Average Dissertation Length

How Long Is A Dissertation?

When discussing the average dissertation length it’s important to understand that it will depend upon your discipline. Most dissertations are 100 to 300 pages in length. All dissertations should be divided into appropriate sections, and long dissertations may need chapters, main divisions, and subdivisions. Source

Why Should We Care About the Ph.D. Dissertation Length?

Unfortunately, there’s no one size fits all answer to this question. However, from the analysis of over 100 Ph.D. theses, the average thesis length is between 80,000 and 100,000 words.

The average Ph.D. dissertation length in the US is around 100,000 words. This is a long read for anyone who is not familiar with the academic writing style and doesn’t have any background in the subject.

The length of a dissertation has a direct impact on the number of citations it gets in academic journals and on its success rate at conferences.

A shorter dissertation will have less depth and breadth, but it will be easier to read and more likely to be accepted by an academic journal or conference organizers.

Dissertation Length Varies by Discipline

The average dissertation length depends on the subject you’re studying. Economics and mathematics tend to have the shortest average page length, while biostatistics, history, political science, and anthropology have the longest average page counts.

The length of your dissertation will depend on the type of research, how clear your point of view is, and whether your findings are in agreement with prior theories. The conclusion section of the dissertation should be between fifteen and twenty pages, and it should make your point without being too wordy.

You should include a research findings section in your dissertation, which should not be more than 10 pages. In this section, you should state whether your hypotheses were supported or rejected, and then draw a conclusion.

Contrary to the findings section, the discussion section, which typically ranges between 15 and 20 pages, should explain the implications of your research and how it contributes to the field. It should also acknowledge the limitations of the study.

The average dissertation length at universities can vary depending on the discipline, though most tend to be between 100 and 200 pages long. You can compare average dissertation lengths by topic to see what is typical in your department.

The shortest dissertations tend to be in quantitative disciplines, while those in the humanities and social sciences have the longest averages. If you have a question about the length of your dissertation, use the graph below to find out.

Average dissertation length at universities

Examples of the average length of Ph.D. dissertation by major:

1. Computer Science: In the field of computer science, the average length of a Ph.D. dissertation can range from 100 to 150 pages, depending on the nature of the research topic and the inclusion of technical diagrams, algorithms, and code samples.
2. Engineering: Engineering disciplines often have longer dissertations due to the extensive research involved. On average, an engineering Ph.D. dissertation can span between 150 to 300 pages. The length can vary based on the subfield, such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering.
3. Psychology: How long is a dissertation in psychology? Doctoral dissertations in psychology typically range from 80 to 120 pages. This includes the literature review, methodology, data analysis, and discussion of findings. However, specific subfields within psychology may have variations in length.
4. Biology: Ph.D. dissertations in biology can vary depending on the area of specialization, such as molecular biology, ecology, or genetics. On average, a biology dissertation can be around 150 to 200 pages, considering the inclusion of research methodology, data analysis, and detailed scientific explanations.
5. History: In the field of history, the length of a Ph.D. dissertation can range from 250 to 400 pages. Historical research often involves extensive literature reviews, archival work, and analysis of primary sources, resulting in a comprehensive and in-depth study.
6. Literature: Doctoral dissertations in literature can vary in length based on the focus and research scope. On average, a literature dissertation may span between 150 to 250 pages, encompassing the analysis of literary works, critical interpretations, and theoretical frameworks.

Please note that these are general examples, and the actual lengths of Ph.D. dissertations can still vary within these ranges based on the specific research topic, methodology, and requirements of the academic institution.

It’s A Good Idea to Review Published Dissertations

When you’re writing your dissertation, you should always have a plan in mind. By reviewing published dissertations and discussions with your chair and committee, you can estimate the number of pages and the overall amount of content you’ll need. Remember, that less is not better, and writing more is an unnecessary waste of time. Regardless of what type of degree you have, make sure you’re writing your dissertation in a way that makes sense. Long, detailed work can save you a lot of money and time.

A student’s average dissertation length will vary depending on the topic and requirements of the university. It is important that the paper is as detailed and accurate as possible. The average dissertation length is not always the same as the average Ph.D. thesis, but it should be as comprehensive as possible. It’s also important to remember that a dissertation is not just a collection of essays. It’s an academic project.

When it comes to the average dissertation length, the length of the dissertation depends on the topic of study, design, and method. Most PhDs are based on quantitative research, while humanities and social sciences are longer dissertations using a qualitative design. The average dissertation length depends on the methods of research and how the dissertation is structured. Using a computer program, you can easily compute the average dissertation length. It’s a good idea to have a plan before you begin writing each chapter, as a rough estimate is much more likely to lead to open communication between you and your chair.

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