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Completing a Professional Practice Dissertation

A Guide for Doctoral Students and Faculty

By:
Jerry W. Willis, Manhattanville College
Deborah Inman, Manhattanville College
Ron Valenti, College of New Rochelle

Published 2010

A growing number of both established and newly developed doctoral programs are
focusing on the preparation of practitioners rather than career researchers. Professional doctorates such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), Doctor of Professional Studies (DProf or DPS), and the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) are, in fact, just a few of the professional doctorates being offered today. Professional doctorates are the fastest growing segment of doctoral education.

The nature of the dissertation and the process of completing a dissertation can be quite different in a professional practice doctoral program but there are few resources for both students and faculty involved in completing and mentoring such dissertations. This book was written specifically for students and faculty involved in professional practice dissertation work. It addresses both the tasks and procedures that professional practice dissertations have
in common with dissertations in "research" doctoral programs as well as the tasks and issues that are more common in professional practice doctoral programs. For example, negotiating entry into applied settings and securing the cooperation of practicing professionals is covered, as are alternative models for the dissertation (e.g., the "three article dissertation" or "TAD"). The book also covers tasks such as getting IRB approval for applied dissertation research conducted in the field and how to propose and carry out studies based on applied and professional models of research. This book, written by three experienced mentors of professional practice dissertation students, is the comprehensive guide for both students and faculty.

CONTENTS
1. A Bit of History and Lore About Doctoral Programs and Dissertations. 2. The Professional Practice Doctorate. 3. Selecting Your Topic and Purpose. 4. Constructing Your Dissertation Team. 5. Sources of Knowledge and Perspective. 6. Selecting The Methods for Your Dissertation. 7. Traditional Qualitative Research Methods. 8. Emergent and Innovative Qualitative Research Methods for Professional Practice Dissertations. 9. Methods of Scholarship From the Humanities and Philosophy. 10. A Procedural Guide to Navigating the Dissertation Process. 11. The Data Collection and Analysis Process. 12. The Dissertation Writing Process. 13. The Technical Aspects of Your Written Dissertation. The Structure of the Dissertation. References.

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