National Dissertation Day

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Activities Appreciation Educational
Where:: Other
Date change rule:: Every April 26
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National Dissertation Day arrives every April 26, serving as an annual reminder for doctoral students to focus and complete their dissertations. This day champions the dedication required for advanced academic research. Take action: set a writing goal, connect with your advisor, or celebrate a milestone in your doctoral journey.

Deals
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Hero
History
Timeline
FAQs
Importance
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Expected National Dissertation Day Deals

For National Dissertation Day, students can anticipate a variety of support and resources rather than traditional retail deals. Academic institutions and professional organizations often offer workshops, writing bootcamps, and virtual writing groups. Look for special discounts on academic software from companies like Grammarly, QuillBot, or reference managers such as Mendeley and Zotero. Publishers like ProQuest might highlight resources for submission and publication. Coaching services, such as The Dissertation Coach, may offer promotional rates on consultations. We will update this page with confirmed live deals and support programs as April 26 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Dissertation Day

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NationalDissertationDay. Share your progress, challenges, and tips for fellow doctoral candidates.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalDissertationDay. Post motivational quotes, research insights, or celebrate your writing milestones.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalDissertationDay. Join academic writing groups and share resources for dissertation success.

National Dissertation Day Hero

Dr. Carol K. Lee

Dr. Carol K. Lee is a distinguished scholar and advocate for graduate student success. As a former Dean of the Graduate School at Northwestern University, she has championed initiatives aimed at supporting doctoral candidates through the dissertation process, emphasizing mentorship and timely completion. Her work has significantly influenced policies and practices designed to reduce attrition rates in doctoral programs.

History of National Dissertation Day

Dr. Russell Strickland, founder and CEO of Dissertation Done, initiated the idea of National Dissertation Day in 2018 to highlight the importance of completing your dissertation on time. Dr. Strickland identified the mercenary approach to completing one’s dissertation by highlighting the fact that, each year, the dissertation process costs students $40,000 or more, and that delaying it for two, three, or more years is irrational.

There are multiple research-based doctoral degrees awarded in different disciplines but what all of these degree programs have in common is the doctoral dissertation.

Dissertations, or alternatively, theses, have been an integral part of the doctoral program since ancient times. The term ‘thesis’ comes from Greek, meaning ‘something put forth.’ ‘Dissertation’ comes from the Latin ‘dissertātiō,’ meaning ‘discussion.’ Aristotle was the first one to define the term thesis as a supposition or a statement that may or may not be true depending on the evidence or proof.

National Dissertation Day timeline

1100s

First Doctoral Degree

The first doctoral degree is awarded in Paris in the mid-12th century.

1652

Doctorate of Philosophy

The doctorate of philosophy is developed in Germany in the 17th century.

1861

First U.S. Ph.D.

The modern research degree is first awarded in the U.S. at Yale University.

1920

First U.K. Ph.D.

The first U.K. Ph.D. is issued by the University of Oxford.

National Dissertation Day FAQs

When is National Dissertation Day?

In 2027, National Dissertation Day is observed on Monday, April 26. It’s a key date for students to recommit to their research and writing goals, pushing toward degree completion.

How many students complete their dissertations?

Each year, approximately 50,000 students drop out of doctoral programs primarily due to an inability to finish their dissertations. This emphasizes the critical need for support and motivation on days like National Dissertation Day.

What are the benefits of earning a doctoral degree?

Beyond financial gains, a doctoral degree provides advanced critical thinking skills, opens doors to research and teaching positions, and offers the profound satisfaction of contributing original knowledge to one’s field. It’s a significant investment with long-term rewards.

What is the difference between a thesis and a dissertation?

The key distinction lies in originality and scope: a thesis synthesizes and applies existing research, often shorter in length. A dissertation, conversely, is a more substantial, in-depth work that presents novel findings and arguments, marking the culmination of doctoral studies.

How to Observe National Dissertation Day

Take the pledge
If you are a doctoral student then National Dissertation Day is a perfect opportunity to eliminate the bad habit of procrastinating and maintain your focus. On this day, take the pledge to finally get your dissertation done! You get support and motivation from the online community.
Help a doctoral student
If you know a struggling doctoral student, give them the motivation and push they need to develop a mindful attitude toward their dissertation so that they can graduate and make an impact on the world as soon as possible.
Spread the word
Take to social media and spread the word. Use the hashtag #NationalDissertationDay to share motivation and break the stigma around horror stories about dissertations. You never know how this small gesture may impact a struggling student to put them back on track.

5 Surprising Facts About Ph.D. Degrees

Less than 1% of population
Because of the commitment and dedication, less than 1% of the population attains a Ph.D.
Doctor of philosophy
The term ‘philosophy’ in Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), means ‘love of wisdom’ from the original Greek word ‘philosphia.’
Faculty positions
Approximately 50% of those who earn a traditional Ph.D. obtain faculty positions.
Not all fields offer a Ph.D.
Not all subject fields have a Ph.D. degree program.
Honorary doctorate degrees
Honorary doctorate degrees are granted to individuals by some universities to formally recognize and honor them for their contributions to their field.

Why National Dissertation Day is Important

It builds an online community
National Dissertation Day has fostered an online community of like-minded people that acts as a support group for struggling students and stands with them so that they know they're not alone.
It motivates students
The day acts as a reminder and motivates students to complete the pinnacle of their education by outlining the downfalls of delaying their graduation for two, three, or more years.
It breaks the stigma around dissertation horror stories
National Dissertation Day aims to separate fact from fiction regarding rumors about dissertation horror stories. It brings truth to the gossip through research-based and data-backed authentic dissertation experiences