Dissertation: First Steps
at the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies

• Selecting a Dissertation Topic
• Appointing a Chair and Dissertation Committee
• Composition of the Dissertation Committee
  • Dissertation Committee for Economics Ph.D.
  • Dissertation Committee for Public Policy Joint Ph.D.
• The Dissertation Proposal
  • Scheduling the Dissertation Proposal Defense
  • Proposal Approval for Economics Ph.D.
  • Proposal Approval for Public Policy Joint Ph.D.
• Applying to Graduate
  • Things you have to do to graduate from Ga State
    • Checklist for Economics (pdf)
  • Things you have to do to graduate from Ga Tech
    • Checklist for Public Policy (pdf)

Selecting a Dissertation Topic

The purpose of the dissertation is to demonstrate a Ph.D. candidate's ability to conduct research leading to a significant contribution to the candidate's discipline. Although the dissertation must be the original work of the student, and s/he is responsible for developing a dissertation topic, faculty input is encouraged. As you develop an interest in a potential topic, discuss it with individual faculty members, both to determine the topic's feasibility as well as faculty members' interest and expertise in the topic. This should help you determine which faculty member(s) would be willing and able to serve as chair or a member of your dissertation committee.

Next: Appointing a Chair and Dissertation Committee