The Comprehensive Paper is an original, scholarly integrative analysis written at the completion of coursework. The Dissertation follows and is the culmination of coursework, seminars, independent study and research experience.

The Comprehensive Paper

For your comprehensive paper, you will choose from a faculty-prepared list of topics and draw upon core competencies and knowledge of your chosen specialization. You are expected to demonstrate through this paper:

• An ability to relate theoretical approaches to the assigned topic
• A knowledge of the history of ideas in social welfare
• An ability to develop an analytical approach to the assigned question
• An ability to communicate clearly and to write at a professional level

The comprehensive paper requires you to apply knowledge and skills in a manner similar to the demands required to write a dissertation and to carry out research and writing in professional life. Successful completion of the comprehensive paper and all coursework fulfills requirements for a Master of Arts degree in social policy and allows you to proceed to the dissertation.

The Dissertation

Course work, seminars, independent study, and research experience culminate in the development and execution of a student's dissertation. Students work with an advisor during their residency years to assure that they are laying the foundation to achieve this goal. After submitting a passing comprehensive paper, students are eligible to name a four-person dissertation committee tailored to the needs of his or her specific dissertation topic. The committee members serve as mentors and guides through the dissertation process and always include a scholar from outside the Heller community.

A Heller dissertation must be independent scholarly research that analyzes a significant social policy issue and makes an original contribution to the field. Students have the option of presenting the problem statement, review of literature, findings, and policy implications of their dissertation project as a traditional monograph-style dissertation, or may opt to prepare three publishable papers on related topics. Full-time doctoral students have 10 years from the date of entry into the program to complete all requirements for the degree, including the dissertation. The average time from matriculation to completion is six years.

2008 Ph.D. Graduates

Below are some of the most recent dissertations by Ph.D. graduates of the Heller School. Browse the dissertation abstracts (linked to each name and title) to familiarize yourself with the way questions are framed and how methodologies are chosen to address the issues.