM-designated, cross-disciplinary program that explores graphic design, 3D digital design, interactive design, UI/UX design, and motion design. Consisting of 60 credit hours, the VCD MFA also allows students to customize a large portion of the curriculum with coursework from other programs and departments.

Course examples for the program Real Time Design; Digital Media Integration; Design Practice I-II; Branding and Identity Design; Information Design; Programming for Designers; Character Design and Rigging; 3D Particles and Dynamics; UX Design Strategies; 3D Modeling and Motion; and Project Design and Implementation.

Like the BFA program, the MFA provides access to cooperative education and internship opportunities, as well as workshops, state-of-the art production facilities and studio spaces, and networking through RIT’s Creative Industry Day. The program culminates with two thesis courses: Thesis Research and Planning and Thesis: Implementation and Evaluation.

With a 100% outcome rate, graduates of the Rochester Institute of Technology VCD MFA program go on land positions such as Senior Graphic or Visual Designer, Product Designer, Creative Director, Motion Graphic Designer, User Experience Researcher, Cinematographer, User Interface (UI) Designer, Game Producer, and User Experience (UX) Designer.

Rochester Institute of Technology was founded in 1829 as the Rochester Athenaeum. With global campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo, this research university serves 20,570 students, making it one of the largest private universities in the U.S. RIT provides 200+ academic programs across nine colleges and two degree-granting institutes. Rochester Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

Full Sail University (Full Sail) provides several paths to study Graphic Design. At the undergraduate level, programs include a Visual Design certificate, and AAS and BS degrees in Graphic Design. At the graduate level, students can earn an MFA in Media Design.

The Visual Design certificate consists of 23 credit hours. Course examples include Graphic Design Principles I-II; Design Art and Theory; Technology in the Entertainment and Media Industries; and Color Theory. Certificate students will complete the Project I: Visual Design and Portfolio I: Visual Design courses to graduate. In just 28 weeks, graduates are prepared to pursue entry-level positions across industries.

The Graphic Design AAS at Full Sail University is designed to be paired with Full Sail’s Visual Arts BS completion program with a concentration in Graphic Design. Delivered on campus and online, the 60 credit hour Visual Arts BS consists of courses such as Concepts in Advertising; Interactive Media Design and Usability; Packaging and Prototypes; Visual Realization; Interactive Editorial Design; and Media Integration. The program culminates with the Career Readiness course and Project and Portfolio IV: Visual Arts.

The Graphic Design AAS consists of 62 credit hours. The hands-on curriculum prepares students for entry into the BS or entry-level positions in design. Course examples for the program include Typography and Page Layout; Creative Presentation; Technology in the Entertainment and Media Industries; Creating Brand Experience; Logos and Symbols; Digital Publishing; Concepts in Photography; and Project and Portfolio I-II: Visual Design.

The Graphic Design AAS program at Full Sail University culminates with the Professional Development Seminar II: Graphic Design course and Project and Portfolio III: Graphic Design.

The Full Sail Graphic Design BS is a 120 credit hour program that explores print publishing, interface design, advertising, branding, and integration. Students in this program benefit from opportunities to gain hands-on experience with entertainment and media companies; a project-based curriculum; professional development seminars; and seven graphic design and project portfolio courses.

Other course examples include Graphic Design Principles I-II; Media Integration; Interactive Editorial Design; Concepts in Advertising; Graphic Web Design; Popular Culture in Media; Logos and Symbols; Digital Studio; Fundamentals of Physical Science; and History of Visual Communications.

Graduates of the Graphic Design BS program at Full Sail University are prepared to pursue positions at advertising agencies, design studios, marketing companies, magazines, book publishers, public relations firms, and web design studios. Some graduates go on to pursue an advanced degree such as Full Sail’s Media Design MFA.

Delivered 100% online, the Full Sail Media Design MFA explores team dynamics, client communications, research methods, and motivational theories. Course examples for the program include Measuring Design Effectiveness; Brand Development; Defining Client Needs; Design Research; Effective Copywriting; Multi-Platform Delivery; Organizational Structures; and Design Integration.

In the last two months of the program, Design MFA students will complete the Professional Practice course and Thesis: Presentation of Design Solution.

The Full Sail Media Design MFA program takes just 12 months to complete, full-time. Graduates are prepared for teaching positions at top universities, and advanced roles at companies, studios, and organizations. Program alumni are also prepared to launch their own studios or freelance businesses.

Full Sail University opened in 1979 in Dayton, Ohio. Today, the school is located just 35 minutes from downtown Orlando and Universal Studios. Serving approximately 21,000 students, Full Sail provides graduate certificates and degree programs at all levels in the Arts, Entertainment, Media, and Technology. Full Sail University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Founded in 1945 in the Auburn University School of Architecture and Applied Arts, the School of Industrial and Graphic Design (SIGD) is the oldest NASAD accredited school in the state of Alabama. Today, the SIGD is part of the College of Architecture, Design and Construction (CADC), which serves more than 1,800 students from around the world.

Other CADC highlights include immersive learning experiences, integrated industry partnerships, study abroad opportunities, research initiatives, and leadership opportunities. All CADC students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the Wallace Hall, which features studios, classroom spaces, and fabrication shops; Dudley Shop; Robins & Morton Construction Field Laboratory; and the Urban Studio.

Leading to a BFA, the SIGD Graphic Design (GDES) program takes place in a professional studio environment that features hands-on design instruction; cross-disciplinary collaborations; and courses that explore illustration, typography, motion design, branding, publishing, UI/UX, packaging, and more. Course examples for this 123 credit hour program include Introduction to Graphic Design; Foundation Design I-II; Graphic Processes; Typographics; Graphic Design I-II; Interactive Media; Graphic Design History; and Photo Design.

Other program benefits include guest lecturers, exhibitions, design symposiums, and internship opportunities. Through the CADC study abroad program, BFA students also have opportunities to work and learn in places such as England, Taiwan, Scotland, Hong Kong, and Ireland.

During the final year of the Graphic Design BFA program at Auburn University, students will complete a professional portfolio of their best work and participate in the Graphic Design Senior Show. Students may also participate in the recently launched SIGD event—Kaleidoscope: Auburn Design Show.

This juried design exhibition features carefully selected works by undergraduate students in the Pre-Graphic Design (PGDE), Industrial Design (INDD), and Graphic Design (GDES) programs, and graduate students in the Master of Industrial Design (MID) program.

Graduates of the Graphic Design BFA program at Auburn University are prepared to pursue positions across all areas of design. Program alumni have been hired at advertising agencies, publishing companies, marketing firms, web design studios, app development companies, retailers, magazines, and in-house design studios.

Auburn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Chartered in 1856 as the East Alabama Male College, the school went on to become the first land-grant college in the South in 1872. Today, Auburn serves a coed population of approximately 29,410 students, making it one of the largest universities in the region. Auburn University offers 150 majors and programs across more than a dozen colleges and schools.

Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) is home to the School of Art. Serving more than 3,600 students enrolled in 17 majors, the school provides several paths to study Graphic Design. For students seeking a four-year degree, the school has a Graphic Design BFA. Within the Art School’s Communication Design Pathways Department is a Communication Design AAS, with one- and two-year options. The one-year option can be completed on campus or entirely online. The two-year program is campus-based.

Developed by practicing industry professionals, all programs provide hands-on learning; access to more than 30 minors; and opportunities to experiment through collaborative design projects.

The Communication Design AAS at Fashion Institute of Technology is an introductory program that focuses on presentation skills, layout systems, concept development, web design, typography, digital design foundation, photography, and research. Course examples for the program include Three-Dimensional Design; Typography I-II; Book Binding; Presentation Graphics for Built Environments; Vector Graphics; Digital Graphics Intensive I-I; Computer Typesetting and Design; and Design Studio.

The program culminates with the Capstone Design Studio, which consists of six lab hours. Final projects will be presented to faculty and industry professionals at a formal event.

Graduates of the FIT Communication Design AAS Program are prepared to pursue entry-level positions in graphic design or admission to the Graphic Design, Packaging Design, Advertising and Digital Design, or Spatial Experience Design BFA programs at FIT.

The FIT Graphic Design BFA is a two-year program that focuses on developing skills in experiential design; branding and identity systems; editorial design; advanced and kinetic photography; motion graphics; and UI/UX Design. With 32 credits in the major, the BFA requires three Core Studios, and courses such as Designing Identities; Survey of Graphic Design; Typography and Language; Experiential Graphic Design; Signage and Graphics; Special Topics in Graphic Design: Experimental Graphic Design in Space; Tangible Publication Design; and Graphic Design for Packaging.

A Design Competition course allows students to compete in high-profile national and international competitions. The course consists of one lecture and two lab hours, where students will select their best works for submission.

In the final years of the program, BFA students will complete the Professional Preparation course; an internship; and the Senior Thesis Research and Project courses.

Graduates of the Graphic Design BFA program at Fashion Institute of Technology are prepared to pursue careers at advertising agencies, nonprofit organizations, marketing firms, retail corporations, branding agencies, design studios, cultural institutions, interactive agencies, and production companies (music and entertainment). They go on to become Graphic Designers, Production Managers, User Experience (UX) Designers (UX), Brand Designers, Strategists, and Art Directors, among others.

FIT alumni have been hired at places such as the PepsiCo, the New York Public Library, BBDO, Nike, Sony Music, Avon, R/GA, MoMA, LEGO, Atlantic Records, The Jewish Museum, Bath & Body Works, Colgate-Palmolive, bareMinerals, Coty, Godiva, Hyperkat, Landor & Fitch, and Think Brands.

Part of the State University of New York (SUNY) System, Fashion Institute of Technology opened in 1944 inside the High School of Needles Trades. On the first day of class, the school had 100 students. Today, FIT spans an entire city block and serves approximately 8,110 students. Programs are provided at the undergraduate and graduate levels and across five academic divisions. Fashion Institute of Technology is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).

Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) is located in the heart of Boston’s arts district. The school houses nearly a million square feet of studio, exhibition, living, and classroom spaces, as well as state-of-the-art production facilities and labs. All MassArt students also benefit from the school’s industry partnerships; MassArt Art Museum (MAAM); and internship opportunities with other local museums, design studios, galleries, businesses, and performance venues.

For students seeking a career in Graphic Design, MassArt has a Communication Design BFA and a fully remote Communication Design certificate program consisting of three stackable certificates (levels) that can be completed in just over two years. Course examples include Graphic Design I-III; User Experience (UX) Design; Typography; Print Production Workshop; and Advanced Interactive Projects.

In Level 3 of the certificate program, students will complete a final portfolio. Graduates are prepared to pursue immediate employment at advertising agencies, design studios, interactive agencies, web design companies, and non-profits as Graphic Designers, UI/UX Designers, Brand Strategists, Product Designers, and Visual Designers, among others. Graduates may also apply to the MassArt Communication Design BFA program.

The BFA explores advertising, publication design, user experience design, branding and package design, interactive communication, web and app design, and information design. Course examples for the program include Graphic Design I-IV; Advanced Web Projects; Typography I-III; Advertising and Art Direction; Print Production Workshop; Experimental Book Arts; Identity Systems; Tools for Web and App Development; Lettering in Design; Information Architecture; Programming for Designers; Poster Design; and Type Design.

MassArt Communication Design students will also complete several design studio courses; Professional Practice; Independent Study; and Advanced Projects I-II. Other program features include hands-on studio courses led by active industry; readings and presentations; Letterpress Studio; and collaborative projects.

The Communications Design BFA program at Massachusetts College of Art and Design culminates with the Senior Design Portfolio and Senior Degree Project courses. Graduates are prepared to pursue roles in areas such as advertising, book publishing, public relations, marketing, print media, entertainment, web development, multimedia, animation, and social media.

Program alumni have also gone on to launch their own creative studios and design firms, while others have started their own freelance businesses or pursued graduate study.

Massachusetts College of Art and Design is the nation’s first and only public college of art and design. Founded in 1873, the school serves approximately 1,940 students enrolled more than 40 degree, minor, and certificate programs. Approximately 155 continuing education students are enrolled in over 100 classes and workshops in all areas of art and design. Massachusetts College of Art and Design is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). MassArt is also an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

The University of Kansas (KU) houses the School of Architecture and Design, home to the Department of Design. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the Design Department has a Visual Communication Design (Graphic Design) BFA and a Book Arts certificate.

All programs feature collaborations, lectures, and workshops led by industry professionals; access to state-of-the-art digital fabrication, bookmaking, print, and finishing labs; opportunities to complete a local and international internships; studios and photography facilities; and participation in the KU study abroad program.

The Book Arts certificate programs require 12 credit hours. The undergraduate certificate includes 6-7 credit hours of electives. The graduate certificate includes 6-7 credit hours in studio, cultural, and historical electives. Students in both programs will take the following cornerstone courses: Letterpress and Bookmaking. Common electives include Book Arts; Digital Letterpress; and Special Problems in Design.

Examples of other undergraduate electives include the Photobook; Publication and Editorial; and Fundamentals in Printmaking. Other graduate electives include Printmaking IV A (Intaglio); Writers Workshop; Advanced Special Topics in Printmaking: Papermaking or Japanese Woodblock; and Printmaking IV C (Serigraphy).

The Visual Communication Design (VisCom) BFA at KU is a studio-based, research intensive program with no more than 20 students. Consisting of 120 credit hours, the program requires participation in the KU Design Professional Lecture Series, which features accomplished national and international designers.

Course examples for the program include Elements of Type; Typographic Systems; Design Thinking and Research; Principles in Visual Communication; Branding; Fundamentals in UX Design; and Designing Social Interactions. In addition to adding the Book Arts certificate, students may enhance the degree through electives (16 credits). Elective examples include Emerging Technologies; Publication and Editorial; Motion Design; Dataviz and Digital Storytelling; Experiential Design; Digital Letterpress; Bookmaking; and Interaction Design.

In the junior year of the KU VisCom program, students will begin working on their final portfolios. In the final year of the program, students will complete two Professional Studies courses, Global Culture, Senior Problems, and the Final Capstone Project.

Graduates of the Visual Communication Design and Book Arts programs are prepared to pursue positions in advertising and marketing, branding, publishing, book design, public relations, industrial design, package design, UI/UX design, exhibition design, multimedia, motion graphic design, web design, and environmental design.

Potential job titles include Graphic Designer, Multimedia Artist, Communications Manager, Exhibition Designer, Art Director, Advertising Commercial/Industrial Designer, Visual Designer, Public Relations Manager, Advertising Art Director, and Marketing Manager.

University of Kansas welcomed its first class of 55 students on September 12, 1866. Classes began in an unfinished building on a hill known as Mount Oread. Today, KU is the state’s flagship institution, with nearly 30,000 students enrolled in more than 400 programs across five campuses and 13 schools. University of Kansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Michigan State University (MSU) houses the College of Arts and Letters (CAL), home to the Department of Art, Art History, and Design (AAHD). Within the department is a Graphic Design program with BFA and minor options. The Graphic Design minor is open to students all bachelor’s degree students outside of the Studio Art program. Consisting of 15 credit hours, the program includes courses such as Digital Graphic Design: Tools and Methods; Concepts of Graphic Design; and Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs.

The Graphic Design BFA at Michigan State University provides the opportunity for exceptional students to gain real-world experience by joining the Design Center creative team. Housed in the AAHD, the Design Center creates everything from logos and brochures to packaging and websites for local businesses in a real-world agency-like setting.

Other program benefits include AIGA membership; the Annual Visiting Artist and Scholar Lecture Series; and internship opportunities at a local or national company. All students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities labs and studios such as the Letterpress facility, four computer labs, and Kresge Art Center, which houses visual resource library, wood shop, Form From Thought digital fabrication lab, two exhibition galleries, and two installation project spaces.

The Graphic Design BFA requires courses from the following areas: Two-Dimensional, Three-Dimensional, Photography, and Electronic Art and Intermediate. Course examples include Graphic Design I: Graphic Form; Experimental Design Practices; Digital Graphic Design: Tools and Methods; Cartographic Design and Production; Motion Design; Graphic Design II: Visual Communication; History of Graphic Design; Interaction Design; Design Thinking for Entrepreneurs; and Concepts of Graphic Design.

Graduates of the MSU Graphic Design BFA program are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. They hold titles such as Graphic Designer, Communications Coordinator, User Experience Designer, Art Director, Media Manager, Web Designer, and Creative Producer.

Program alumni have been hired at places such as Leo Burnett, Domino’s, General Motors, Quicken Loans, Shift Digital, Campbell Ewald, and TechSmith Corporation.

For students seeking a graduate degree, Michigan State University has a Create Your Own Pathway MFA. Students may select courses from any area of interest to build a focus area. This includes Graphic Design. In addition to selected courses, MFA students will take studios and seminars such as Integration in Studio Art; Theory and Writing for Artists; History of Art; Exploration and Research in Studio Art; and Professional Practice. Students will also participate in five formal Graduate Critiques worth one credit each.

Other program benefits include dedicated studios; opportunities for external study; individual studio visits with approximately 45 visiting artists throughout the degree; internships; and study abroad experiences. The MSU MFA is also 100% fully funded, meaning every student receives a full tuition waiver and generous stipend.

In the final year of the Michigan State University MFA program, students will complete the final research project (thesis). Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles across industries. Program alumni are prepared to pursue leadership roles at major design studios and advertising agencies, non-profit organizations, retail giants, corporations (in-house design teams), museums, and academic institutions.

Founded in 1855, Michigan State University is a land-grant, public research university serves 51,315 students enrolled in more than 400 academic programs across 17 degree-granting colleges. One of the largest and greenest campuses in the U.S., MSU houses more than 100 institutes and centers including the Institute of Global Health and the Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute. Michigan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Serving nearly 7,000 students, the College of Fine Arts and Communication at Texas State University (Texas State) comprises the School of Art and Design; the Department of Communication Studies; the School of Music; the Department of Theater and Dance; and the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. The School of Art and Design houses the Communication Design program (ComDes), which has BFA and MFA options.

The 120 credit hour ComDes BFA takes place in a studio environment with access to state-of-the-art labs and equipment in the Mitte Complex. Examples include the Macintosh Lab, an open lab, digital color printing, a multidisciplinary innovation lab, and a photography studio. BFA students also benefit from meetups, mentoring, and internship opportunities through Texas State’s relationships with local and national businesses. Students have also interned at companies in Europe.

Courses for the program explores corporate identity, brand experience, human-centered design, art direction, interactive design, sustainable packaging, typography, design research, environmental graphics, and art direction. Specific course examples include Intermediate Printmaking; Graphic Novels and Zines; Beginning Expanded Media; Typography I-II; Interactive Media; Trademark Design; Branding Systems; Art Direction; Conceptual Strategies; and History of Design.

The ComDes BFA program at Texas State culminates with a Senior Portfolio Presentation and Self-Promotion Capstone. Before graduation, many ComDes students have already earned publishing credits in journals such as CMYK, Communication Arts, PRINT, Graphis New Talent Annual, Logo Lounge, and Step Inside Design.

ComDes students have also received recognition at competitions such as the Austin Addy Awards, AIGA Flux, the San Antonio Addy Awards, The One Show, Director's Club of Houston, the American Advertising Federation Awards, Creative Summit, and Art The National Show.

Graduates of the Texas State University ComDes BFA program are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Program alumni have been hired at companies such as Disney, Google, DDB, Microsoft, USAA, Verizon, IBM, H-E-B Digital, Spotify, Vrbo, Indeed, GSD&M, and Helms Workshop. Graduates are also prepared to pursue the ComDes MFA.

The Texas State University ComDes MFA is a terminal online degree with just one campus residency each year. During the residency, students will participate in visiting designer lectures, workshops, and critiques. Paid graduate assistantships are also provided, allowing students to gain valuable teaching experience through the ComDes program. Graduate assistantships require 20 hours of work per week.

Students in the ComDes MFA program will complete 60 credit hours, including 18 core credit hours, 30 credit hours of prescribed communication design studio electives, six credit hours of free electives, and six credit hours of thesis. Courses explore design history, visual communication, digital design, and typography.

Course examples include Corporate Identity Systems; Kinetic Typography; Exhibitions; Design for Motion; Research Through Making; The Experimental Book; Alternative Printing Methods; Entrepreneurial Design; Art Direction; Generative Design; International Perspective in Typography; Web Design; Experience Design; Sustainable Package Design; and Communication Design Seminar.

A required Professional Practice course provides the opportunity to work with regional and national advertising agencies, graphic design firms, and digital media studios to gain experience in the industry.

The ComDes MFA program at Texas State University culminated with a thesis, completed across a minimum of two courses. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers at advertising agencies, museums, marketing firms, web design studios, publishing companies, art galleries, universities, and more.

Program alumni hold titles such as Senior Graphic Designer, UI/UX Designer, Art Director, Design Manager, Professor, Visual Designer, Senior Interaction Designer, and Creative Director.

Lyndon B. Johnson is Texas State University’s most famous alumni, and the only president to graduate from a Texas college. Established in 1899 as a teacher’s college known as Southwest Texas Normal School, Texas State serves approximately 35,380 students enrolled in more than 200 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs. Texas State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Franklin College of Arts and Sciences at University of Georgia (UGA) houses the Lamar Dodd School of Art. Founded in 1937, the school serves more than 1,000 students across five different facilities on the UGA campus. Since 1969, the Dodd School of Art has also served over 4,000 students from 400 U.S. institutions at its year-round Studies Abroad Program in Cortona, Italy. International opportunities in Ghana, England, Australia, New Zealand, and Costa Rica are also provided thru the Dodd School.

In addition to state-of-the-art studios, galleries, lecture halls, and a visual resource center, the UGA Dodd School of Art houses the Fine Arts BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design. This interdisciplinary program features seminars; visiting artist lectures; classroom critiques and discussion; workshops; and exhibitions. Coursework explores layout, color techniques, three-dimensional design, typography, illustration, electronic design, photography, and graphic survey.

Course examples for the program include Graphic Systems; Advanced Typography; Type and Image; Topics in Digital Platforms and Dynamic Media I-II; Art and Design in the City Intensive Field Study; Data Visualization; Time-Based Media and Design; Data Visualization; Environmental Branding and Experiential Graphic Design; Special Topics in Graphic Design (examples: Letterpress and Book Arts, Character Design, and Trend Forecasting); Visual Narrative Systems; and Professional Practices: The Business Side of Art.

In addition to required courses, UGA Fine Arts BFA students must complete a certificate, minor, second major, or nine hours in an associated subject area. Examples include Marketing and Strategy; Cultural Studies; Interaction and Computing; or Communications and Media. The program also allows students to complete the Internship in Art; the Grady/Dodd Summer Studio; or Study Away in Cortona, Italy as electives.

The UGA Fine Arts BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design culminates with the GD Senior Capstone and participation in the Annual Bachelor of Fine Arts Exit Show. Graduates are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Program alumni have been hired at places such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), IBM Design, Aveda, Meta, Bustle, Gensler, and Free People.

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, University of Georgia is the nation’s first state university. The school serves approximately 40,120 students enrolled in nearly 400 degree programs across 17 colleges and schools. Established in 1910, the Graduate School houses 250 of the school’s degree programs. University of Georgia is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) has multiple paths to study Graphic Design. This includes the traditional Graphic Design BFA; double majors in Graphic Design and Art History, and Graphic Design and Creative Writing; an Art History major with a Graphic Design Minor; and a Creative Writing major with a Graphic Design minor.

All students will complete the first-year Foundation program along with courses and requirements such as Graphic Design Histories; Social Innovation; Branding and Identity; Visual Inquiry; Information and Data Visualization; Type and Image; Self-Directed Inquiry; Interaction; Research and Process; and Professional Practices.

Additional courses for the Graphic Design/Art History program Courses may include Contemporary Art; Global/Comparative Art; Modern Art; Baroque Art; and Art History Seminar. Students in the Graphic Design/Creative Writing program will complete 15 credit hours of literature courses and 12 credits in Creative Writing Workshop. Writing Seminar and Critical Studies I-II are also part of this program.

Across programs, students benefit from interactions with visiting artists; faculty-led travel to places such as Peru, France, Thailand, Argentina, and Vietnam; and the opportunity to complete a professional internship in Missouri, the U.S. or abroad.

The culminating experience for all programs is the final project and a professional portfolio of the student's best work. Graduates of the Design programs at Kansas City Art Institute have been hired to work in a variety of design roles at places such as Nickelodeon, Fossil, The Getty Museum, Pentagram, Hallmark, R/GA, Airbnb, Salesforce, VML, Radius, Hyperakt, Design Army, Populous, and Barkley.

Kansas City Art Institute was established in 1885 as a Sketch Club. Situated just steps from the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art within Kansas City’s arts corridor, this four-year art and design college serves more than 700 students enrolled in 13 studio majors across 15 program areas. Kansas City Art Institute is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

The College of Design at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities (UMN) is a comprehensive design college with more than 40 programs. This includes a Graphic Design BFA program, and MA, MFA, MS, and PhD degrees with an optional Graphic Design Track. Students in all programs will participate in workshops, advanced studios, individual and collaborative design projects, internships, and the study abroad program.

Consisting of 120 credit hours the Graphic Design BFA at UMN explores both traditional and technological production techniques. Students will study areas such as typography, data visualization, digital drawing, color theory, hand-drawing, illustration, animation, web design, and photography through major coursework (80-89 credits) and electives.

Course and elective examples for the program include Identity and Symbols; Typography; Packaging and Display; Product Innovation Lab; Interaction Design; Storytelling and Design; Data Visualization Studio; Digital Illustration and Animation; Design Process: Photography; Travels in Typography; Advanced Web Design; Concept Sketching; Text and Image; User Experience in Design; Design and Visual Presentation; Human Factors in Design; Product Innovation Lab; and Advanced Graphic Design Print Projects.

The Graphic Design BFA Program at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities culminates with the Senior Thesis and Exhibition. This major event allows students to present their work to the faculty, peers, and the design community. Students will also graduate with a portfolio of their best work.

The MA and MS programs with a Graphic Design Track at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities provides two plans: A and B. Plan A is thesis-focused and prepares students for the PhD Program. This pathway can be completed in 2-3 years full-time. Plan B is a project-based, two-year program designed for students seeking career advancement. Both plans are 34 credit hours and a both require a final oral examination.

The UMN MFA/Graphic Design Track consists of 60 credit hours completed over three years, full-time. Students will complete 40 credit hours in the major and 12 credits in the capstone. A final oral examination is required to graduate. Consisting of 64 credit hours completed over four years, full-time, the PhD is designed for students interested in research or teaching. Students in this program will take 28 credits in the major and 24 dissertation credits.

Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. Program alumni can be found at places such as graphic design studios, advertising agencies, museums, marketing firms, government agencies, public relations firms, web design companies, and production studios (entertainment).

Program alumni hold titles such as Graphic Designer, Art Director, User Experience Designer, Data Visualization Strategist, Web Designer, Interactive Designer, and Creative Director, among others.

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is the flagship institution of the University of Minnesota System and the state’s only land-grant university. Founded in 1851, UMN is also one of largest research universities in the nation and one of just five universities in the U.S. with agricultural, engineering, law, medical, and veterinary medicine schools—all on one campus. Around 20,000 UMN faculty and staff serve approximately 50,000 students enrolled in more than 500 degree and minor programs. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1913.

The Graphic Design BFA program at San Jose State University (SJSU) is the only program of its kind in a public university in Silicon Valley. Established in 1969 and housed in the College of Humanities and the Arts, Department of Design, the program features a mandatory internship; the opportunity to work on community engagement projects; collaborations with students in other disciplines; classes and workshops led by studio professionals; and funded research.

The Graphic Design BFA at San Jose State University is a professional degree program that consists of 120 credit hours, including at least 48 in the major. The program can be completed entirely online or on campus. Course examples Fundamental Graphic Visualization; Special Topics in Graphic Design; User Interface and Interaction Design; Intermediate Graphic Design; Digital Apps: Motion and Interaction Design; Visual Communication and Process; Advanced Typography; 3D Branding and Promotion Design; Exhibition Design and Info Graphics; and Advanced Graphic Design.

Students will also complete the Degree Project: Senior Studio and Graphic Design Portfolio courses, and present their final works at the BFA Senior Show held in the Spring.

For students seeking a degree that combines liberal arts and design, San Jose State University has a Design Studies BA with a Graphic Design specialization. Also housed in the Department of Design, the Design Studies BA is a 120 credit hour program that encourages students to select electives in arts and other areas.

This liberal arts and design program also encourages students to add a minor from any of the following departments: Art and Art History; Computer Science; Journalism and Mass Communications; Psychology; Environmental Studies; Philosophy; Global Studies; Business; English and Comparative Literature; Anthropology; Urban and Regional Planning; and General Engineering.

Course examples for the Design BA program include Introduction to Graphic Design; Fundamental Graphic Visualization; 2D Animation; Visual Communication and Process; Typography; 3D Branding and Promotion Design; Special Topics in Graphic Design; Digital Applications; Exhibition Design and Info Graphic; Visual Literacy: Image Making; Advanced Graphic Design; Motion Graphics; Graphic Design History and Theory; Advanced Typography; Design Values and Professional Practices; Visual Principles; User Interface and Interaction Design; and Advanced Physical Prototyping.

The Design BA culminates with the Senior Project, worth three credit hours. Design BA students will also graduate with a portfolio of their best individual and collaborative works.

Graduates of the Graphic Design programs at San Jose State University are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. SJSU alumni are routinely hired at places such as Microsoft, Target Corporation, Apple, Cisco, Wells Fargo, NBC Universal, IBM, Oracle, Nordstrom, Google, JPMorganChase, Western Digital, The City of San Jose, Samsara Networks, and State Farm.

Established in 1857, San Jose State University is Silicon Valley’s Public University. Serving approximately 36,000 students, the school provides more than 250 areas of study at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Programs at SJSU are housed across nine colleges and dozens of departments and schools. San Jose State University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

The College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University is home to the Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Dance, Art, and Performance. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the school houses the Department of art and Design, which has a Visual Communications Design (VCD) program leading to a BFA or MFA.

The VCD BFA consists of 126 credit hours with 78 credits in the major. The program focuses on group and individual projects that focus on poster design, multimedia design, typography, packaging design, information design, and web design. Course examples for the program include, Visual Communication Design I-IV; Interactive Design Studies; Advertising Media Strategy; Fundamentals of Interactive Multimedia Design; Advanced Typography; Visual Communication Design Computing I-II; New Product Development; Advanced Poster Design; Physical Computing; Information Design; Advanced Web Design for Visual Communication Design; and Professional Practice for Visual Communication Design.

All Purdue VCD students have the opportunity to complete the Art and Design Internship course. is Worth 1-8 credit hours, this experiential opportunity takes place at an art-and-design-related firm, department, or studio.

Graduates of the VCD BFA program at Purdue University are prepared to pursue positions such as Graphic Designer, UX Designer, Brand Manager, Package Designer, Advertising Artist, Creative Director, Design Consultant, and Web Designer.

The VCD MFA at Purdue University is an interdisciplinary program that explores information design, typography, critical theory, poster design, web communications, advanced color design, design methodology, research methods, and design history. The program also features an 18-21 credit hour first-year curriculum; immersive studios; interdisciplinary seminars; and elective coursework.

During the final year of the VCD MFA at Purdue University, students will work on their MFA Thesis and Exhibition. This event includes a presentation and public gallery talk about the student's final project.

Graduates of the Purdue University VCD MFA program are prepared to pursue advanced roles in art and design. Job titles include Brand Manager, Creative Director, Design Educator, Senior Graphic Designer, Graphic Design Consultant, Senior Packaging Designer, Web Designer, Art Director, Multimedia Designer, Design Researcher, and Educator.

Established in 1869, Purdue University is a public research university that opened with six instructors and 39 students on September 16, 1874. Today, Purdue employs more than 10,000 full-time faculty members and employees that serve approximately 50,885 students from all 50 states and 130 countries. Purdue University offers more than 400 programs in 11 colleges and schools. Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The College of Fine Arts at University of Utah (The U) is home to the Department of Art and Art History. Within the department is a Graphic Design BFA program that consists of 122 credit hours, with a minimum of 79 in the major. Formerly the BFA in Studio Art with a Graphic Design emphasis, this new and improved program begins with three studio art foundations courses; Introduction to the History of Art and Visual Culture; Typography 1: Form and Space; and Writing.

To advance into the second year of the program, students must successfully complete all first year coursework and submit a portfolio. A second year review is required to advance into the third year of the program. Second and third year course examples include Communication Design 1-5; Digital Drawing; Typography 1-3; Design Strategy; Visual Rhetoric; Writing for New Media; Digital Imaging for Visual Artists; and History of Graphic Design.

Examples of upper division courses include Visiting Designer Studio: Design Co-op; Design Theory and Practice; and Professional Practices Seminar. The Visiting Designer Studio consists of studio-based projects and workshops led by guest lecturers. In the Professional Practices Seminar, students will complete a portfolio and professional resume.

The Graphic Design BFA program at University of Utah culminates with the Graphic Design Capstone 1: Research and Inquiry, and Graphic Design Capstone 2: Development and Presentation courses. Graduates are prepared to pursue positions at places such as design studios, advertising agencies, publishing companies, marketing firms, web design studios, museums, and universities.

Founded in 1850, University of Utah is the state’s public flagship institution. Also, a top-tier research university, The U serves approximately 35,240 students enrolled more than 200 programs across 17 colleges and schools. University of Utah is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).

The College of Communication and Information at Kent State University (KSU or Kent State) houses the School of Visual Communication Design (VCD), which emphasizes cross-disciplinary study and mandatory internships at companies and design studios in place such as New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Cleveland. Many VCD internships are paid.

All VCD students also benefit from international study experiences; intensive portfolio development; and access to the recently renovated spaces of Taylor Hall. This includes the Creative Lab, photography studios, lounges, a signature gallery, production studios, and classrooms.

For students seeking a degree in graphic design, the School of VCD has BA, BFA, MA, and MFA options. All VCD programs allow students to add an emphasis in Visual Design (Graphic Design). Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the BA and BFA programs also require a minor or secondary area of study. Examples include Advertising; Management; Visual Journalism; Public Relations; Entrepreneurship for Non-Business Majors; Health Communication; and Marketing.

Students in all undergraduate programs will complete the Kent State University Core. Consisting of 36-37 credit hours, the KSU Core covers six areas including Humanities and Fine Arts; Composition; Basic Sciences; Mathematics and Critical Reasoning; Social Sciences; and Additional Options. All undergraduate options explore package design, 2D and 3D forms, motion, interactive design, print, illustration and design, video, exhibition design, and environmental design.

The VCD BA and BFA programs at KSU culminate with a final project, portfolio and exhibition. Graduates are prepared to pursue design careers across industries. Examples include advertising agencies, packaging companies, design consulting firms, branding agencies, PR firms, publishing companies, production studios (entertainment), media and communications companies, museums, and galleries.

The graduate VCD program at Kent State is one of only three programs in the state of Ohio to offer a Visual Communication Design MA. The graduate program was also the first to offer the terminal degree in the field—the MFA. The MA is a 32 credit hour program that can be completed in just three semesters. Course examples include Advanced Graphic Design Advanced; Typographic Structures and Systems; User Experience Design Principles and Concepts; Design Research Methods; and Concept Development and Implementation.

The VCD MA at Kent State University culminates with the MA Project in Graphic Design and Illustration and a portfolio. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership roles in areas such as advertising, packaging, user experience (UX) design, corporate branding, digital media, entertainment, publishing, and social media.

The Kent State VCD MFA is a 60 credit hour, five semester program that combines research, theory, and design coursework with hands-on teaching experiences at the freshman and sophomore level. Course examples for the program include Graduate Studio in VCD; Typography II; College Teaching in VCD; Graphic Narrative; Critical Practices in Design Research; Integrated Brand Design; Editorial Illustration; Typeface Design; Identity Systems; Information Design; Experimental Typography; Advertising Illustration; Brand Experiences; Responsive Web Design; and Glyphix Research Laboratory.

The VCD MFA program at KSU culminates with the MFA Thesis course, worth six credits. During the course of this final project, students will work with their thesis advisor to produce a body work demonstrating skill as a professional designer, illustrator, or researcher.

Graduates of the MFA VCD program are prepared to pursue leadership roles in design, design education, and design research. With an 89% employment (or continuing education) rate, Kent State graduates can be found at places such as NASA, Express, ESPN, Tesla, Cleveland Clinic, Delta Air Lines, and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Established in 1910 as a teacher training school, Kent State University comprises an eight-campus system that serves approximately 33,000 students from across the U.S. and more than 100 countries. Students at Kent State have access to more than 300 programs housed across 40+ colleges, departments, and schools. Kent State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University (Temple) began in the 1930s as Stella Elkins Tyler School of Fine Arts. Around 1965, the school’s name was changed to Tyler Schol of Art, and the Tyler Study Abroad program in Rome was founded. Today Temple University Rome is one of the top fine arts study abroad programs in Europe and the Tyler School is now known as Tyler School of Art and Architecture.

The school’s 255,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility sits on Temple University's main campus in Philadelphia. The space houses classrooms, lecture halls, collaboration spaces, exhibition spaces, and Temple Contemporary—Tyler's visionary center for public programming. Tyler's 50,000-square-foot Architecture Building consists of three floors of studios and analog and digital research fabrication.

Tyler School of Art and Architecture also houses the Department of Graphic and Interactive Design (GAID), which leads to a BFA or MFA. In partnership with Temple University’s Fox School of Business, the Tyler School also provides a Graphic and Interactive Design/Entrepreneurial Studies BFA. This interdisciplinary program focuses on art, art history, business, and entrepreneurship.

Both GAID and GAID/Entrepreneurship students will begin their programs with the common foundation curriculum before advancing to GAID coursework and projects that explore typography, illustration, packaging, virtual reality, web design, real-life spaces, and social media. Across programs, course examples include Advanced Typography; Packaging, Interactive Design; Publishing; Advanced Graphic Design; Brand Identity; Art Direction; Design for the Public Good; Senior Illustration; Hybrid Design; Digital Narratives; Computer Graphic; The Business of Design; Advertising Design; Computers for Design; and Collaborative Design Workshop in Rome (six weeks).

In addition to fulfilling requirements for the traditional GAID BFA program, GAID/Entrepreneurial Studies students will complete courses such as Doing Well by Doing Good: Where Innovation and Entrepreneurship Meet Social Impact; Launch a New Venture in 100 Days; Pitching and Funding Entrepreneurial Ventures; Lean Startup: Fast and Inexpensive Ways to Test and Launch Your Ideas; and Entrepreneurial and Innovative Thinking. All students may also complete the Field or Rome internship.

Students in the 126 credit hour GAID BFA program will complete two portfolio review cycles in each academic year: the end of the Fall semester (December) and the end of the Spring semester (May). GAID students may also Students may complete an optional concentration in Art Education.

The GAID and GAID/Entrepreneurial Studies BFA programs at Temple University culminate with the Senior Thesis course Senior Graphic Design: Projects in Authorship , and the Senior Portfolio course. GAID graduates are prepared to pursue design roles across industries. GAID/Entrepreneurial Studies BFA graduates are prepared to pursue employment or launch their own studios or other businesses.

The Graphic and Interactive Design MFA at Temple University is an interdisciplinary, research-driven program that combines electives with project, seminar, and art history courses. Project and seminar courses include Visual Design Graduate Seminar (12 credits/four terms); Graduate Professional Practices (three credits); Graphic Design Graduate Projects (nine credits/three terms); and Visual Design Thesis (12 credits/four terms).

The GAID MFA at Temple University culminates with the Thesis Exhibition and Slide Show. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership design roles across industries.

GAID program alumni work at in-house design studios, advertising agencies, publishing companies, web design firms, packaging companies, and film and television studios. Some MFA graduates have launched their own design studios and freelance careers, while others have gone on to teach at top universities and art schools. Some of the top employers of Temple University graduates include Amazon, SEI, Lockheed Martin, and Vanguard.

Founded in 1884 as a night school, Temple University Serves 30,530 students, making it one of the largest universities in Pennsylvania. Temple provides more than 500 academic programs across 17 colleges and schools, including five professional schools. Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS). Temple University is also an member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

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Word Template for PhD Thesis
Ms Word Thesis Template
🏆 How to word a thesis. Format a Thesis or Dissertation in MS Word
phd thesis word format
4000 Word Essay Writing Guide: How to Structure & How Many Pages Is It
Thesis Cover Page Template

COMMENTS

Word limits and requirements of your Degree Committee
For the MSc Degree the thesis is not to exceed 40,000 words, EXCLUDING bibliography, but including tables, tables of contents, footnotes and appendices. ... PhD theses MUST NOT exceed 80,000 words, and will normally be near that length. A minimum word length exists for PhD theses: 70,000 words (50,000 for MLitt theses) ...
How Long Is a PhD Thesis?
Unfortunately, there's no one size fits all answer to this question. However, from the analysis of over 100 PhD theses, the average thesis length is between 80,000 and 100,000 words. A further analysis of 1000 PhD thesis shows the average number of pages to be 204. In reality, the actual word count for each PhD thesis will depend on the ...
How long should be a Doctoral Dissertation or Thesis?
The PhD dissertation is an academic essay, structured, formal and concise and precisely written. ... their thesis is 80,000 to 1,20,000 words long while 21% of students voted to have a dissertation length of fewer than 40,000 words. However, the study is irrelevant as students aren't categorized based their subjects. (but it's just a ...
Tips for writing a PhD dissertation: FAQs answered
A PhD thesis (or dissertation) is typically 60,000 to 120,000 words ( 100 to 300 pages in length) organised into chapters, divisions and subdivisions (with roughly 10,000 words per chapter) - from introduction (with clear aims and objectives) to conclusion. The structure of a dissertation will vary depending on discipline (humanities, social ...
19. Format of the thesis
Where the programme of research involves the preparation of a scholarly edition of texts, a scholarly edition of creative writing or scholarly edition of musical or choreographic works, or other original artifacts (see regulation 6.5), the written thesis should be within the following range:for a PhD: 30,000 - 40,000 words
PhD Thesis
A Guide to Writing a PhD Thesis. A PhD thesis is a work of original research all students are requiured to submit in order to succesfully complete their PhD. The thesis details the research that you carried out during the course of your doctoral degree and highlights the outcomes and conclusions reached. The PhD thesis is the most important ...
What would be the fast and smart strategy for writing a 40,000 word PhD
To write a PhD thesis of 40,000 words or more within 1-2 months is not systematic for carrying research. Research follows a methodology and there are several steps to be done which need a suitable ...
Preparing a thesis
Social Sciences: 40,000 words (MPhil); 75,000-100,000 words (PhD) The above word counts exclude footnotes, bibliography and appendices. Where there are no guidelines, students should consult the supervisor as to the length of thesis appropriate to the particular topic of research.
Writing
PhD theses are limited to 100,000 words of text, excluding appendices, footnotes and references/bibliographies; Masters theses are up to 40,000 words. See PhD Formatting restrictions and Masters thesis formatting notes. Some disciplines have specific style manuals on writing, and citing. Check the details on layout, structure, writing style and ...
How Long is a PhD Thesis?
So how many words is a Ph.D. thesis? At UWS London, your PhD thesis should not typically exceed 40,000 words for PhD students studying Mathematics, Technology, Science, and Engineering - this excludes ancillary data. For PhD students studying in all other fields, a PhD thesis should not exceed 80,000 words.
Writing my thesis
The maximum word limit for theses (including footnotes but excluding tables, maps, bibliographies and appendices) are: 100 000 words for a PhD or doctoral thesis. You should aim to write a thesis shorter than the maximum allowed, for example 40 000 for a Masters thesis or 80 000 words for a PhD.
Thesis length
Thesis length. Research theses have a word limit that you must comply with. A PhD thesis should not exceed a total of 100,000 words in length (or 70,000 for most professional doctorates), including scholarly apparatus such as footnotes or endnotes, essential appendices and bibliography. A doctoral thesis should however, be concise.
Thesis vs. Dissertation: What's the difference?
The word count requirements for theses can vary significantly, but doctoral dissertations often range 40,000-80,000 words or, per Harvard, 100-300 pages. ... the University College London refers to a thesis for EngD, MPhil, MD(Res), and PhD degrees. At the University of Nottingham, a dissertation is written for a research master's degree.
Word limits: Arbitrary or purposeful writing boundaries?
In any form of writing there are word limits. 1500 words for a first-year essay, 40000 words for a Masters thesis, 80000-100000 words for a doctoral dissertation, 7000 words for a journal article. Even in blogging land, the average post tends to hover around 800-1000 words, a fairly standard word limit for the average post.
1. Thesis preparation
Word limit. It's important to adhere to the word limit when writing your thesis. Your thesis must not exceed: 80,000 words for a PhD; 40,000 words for an MPhil. The word limit: includes the preliminary pages; includes all footnotes and appendices; includes all in-text referencing, but; does not include your bibliography/reference list.
Higher Degrees by Research Thesis Format
If there is a legitimate case for a thesis or exegesis to exceed the below word limits, special representation should be made to the Dean, Graduate Research, for prior written approval to submit such a thesis or exegesis. ... PhD: ~80,000; Masters: ~40,000; Format (PhD and Masters) Typically, the following type of approach should be adopted for ...
How long is a dissertation?
An undergraduate dissertation is typically 8,000-15,000 words. A master's dissertation is typically 12,000-50,000 words. A PhD thesis is typically book-length: 70,000-100,000 words. However, none of these are strict guidelines - your word count may be lower or higher than the numbers stated here. Always check the guidelines provided ...
How many words per day? : r/PhD
It's a rather short dissertation of approximately 40,000 words as the second part of my PhD requirement is a short story collection (I'm doing a creative PhD). 3. 9 Share. Add a Comment. Sort by: Search Comments. downsideleft. • 4 yr. ago. I wrote 2 to 4 pages per day, 4 days a week with the expectation that I would edit it down by 25 - 35%.
Guide to Submission and Presentation of the Thesis
A thesis presents a student's research results, describing the research with reference to relevant work in the field. It will include a description of the methods of research considered, and those actually employed, and present the student's conclusions. It is essential that any use of another author's work is properly acknowledged.
Distribution of words in a 20,000 words thesis?
PhD thesis = more than 50,000 words up to 100,000 words but the average word length that was practiced was between 85,000-90,000 words. ... This gives you about 40000 words in a 130 page document ...
Dissertation vs. Thesis
A thesis is a shorter research paper completed by master's degree candidates, usually between 40,000 and 60,000 words. These may contain original research but rely more heavily on existing studies than dissertations. ... and leads to a PhD. A thesis is shorter, may incorporate original research, and leads to a master's degree. 2. What are ...
Alternative formats of thesis submission
For submission at PhD level, students opting for the translation + thesis option should submit an extended translation of 20,000 - 40,000 words. The translation should be of publishable standard. The translation should be accompanied by a thesis of 45,000 - 80,000 words. The total word-count for thesis plus translation together must be 80,000 ...
A General Guide to PhD Dissertation Word Count And Structure
Most of the students don't know how many words are included in the different chapters of the dissertation. Here, we will provide a general guide about the PhD dissertation word count and structure. 1) Preliminary pages. In the structure of the PhD dissertation, first of all, there come preliminary pages. These preliminary pages include ...
Number of references in a PhD thesis?
I'm qualitative and, doing a rough calculation, my final thesis has around 280 references - so less than you! Now I hope I have enough!! I'm doing an computer science PhD and my institution has a maximum of 50000 words (as opposed for 80000 for humanities). Looking at 5 example PhDs I have, they average about 130 (though one has 350).
Top 50 Graphic Design Schools and Colleges in the U.S.
During years two and three, PhD students will complete Research I, II, III, and IV. During the final year of the program, across two courses, PhD students will assemble a 60,000- to 80,000-word dissertation or a body of written and practical work consisting of 40,000 to 60,000 words.