People pose for NU's first ever physical Doctoral Dissertation Boot Camp

NU Dissertation Boot Camps

Overview

In August 2016, we held our first ever physical, intensive doctoral dissertation boot camp for doctoral candidates in the dissertation sequence at our Service Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. While we are proud to deliver our programs online without the requirement to travel, we recognized the value in face-to-face interactions.

NU Dissertation Boot Camp consists of two and a half days of intense, critical thinking training, development of successful, doctoral acumen, support for research study alignment and feasibility, modeling the use of research methods, and providing students the tools necessary to complete their dissertation. NU faculty work alongside students individually and in cohorts to help answer questions, explain program and dissertation processes and expectations, and help students gain the confidence and drive necessary to complete their doctoral journey. We paid special attention to building on the foundation students already had, with a goal in mind to leave the boot camp with the skills and knowledge necessary to complete a timely, scholarly, and publishable dissertation study. Sessions are led by experienced NU Faculty. Students are able to develop cohort relationships with their peers and interact in both formal and informal sessions with faculty and students.

Event Schedule

Atlanta Dissertation
Boot Camp

February 25-27, 2024

Atlanta, GA

Closed

New Orleans Dissertation
Boot Camp

June 2-4, 2024

New Orleans, LA

San Antonio Dissertation
Boot Camp

TBD: End of July, 2024

San Antonio, TX

Registration Coming Soon

San Diego Dissertation
Boot Camp

TBD: November, 2024

San Diego, CA

Registration Coming Soon

dissertation boot camp participants

Eligibility

All current NU students in an NU doctoral program.

Costs

Fees for the boot camps include exclusive access to current NU dissertation chair faculty from each school or department, one-to-one sessions with NU dissertation chair faculty, event supplies, dissertation resource guides, most meals and depending on the location the hotel arrangements.

Fees are calculated based on the number of participants, the time of year, and location. If you are interested in participating in a boot camp please send an email to [email protected] for more information.

At this time students are not able to use Title IV Financial Aid to cover the cost of attendance. However we have had employers cover the participation fee as a part of a professional development program. If your employer needs verification of your attendance, please email [email protected]

National University Doctoral Student Podcast

The DCP team has created a series of videos to help you navigate NU’s Dissertation Completion Pathway, these videos feature subject matter experts that share crucial information and cover a variety of topics to provide the guidance you are looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that distance based learning is essential for working professionals, but sometimes you just need that face-to-face interaction to help get you over the obstacles on your doctoral journey. Our mission is to engage diverse, global doctoral students in dissertation retreats with key faculty to support the needs of working professionals from around the world by providing a structured, intense, learning environment supporting student success for timely completion of dissertation study. By providing an optional face-to-face experience with faculty and peers with a specific focus on dissertation components, strategies, techniques, research and writing we offer students an alternative method to gain information you need to better understand the dissertation sequence.

We cater each boot camp to include sessions that are most relevant to the students who are attending. Weeks before the boot camp you will complete a survey that will let us know exactly the areas you need to focus on and we then take that feedback and build our sessions accordingly.

Generally the session topics are as follows:

  • COMPS, Prospective or Portfolio Prep
  • Managing distractions – getting re-motivated
  • Library, ASC & Available Resources
  • How to Avoid Common Pitfalls
  • Writing for your Dissertation
  • Dissertation Roadmap
  • Research methods alignment
  • Bringing the dissertation chapters together
  • Purpose, Problem Statement, and research questions/hypotheses
  • Chapter 1
  • Chapter 2
  • Chapter 3
  • Chapter 4
  • Chapter 5
  • IRB Application/Process
  • Research techniques – Quantitative
  • Research techniques – Qualitative
  • Defending your Dissertation
  • Publishing Strategies

No, this is a completely optional event for you to participate in if you are interested.

No, this is not considered as a part of the semester credit hours you receive in your courses for your program.

You do not need to attend a boot camp to complete a scholarly, publishable, or timely dissertation study. This event is not for everyone. If you are looking to connect with your peers and get some face time with faculty this is your chance!

Yes! We have Dissertation Boot Camp Ambassadors available for you to speak to.If you are a prospective student or would just like to speak one on one with a former boot camper you can email us at [email protected] and ask to speak to a Boot Camp Ambassador. We will connect you with a student who is closely aligned with your program and study if possible.

Student Testimonials