Reaching the end of a major project such as writing a dissertation can be both exhilarating and intimidating. After years of hard work, research, and dedication to an area of interest or expertise it is time to take on final obstacles before taking in the triumph at the finish line. A Dissertation Completion Fellowship provides invaluable support for those who are striving towards their goal — offering financial resources, guidance through every step of completion process and providing motivation when it may feel like there’s none left. This article will examine what goes into preparing for this fellowship opportunity so you too can reach that illustrious finish line!
1. What is a Dissertation Completion Fellowship?
Dissertation Completion Fellowships are competitive awards that are available to doctoral students nearing completion of their dissertation. These fellowships provide financial support for the final year of work on a dissertation, including conducting data analysis and writing up results. The awardee is expected to devote full-time effort towards completing the degree program in this academic year. This funding opportunity may be used at any accredited institution that offers a Doctoral Program and the applicant must be enrolled within this program during the tenure of their fellowship.
The purpose of Dissertation Completion Fellowships is to ensure students complete progress toward degrees without interruption due to lack of funds or other forms such as housing instability, family obligations, illness/injury etc.. Successful applicants receive:
- Stipend
- Tuition & fee waivers
- Health insurance subsidy
Additionally successful applicants have access to university resources which include libraries, archives collections and faculty mentors who can aid with research guidance when crafting thesis statement(s). Special consideration will also be given for those from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education institutions such as racial/ethnic minorities or first-generation college graduates. To qualify for a Dissertation Completion Fellowship one must have advanced by candidacy exam date beyond semester prior appointment start date and should not hold another graduate level fellowship award concurrently. All interested candidates are encouraged submit an application before deadlines. Prior recipients along with committee members review applications based on criteria outlined within each University’s Graduate College Process Guidebook; only most outstanding applications make it through process successfully.
2. Securing Your Funding for the Journey Ahead
When it comes to dealing with the financial strain of working on your dissertation, there are a variety of options available. One option that is often overlooked is applying for a dissertation completion fellowship. Many universities and organizations offer this type of grant program in order to provide students with additional funding during their doctoral studies.
In addition to traditional university grants and scholarships, you can also find external sources like foundations and corporations that may provide dissertation completion fellowships. A comprehensive review of available resources should include local businesses, alumni associations, professional journals, online databases such as Grantsnet or ProFellow.com which both match applicants with relevant opportunities that they might be qualified for.
- Dissertation Completion Fellowships: Research & tailor applications specifically for established grant programs appropriate for graduate research positions.
- University Resources: Explore what kind of forms/application materials are required from your university’s Financial Aid Office or Provost office (i.e., travel grants).
- Professional Networks & Associations: Professional networks such as CGS – Council of Graduate Schools organize various types fellowships at different levels (local / regional / international), check out their website regularly.