ed d dissertation topics

Research Topics & Ideas: Education

170+ Research Ideas To Fast-Track Your Project

If you’re just starting out exploring education-related topics for your dissertation, thesis or research project, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll help kickstart your research topic ideation process by providing a hearty list of research topics and ideas , including examples from actual dissertations and theses..

PS – This is just the start…

We know it’s exciting to run through a list of research topics, but please keep in mind that this list is just a starting point . To develop a suitable education-related research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan of action to fill that gap.

If this sounds foreign to you, check out our free research topic webinar that explores how to find and refine a high-quality research topic, from scratch. Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help, consider our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Overview: Education Research Topics

• How to find a research topic (video)
• List of 50+ education-related research topics/ideas
• List of 120+ level-specific research topics 
• Examples of actual dissertation topics in education
• Tips to fast-track your topic ideation (video)
• Free Webinar : Topic Ideation 101
• Where to get extra help

Education-Related Research Topics & Ideas

Below you’ll find a list of education-related research topics and idea kickstarters. These are fairly broad and flexible to various contexts, so keep in mind that you will need to refine them a little. Nevertheless, they should inspire some ideas for your project.

• The impact of school funding on student achievement
• The effects of social and emotional learning on student well-being
• The effects of parental involvement on student behaviour
• The impact of teacher training on student learning
• The impact of classroom design on student learning
• The impact of poverty on education
• The use of student data to inform instruction
• The role of parental involvement in education
• The effects of mindfulness practices in the classroom
• The use of technology in the classroom
• The role of critical thinking in education
• The use of formative and summative assessments in the classroom
• The use of differentiated instruction in the classroom
• The use of gamification in education
• The effects of teacher burnout on student learning
• The impact of school leadership on student achievement
• The effects of teacher diversity on student outcomes
• The role of teacher collaboration in improving student outcomes
• The implementation of blended and online learning
• The effects of teacher accountability on student achievement
• The effects of standardized testing on student learning
• The effects of classroom management on student behaviour
• The effects of school culture on student achievement
• The use of student-centred learning in the classroom
• The impact of teacher-student relationships on student outcomes
• The achievement gap in minority and low-income students
• The use of culturally responsive teaching in the classroom
• The impact of teacher professional development on student learning
• The use of project-based learning in the classroom
• The effects of teacher expectations on student achievement
• The use of adaptive learning technology in the classroom
• The impact of teacher turnover on student learning
• The effects of teacher recruitment and retention on student learning
• The impact of early childhood education on later academic success
• The impact of parental involvement on student engagement
• The use of positive reinforcement in education
• The impact of school climate on student engagement
• The role of STEM education in preparing students for the workforce
• The effects of school choice on student achievement
• The use of technology in the form of online tutoring

Level-Specific Research Topics

Looking for research topics for a specific level of education? We’ve got you covered. Below you can find research topic ideas for primary, secondary and tertiary-level education contexts. Click the relevant level to view the respective list.

Research Topics: Pick An Education Level

Primary education.

• Investigating the effects of peer tutoring on academic achievement in primary school
• Exploring the benefits of mindfulness practices in primary school classrooms
• Examining the effects of different teaching strategies on primary school students’ problem-solving skills
• The use of storytelling as a teaching strategy in primary school literacy instruction
• The role of cultural diversity in promoting tolerance and understanding in primary schools
• The impact of character education programs on moral development in primary school students
• Investigating the use of technology in enhancing primary school mathematics education
• The impact of inclusive curriculum on promoting equity and diversity in primary schools
• The impact of outdoor education programs on environmental awareness in primary school students
• The influence of school climate on student motivation and engagement in primary schools
• Investigating the effects of early literacy interventions on reading comprehension in primary school students
• The impact of parental involvement in school decision-making processes on student achievement in primary schools
• Exploring the benefits of inclusive education for students with special needs in primary schools
• Investigating the effects of teacher-student feedback on academic motivation in primary schools
• The role of technology in developing digital literacy skills in primary school students
• Effective strategies for fostering a growth mindset in primary school students
• Investigating the role of parental support in reducing academic stress in primary school children
• The role of arts education in fostering creativity and self-expression in primary school students
• Examining the effects of early childhood education programs on primary school readiness
• Examining the effects of homework on primary school students’ academic performance
• The role of formative assessment in improving learning outcomes in primary school classrooms
• The impact of teacher-student relationships on academic outcomes in primary school
• Investigating the effects of classroom environment on student behavior and learning outcomes in primary schools
• Investigating the role of creativity and imagination in primary school curriculum
• The impact of nutrition and healthy eating programs on academic performance in primary schools
• The impact of social-emotional learning programs on primary school students’ well-being and academic performance
• The role of parental involvement in academic achievement of primary school children
• Examining the effects of classroom management strategies on student behavior in primary school
• The role of school leadership in creating a positive school climate Exploring the benefits of bilingual education in primary schools
• The effectiveness of project-based learning in developing critical thinking skills in primary school students
• The role of inquiry-based learning in fostering curiosity and critical thinking in primary school students
• The effects of class size on student engagement and achievement in primary schools
• Investigating the effects of recess and physical activity breaks on attention and learning in primary school
• Exploring the benefits of outdoor play in developing gross motor skills in primary school children
• The effects of educational field trips on knowledge retention in primary school students
• Examining the effects of inclusive classroom practices on students’ attitudes towards diversity in primary schools
• The impact of parental involvement in homework on primary school students’ academic achievement
• Investigating the effectiveness of different assessment methods in primary school classrooms
• The influence of physical activity and exercise on cognitive development in primary school children
• Exploring the benefits of cooperative learning in promoting social skills in primary school students

Secondary Education

• Investigating the effects of school discipline policies on student behavior and academic success in secondary education
• The role of social media in enhancing communication and collaboration among secondary school students
• The impact of school leadership on teacher effectiveness and student outcomes in secondary schools
• Investigating the effects of technology integration on teaching and learning in secondary education
• Exploring the benefits of interdisciplinary instruction in promoting critical thinking skills in secondary schools
• The impact of arts education on creativity and self-expression in secondary school students
• The effectiveness of flipped classrooms in promoting student learning in secondary education
• The role of career guidance programs in preparing secondary school students for future employment
• Investigating the effects of student-centered learning approaches on student autonomy and academic success in secondary schools
• The impact of socio-economic factors on educational attainment in secondary education
• Investigating the impact of project-based learning on student engagement and academic achievement in secondary schools
• Investigating the effects of multicultural education on cultural understanding and tolerance in secondary schools
• The influence of standardized testing on teaching practices and student learning in secondary education
• Investigating the effects of classroom management strategies on student behavior and academic engagement in secondary education
• The influence of teacher professional development on instructional practices and student outcomes in secondary schools
• The role of extracurricular activities in promoting holistic development and well-roundedness in secondary school students
• Investigating the effects of blended learning models on student engagement and achievement in secondary education
• The role of physical education in promoting physical health and well-being among secondary school students
• Investigating the effects of gender on academic achievement and career aspirations in secondary education
• Exploring the benefits of multicultural literature in promoting cultural awareness and empathy among secondary school students
• The impact of school counseling services on student mental health and well-being in secondary schools
• Exploring the benefits of vocational education and training in preparing secondary school students for the workforce
• The role of digital literacy in preparing secondary school students for the digital age
• The influence of parental involvement on academic success and well-being of secondary school students
• The impact of social-emotional learning programs on secondary school students’ well-being and academic success
• The role of character education in fostering ethical and responsible behavior in secondary school students
• Examining the effects of digital citizenship education on responsible and ethical technology use among secondary school students
• The impact of parental involvement in school decision-making processes on student outcomes in secondary schools
• The role of educational technology in promoting personalized learning experiences in secondary schools
• The impact of inclusive education on the social and academic outcomes of students with disabilities in secondary schools
• The influence of parental support on academic motivation and achievement in secondary education
• The role of school climate in promoting positive behavior and well-being among secondary school students
• Examining the effects of peer mentoring programs on academic achievement and social-emotional development in secondary schools
• Examining the effects of teacher-student relationships on student motivation and achievement in secondary schools
• Exploring the benefits of service-learning programs in promoting civic engagement among secondary school students
• The impact of educational policies on educational equity and access in secondary education
• Examining the effects of homework on academic achievement and student well-being in secondary education
• Investigating the effects of different assessment methods on student performance in secondary schools
• Examining the effects of single-sex education on academic performance and gender stereotypes in secondary schools
• The role of mentoring programs in supporting the transition from secondary to post-secondary education

Tertiary Education

• The role of student support services in promoting academic success and well-being in higher education
• The impact of internationalization initiatives on students’ intercultural competence and global perspectives in tertiary education
• Investigating the effects of active learning classrooms and learning spaces on student engagement and learning outcomes in tertiary education
• Exploring the benefits of service-learning experiences in fostering civic engagement and social responsibility in higher education
• The influence of learning communities and collaborative learning environments on student academic and social integration in higher education
• Exploring the benefits of undergraduate research experiences in fostering critical thinking and scientific inquiry skills
• Investigating the effects of academic advising and mentoring on student retention and degree completion in higher education
• The role of student engagement and involvement in co-curricular activities on holistic student development in higher education
• The impact of multicultural education on fostering cultural competence and diversity appreciation in higher education
• The role of internships and work-integrated learning experiences in enhancing students’ employability and career outcomes
• Examining the effects of assessment and feedback practices on student learning and academic achievement in tertiary education
• The influence of faculty professional development on instructional practices and student outcomes in tertiary education
• The influence of faculty-student relationships on student success and well-being in tertiary education
• The impact of college transition programs on students’ academic and social adjustment to higher education
• The impact of online learning platforms on student learning outcomes in higher education
• The impact of financial aid and scholarships on access and persistence in higher education
• The influence of student leadership and involvement in extracurricular activities on personal development and campus engagement
• Exploring the benefits of competency-based education in developing job-specific skills in tertiary students
• Examining the effects of flipped classroom models on student learning and retention in higher education
• Exploring the benefits of online collaboration and virtual team projects in developing teamwork skills in tertiary students
• Investigating the effects of diversity and inclusion initiatives on campus climate and student experiences in tertiary education
• The influence of study abroad programs on intercultural competence and global perspectives of college students
• Investigating the effects of peer mentoring and tutoring programs on student retention and academic performance in tertiary education
• Investigating the effectiveness of active learning strategies in promoting student engagement and achievement in tertiary education
• Investigating the effects of blended learning models and hybrid courses on student learning and satisfaction in higher education
• The role of digital literacy and information literacy skills in supporting student success in the digital age
• Investigating the effects of experiential learning opportunities on career readiness and employability of college students
• The impact of e-portfolios on student reflection, self-assessment, and showcasing of learning in higher education
• The role of technology in enhancing collaborative learning experiences in tertiary classrooms
• The impact of research opportunities on undergraduate student engagement and pursuit of advanced degrees
• Examining the effects of competency-based assessment on measuring student learning and achievement in tertiary education
• Examining the effects of interdisciplinary programs and courses on critical thinking and problem-solving skills in college students
• The role of inclusive education and accessibility in promoting equitable learning experiences for diverse student populations
• The role of career counseling and guidance in supporting students’ career decision-making in tertiary education
• The influence of faculty diversity and representation on student success and inclusive learning environments in higher education

Education-Related Dissertations & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic in education, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses in the education space to see how this all comes together in practice.

Below, we’ve included a selection of education-related research projects to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• From Rural to Urban: Education Conditions of Migrant Children in China (Wang, 2019)
• Energy Renovation While Learning English: A Guidebook for Elementary ESL Teachers (Yang, 2019)
• A Reanalyses of Intercorrelational Matrices of Visual and Verbal Learners’ Abilities, Cognitive Styles, and Learning Preferences (Fox, 2020)
• A study of the elementary math program utilized by a mid-Missouri school district (Barabas, 2020)
• Instructor formative assessment practices in virtual learning environments : a posthumanist sociomaterial perspective (Burcks, 2019)
• Higher education students services: a qualitative study of two mid-size universities’ direct exchange programs (Kinde, 2020)
• Exploring editorial leadership : a qualitative study of scholastic journalism advisers teaching leadership in Missouri secondary schools (Lewis, 2020)
• Selling the virtual university: a multimodal discourse analysis of marketing for online learning (Ludwig, 2020)
• Advocacy and accountability in school counselling: assessing the use of data as related to professional self-efficacy (Matthews, 2020)
• The use of an application screening assessment as a predictor of teaching retention at a midwestern, K-12, public school district (Scarbrough, 2020)
• Core values driving sustained elite performance cultures (Beiner, 2020)
• Educative features of upper elementary Eureka math curriculum (Dwiggins, 2020)
• How female principals nurture adult learning opportunities in successful high schools with challenging student demographics (Woodward, 2020)
• The disproportionality of Black Males in Special Education: A Case Study Analysis of Educator Perceptions in a Southeastern Urban High School (McCrae, 2021)

As you can see, these research topics are a lot more focused than the generic topic ideas we presented earlier. So, in order for you to develop a high-quality research topic, you’ll need to get specific and laser-focused on a specific context with specific variables of interest.  In the video below, we explore some other important things you’ll need to consider when crafting your research topic.

Get 1-On-1 Help

If you’re still unsure about how to find a quality research topic within education, check out our Research Topic Kickstarter service, which is the perfect starting point for developing a unique, well-justified research topic.

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63 Comments

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Research title related to students

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parental involvement and students academic performance

Science education topics?

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How about School management and supervision pls.?

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Kindly help me with the research questions on the topic” Effects of workplace conflict on the employees’ job performance”. The effects can be applicable in every institution,enterprise or organisation.

Greetings, I am a student majoring in Sociology and minoring in Public Administration. I’m considering any recommended research topic in the field of Sociology.

I’m a student pursuing Mphil in Basic education and I’m considering any recommended research proposal topic in my field of study

Kindly help me with a research topic in educational psychology. Ph.D level. Thank you.

Project-based learning is a teaching/learning type,if well applied in a classroom setting will yield serious positive impact. What can a teacher do to implement this in a disadvantaged zone like “North West Region of Cameroon ( hinterland) where war has brought about prolonged and untold sufferings on the indegins?

I wish to get help on topics of research on educational administration

I wish to get help on topics of research on educational administration PhD level

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I would to inquire on research topics on Educational psychology, Masters degree

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Look at British Library as they keep a copy of all PhDs in the UK Core.ac.uk to access Open University and 6 other university e-archives, pdf downloads mostly available, all free.

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Greetings and Regards I am a doctoral student in the field of philosophy of education. I am looking for a new topic for my thesis. Because of my work in the elementary school, I am looking for a topic that is from the field of elementary education and is related to the philosophy of education.

Masters student in the field of curriculum, any ideas of a research topic on low achiever students

In the field of curriculum any ideas of a research topic on deconalization in contextualization of digital teaching and learning through in higher education

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I am a graduate with two masters. 1) Master of arts in religious studies and 2) Master in education in foundations of education. I intend to do a Ph.D. on my second master’s, however, I need to bring both masters together through my Ph.D. research. can I do something like, ” The contribution of Philosophy of education for a quality religion education in Kenya”? kindly, assist and be free to suggest a similar topic that will bring together the two masters. thanks in advance

Hi, I am an Early childhood trainer as well as a researcher, I need more support on this topic: The impact of early childhood education on later academic success.

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Although research activities and topics should stem from reflection on one’s practice, I found this site valuable as it effectively addressed many issues we have been experiencing as practitioners.

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EdDPrograms.org

What is an Ed.D. Dissertation? Complete Guide & Support Resources

Wondering how to tackle the biggest doctoral challenge of all? Use our guide to the Ed.D. dissertation to get started! Learn about the purpose of a Doctor of Education dissertation and typical topics for education students. Read through step-by-step descriptions of the dissertation process and the 5-chapter format. Get answers to Ed.D. dissertation FAQs . Or skip to the chase and find real-world examples of Doctor of Education dissertations and websites & resources for Ed.D. dissertation research.

What is an Ed.D. Dissertation?

Definition of an ed.d. dissertation.

An Ed.D. dissertation is a 5-chapter scholarly document that brings together years of original research to address a problem of practice in education. To complete a dissertation, you will need to go through a number of scholarly steps , including a final defense to justify your findings.

Purpose of an Ed.D. Dissertation

In a Doctor of Education dissertation, you will be challenged to apply high-level research & creative problem-solving to real-world educational challenges. You may be asked to:

• Take a critical look at current educational & administrative practices
• Address urgent issues in the modern education system
• Propose original & practical solutions for improvements
• Expand the knowledge base for educational practitioners

Topics of Ed.D. Dissertations

An Ed.D. dissertation is “customizable.” You’re allowed to chose a topic that relates to your choice of specialty (e.g. elementary education), field of interest (e.g. curriculum development), and environment (e.g. urban schools).

Think about current problems of practice that need to be addressed in your field. You’ll notice that Ed.D. dissertation topics often address one of the following:

• Academic performance
• Teaching methods
• Access to resources
• Social challenges
• Legislative impacts
• System effectiveness

Wondering how others have done it? Browse through Examples of Ed.D. Dissertations and read the titles & abstracts. You’ll see how current educators are addressing their own problems of practice.

Ed.D. Dissertation Process

1. propose a dissertation topic.

Near the beginning of a Doctor of Education program, you’ll be expected to identify a dissertation topic that will require substantial research. This topic should revolve around a unique issue in education.

Universities will often ask you to provide an idea for your topic when you’re applying to the doctoral program. You don’t necessarily need to stick to this idea, but you should be prepared to explain why it interests you. If you need inspiration, see our section on Examples of Ed.D. Dissertations .

You’ll be expected to solidify your dissertation topic in the first few semesters. Talking to faculty and fellow Ed.D. students can help in this process. Better yet, your educational peers will often be able to provide unique perspectives on the topic (e.g. cultural differences in teaching methods).

2. Meet Your Dissertation Chair & Committee

You won’t be going through the Ed.D. dissertation process alone! Universities will help you to select a number of experienced mentors. These include:

• Dissertation Chair/Faculty Advisor: The Chair of the Dissertation Committee acts as your primary advisor. You’ll often see them referred to as the Supervising Professor, Faculty Advisor, or the like. You’ll rely on this “Obi Wan” for their knowledge of the field, research advice & guidance, editorial input on drafts, and more. They can also assist with shaping & refining your dissertation topic.
• Dissertation Committee:  The Dissertation Committee is made up of ~3 faculty members, instructors and/or adjuncts with advanced expertise in your field of study. The Committee will offer advice, provide feedback on your research progress, and review your work & progress reports. When you defend your proposal and give your final defense , you’ll be addressing the Dissertation Committee.

3. Study for Ed.D. Courses

Doctor of Education coursework is designed to help you: a) learn how to conduct original research; and b) give you a broader perspective on your field of interest. If you take a look at the curriculum in any Ed.D. program, you’ll see that students have to complete credits in:

• Practical Research Methods (e.g. Quantitative Design & Analysis for Educational Leaders)
• Real-World Educational Issues (e.g. Educational Policy, Law & Practice)

When you’re evaluating possible Ed.D. programs, pay attention to the coursework in real-world educational issues. You’ll want to pick an education doctorate with courses that complement your dissertation topic.

4. Complete a Literature Review

A literature review is an evaluation of existing materials & research work that relate to your dissertation topic. It’s a written synthesis that:

• Grounds your project within the field
• Explains how your work relates to previous research & theoretical frameworks
• Helps to identify gaps in the existing research

Have a look at Literature Review Guides if you’d like to know more about the process. Our section on Resources for Ed.D. Dissertation Research also has useful links to journals & databases.

5. Craft a Dissertation Proposal

During the first two years of your Doctor of Education, you’ll use the knowledge you’ve learned from your coursework & discussions to write the opening chapters of your dissertation, including an:

• Introduction  that defines your chosen topic
• Literature Review of existing research in the field
• Proposed Research Methodology for finding the answer to your problem

When you’re putting together these elements, think about the practicals. Is the topic too big to address in one dissertation? How much time will your research take and how will you conduct it? Will your dissertation be relevant to your current job? If in doubt, ask your faculty advisor.

6. Defend Your Dissertation Proposal

About midway through the Ed.D. program, you will need to present your proposal to your Dissertation Committee. They will review your work and offer feedback. For example, the Committee will want to see that:

• Your research topic is significant.
• Your research methodology & timeline make sense.
• Relevant works are included in the literature review.

After the Committee approves your proposal, you can get stuck into conducting original research and writing up your findings. These two important tasks will take up the final years of your doctorate.

7. Conduct Original Research into Your Topic

As a Doctor of Education student, you will be expected to conduct your own research. Ed.D. students often use a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods (quantitative/qualitative) approach in this process.

• Quantitative Research: Collection & analysis of numerical data to identify characteristics, discover correlations, and/or test hypotheses.
• Qualitative Research: Collection & analysis of non-numerical data to understand & explain phenomena (e.g. questionnaires, in-depth interviews, focus groups, video artifacts, etc.).

Your Ed.D. coursework will ground you in research methods & tools, so you’ll be prepared to design your own project and seek IRB approval for any work involving human subjects.

Note: Occasionally, universities can get creative. For example, the Ed.D. program at San Jose State University asks students to produce a documentary film instead of conducting traditional research.

8. Write the Rest of Your Dissertation

Once you have written up the first few chapters of your dissertation (Intro, Literature Review & Proposed Methodology) and completed your research work, you’ll be able to complete the final chapters of your dissertation.

• Chapter 4 will detail your research findings.
• Chapter 5 is a conclusion that summarizes solutions to your problem of practice/topic.

This is where you and your faculty advisor will often have a lot of interaction! For example, you may need to rework the first few chapters of your dissertation after you’ve drafted the final chapters. Faculty advisors are extremely busy people, so be sure to budget in ample time for revisions and final edits.

9. Defend Your Dissertation

The final defense/candidacy exam is a formal presentation of your work to the Dissertation Committee. In many cases, the defense is an oral presentation with visual aides. You’ll be able to explain your research findings, go through your conclusions, and highlight new ideas & solutions.

At any time, the Committee can challenge you with questions, so you should be prepared to defend your conclusions. But this process is not as frightening as it sounds!

• If you’ve been in close contact with the Committee throughout the dissertation, they will be aware of your work.
• Your faculty advisor will help you decide when you’re ready for the final defense.
• You can also attend the defenses of other Ed.D. students to learn what questions may be asked.

Be aware that the Committee has the option to ask for changes before they approve your dissertation. After you have incorporated any notes from the Committee and addressed their concerns, you will finalize the draft, submit your dissertation for a formal review, and graduate.

Ed.D. Dissertation Format: 5 Chapters

Chapter 1: introduction.

Your Doctor of Education dissertation will begin with an introduction. In it, you’ll be expected to:

• Provide an overview of your educational landscape
• Explain important definitions & key concepts
• Define a real-world topic/problem of practice
• Outline the need for new studies on this topic

Chapter 2: Literature Review

The literature review is a summary of existing research in the field. However, it is not an annotated bibliography. Instead, it’s a critical analysis of current research (e.g. trends, themes, debates & current practices). While you’re evaluating the literature, you’re also looking for the gaps where you can conduct original research.

Sources for a literature review can include books, articles, reports, websites, dissertations, and more. Our section on Resources for Ed.D. Dissertation Research has plenty of places to start.

Chapter 3: Research Methodology

In the research methodology, you’ll be expected to explain:

• The purpose of your research
• What tools & methods you plan to use to research your topic/problem of practice
• The design of the study
• Your timeline for gathering quantitative & qualitative data
• How you plan to analyze that data
• Any limitations you foresee

Chapter 4: Results & Analysis

Chapter 4 is the place where you can share the results of your original research and present key findings from the data. In your analysis, you may also be highlighting new patterns, relationships, and themes that other scholars have failed to discover. Have a look at real-life Examples of Ed.D. Dissertations to see how this section is structured.

Chapter 5: Discussions & Conclusions

The final chapter of your Ed.D. dissertation brings all of your work together in a detailed summary. You’ll be expected to:

• Reiterate the objectives of your dissertation
• Explain the significance of your research findings
• Outline the implications of your ideas on existing practices
• Propose solutions for a problem of practice
• Make suggestions & recommendations for future improvements

Ed.D. Dissertation FAQs

What’s the difference between a dissertation and a thesis.

• Dissertation: A dissertation is a 5-chapter written work that must be completed in order to earn a doctoral degree (e.g. Ph.D., Ed.D., etc.). It’s often focused on original research.
• Thesis: A thesis is a written work that must be completed in order to earn a master’s degree. It’s typically shorter than a dissertation and based on existing research.

How Long is a Ed.D. Dissertation?

It depends. Most Ed.D. dissertations end up being between 80-200 pages. The length will depend on a number of factors, including the depth of your literature review, the way you collect & present your research data, and any appendices you might need to include.

How Long Does it Take to Finish an Ed.D. Dissertation?

It depends. If you’re in an accelerated program , you may be able to finish your dissertation in 2-3 years. If you’re in a part-time program and need to conduct a lot of complex research work, your timeline will be much longer.

What’s a Strong Ed.D. Dissertation Topic?

Experts always say that Doctor of Education students should be passionate about their dissertation topic and eager to explore uncharted territory. When you’re crafting your Ed.D. dissertation topic , find one that will be:

• Significant

See the section on Examples of Ed.D. Dissertations for inspiration.

Do I Have to Complete a Traditional Dissertation for an Ed.D.?

No. If you’re struggling with the idea of a traditional dissertation, check out this guide to Online Ed.D. Programs with No Dissertation . Some Schools of Education give Ed.D. students the opportunity to complete a Capstone Project or Dissertation in Practice (DiP) instead of a 5-chapter written work.

These alternatives aren’t easy! You’ll still be challenged at the same level as you would be for a dissertation. However, Capstone Projects & DiPs often involve more group work and an emphasis on applied theory & research.

What’s the Difference Between a Ph.D. Dissertation and Ed.D. Dissertation?

Have a look at our Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. Guide to get a sense of the differences between the two degrees. In a nutshell:

• Ed.D. dissertations tend to focus on addressing current & real-world topics/problems of practice in the workplace.
• Ph.D. dissertations usually put more emphasis on creating new theories & concepts and even completely rethinking educational practices.

How Can I Learn More About Ed.D. Dissertations?

Start with the section on Examples of Ed.D. Dissertations . You can browse through titles, abstracts, and even complete dissertations from a large number of universities.

If you have a few Doctor of Education programs on your shortlist, we also recommend that you skim through the program’s Dissertation Handbook . It can usually be found on the School of Education’s website. You’ll be able to see how the School likes to structure the dissertation process from start to finish.

Ed.D. Dissertation Support

University & campus resources, dissertation chair & committee.

The first port of call for any questions about the Ed.D. dissertation is your Dissertation Chair. If you get stuck with a terrible faculty advisor, talk to members of the Dissertation Committee. They are there to support your journey.

University Library

An Ed.D. dissertation is a massive research project. So before you choose a Doctor of Education program, ask the School of Education about its libraries & library resources (e.g. free online access to subscription-based journals).

Writing Center

Many universities have a Writing Center. If you’re struggling with any elements of your dissertation (e.g. editing), you can ask the staff about:

• Individual tutoring
• Editorial assistance
• Outside resources

Mental Health Support

It’s well-known that doctoral students often face a lot of stress & isolation during their studies. Ask your faculty advisor about mental health services at the university. Staff in the School of Education and the Graduate School will also have information about on-campus counselors, free or discounted therapy sessions, and more.

Independent Dissertation Services

Dissertation editing services: potentially helpful.

There are scores of independent providers who offer dissertation editing services. But they can be expensive. And many of these editors have zero expertise in educational fields.

If you need help with editing & proofreading, proceed with caution:

• Start by asking your Dissertation Chair about what’s permitted for third party involvement (e.g. you may need to note any editor’s contribution in your dissertation acknowledgments) and whether they have any suggestions.
• The Graduate School is another useful resource. For example, Cornell’s Graduate School maintains a list of Editing, Typing, and Proofreading Services for graduate students.

Dissertation Coaches: Not Worth It

Dissertation coaches are defined as people who offer academic & mental support, guidance, and editorial input.

• That means the person who should be your coach is your Dissertation Chair/Faculty Advisor. Remember that faculty members on the Dissertation Committee can also provide assistance.
• If you’re looking for extra support, you might consider consulting a mentor in your line of work and collaborating with fellow Ed.D. students.

But hiring an independent Ed.D. dissertation coach is going to be an absolute waste of money.

Dissertation Writing Services: Just Don’t!

Universities take the dissertation process  very seriously . An Ed.D. dissertation is supposed to be the culmination of years of original thought and research. You’re going to be responsible for the final product. You’re going to be defending your written work in front of a phalanx of experienced faculty members. You’re going to be putting this credential on your résumé for everyone to see.

If you cheat the process by having someone else write up your work, you will get caught.

Ed.D. Dissertation Resources

Examples of ed.d. dissertations, dissertation databases.

• Open Access Theses and Dissertations
• ProQuest Dissertations & Theses
• EBSCO Open Dissertations

Ed.D. Dissertations

• USF Scholarship Repository: Ed.D. Dissertations
• George Fox University: Doctor of Education
• UW Tacoma: Ed.D. Dissertations in Practice
• Liberty University: School of Education Doctoral Dissertations
• University of Mary Hardin-Baylor: Dissertation Collection

Ed.D. Dissertation Abstracts

• Michigan State University: Ed.D. Dissertation Abstracts

Ed.D. Dissertation Guides & Tools

General ed.d. guides.

• SNHU: Educational Leadership Ed.D./Ph.D. Guide

Dissertation Style Manuals

• Chicago Manual of Style

Style manuals are designed to ensure that every Ed.D. student follows the same set of writing guidelines for their dissertation (e.g. grammatical rules, footnote & quotation formats, abbreviation conventions, etc.). Check with the School of Education to learn which style manual they use.

Examples of Ed.D. Dissertation Templates

• Purdue University: Dissertation Template
• Walden University: Ed.D. Dissertation Template

Each School of Education has a standard dissertation template. We’ve highlighted a couple of examples so you can see how they’re formatted, but you will need to acquire the template from your own university.

Literature Review Guides

• UNC Chapel Hill: Writing Guide for Literature Reviews
• University of Alabama: How to Conduct a Literature Review

Resources for Ed.D. Dissertation Research

Journal articles.

• EBSCO Education Research Databases
• Education Resources Information Center (ERIC)
• Emerald Education eJournal Collection
• Gale OneFile: Educator’s Reference Complete
• Google Scholar
• NCES Bibliography Search Tool
• ProQuest Education Database
• SAGE Journals: Education

Useful Websites

• Harvard Gutman Library: Websites for Educators
• EduRef: Lesson Plans

Educational Data & Statistics

• Digest of Education Statistics
• Education Policy Data Center (EPDC)
• ICPSR Data Archive
• National Assessment of Educational Progress
• National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
• UNESCO Institute for Statistics

Guide to the Doctor of Education (EdD) Dissertation

The Doctor of Education (EdD) dissertation is considered a central component of EdD programs. The EdD dissertation is a five-chapter document that investigates an issue in education, reviews the existing literature on this issue, adds additional insight through a qualitative and/or quantitative research study, and proposes one or more solutions. It is considered the culmination of a student’s knowledge of education systems and his or her training in the academic research process. Most EdD programs require students to formally publish their dissertation and/or present their findings to a group of faculty and peers.

The dissertation and dissertation defense are two of the most challenging experiences students will have during their program, but are also two of the most engaging and rewarding from an intellectual perspective. The dissertation allows students to truly apply all the skills and knowledge they have gained during their graduate work to an education issue in which they are invested. Below is a more detailed description of EdD dissertations and the important steps students should take to successfully prepare for, complete, and defend their dissertation.

Doctorate of Education Dissertations

EdD dissertations are students’ opportunity to contribute original research on and insight into an issue in education, such as educational disparities, curriculum development or instruction challenges, school funding problems, college counseling and guidance, job skills development, or standardized testing. For their dissertation, students complete research under the guidance of a research mentor, and receive academic credit for this work. Students typically attend seminars and/or other classes that provide structure around the processes of developing a research question, formulating a research plan, reviewing existing academic literature, and writing about their findings. Many programs require students to present their findings to a committee and/or publish their dissertation in an academic journal.

The Structure of EdD Dissertations

As mentioned previously, dissertations are traditionally divided into five chapters: Introduction, Literature Review, Research Methodology, Results and Analysis, and Discussion and Conclusions. A brief description of each chapter section is below:

• Introduction : The introduction includes background information about the topic of study and its purpose, the significance of the student’s research, and existing literature on the subject. It also provides a summary of the results of one’s study, and their implications.
• Literature Review : This section explains the existing literature on the student’s topic of study, and places the student’s work in the context of existing theoretical frameworks that are relevant to one’s research.
• Research Methodology : This chapter focuses on how the student gathers qualitative and/or quantitative data regarding his or her research query.
• Results and Analysis : This section explains in detail the results of the student’s study, and analyzes it to arrive at actionable conclusions.
• Discussion and Conclusions : This chapter places the student’s findings in the context of the educational system(s) of focus (e.g. private or public education, secondary or post-secondary) to illustrate how the student’s research contributes to the larger understanding of the educational issue at hand. This section also makes recommendations for the application of the student’s findings to real-world education practice as well as further research on the subject.

Dissertations are typically very long, in-depth works. Many dissertations are between 100 and 200 pages in length or longer, and seek to comprehensively investigate a specific issue or problem in education. Due to the intensive nature of dissertation research and writing, students must plan their research query and methodology well in advance, and seek the support of research mentors and other faculty throughout the process.

Overview of the EdD Dissertation Completion Process

In general, students begin thinking about their dissertation topic during the second year of their program. The second year is also when students begin taking courses in research and data analysis. The term prior to the beginning of their independent research, students typically take a dissertation seminar, during which they discuss potential research topics to explore and learn more about the academic research process. During their third year, students delve into independent research, while still receiving guidance from their selected faculty research mentor. Students generally submit several drafts to a dissertation committee for review and revision suggestions before they finalize their paper. Upon the completion of their dissertation, students may be required to publish their writing and/or present on their research.

Below is a general timeline of the dissertation completion process, followed by a description of the eight steps to successfully completing an EdD dissertation. The timeline below should be used for example purposes only, as programs vary in terms of when they have students complete their requisite research courses.

The Steps to Completing an EdD Dissertation

Choose a research topic and review the existing literature.

During their classes, students should take note of the topics within education that interest them and the issues that they have encountered during their work in education that they would like to see resolved. These areas are often rich with potential research questions. Conducting research within these areas of interest by reading academic articles is an important step in finding a potential question or issue in education that merits further investigation. It is important that students select a research question that is specific enough to allow for in-depth research, is not overwhelming, and is engaging enough to students to carry them through over a year of independent research.

After identifying their field of focus and preliminary research query, students must gain a thorough understanding of the existing literature concerning their field, as well as the theoretical frameworks and conceptual models that have shaped current research methodologies. In general, students should start with articles that have been published within the last 3-5 years, and then review less recent studies that are considered flagship works that have shaped the field in important ways. While reading through this research, students should stay organized with their notes, the conclusions they draw from their literature review, and how these conclusions impact their research study, as they will have to write about these topics in their dissertation.

Select a Research Advisor and Committee

One of the most important parts of students’ research process is selecting a dissertation advisor and committee. Students’ dissertation advisors are faculty members within the school’s EdD program who work closely with students to ensure that they select a research question and project that are manageable in scope, meet certain research and writing deadlines, and have the support and mentorship they need to succeed.

The dissertation committee is comprised of a group of faculty members and instructors who are qualified to read through and provide feedback on a student’s dissertation. The chair of the committee is a student’s dissertation advisor, and the student selects other members based off of their work and expertise in their area of research. Many schools have guidelines around the individuals students can select to be a part of their committee. For example, an EdD program may require students to select one more faculty member from within the EdD program (in addition to their faculty advisor), one individual outside of the department who works in a related field, and one subject matter expert from inside or outside the department who can give in-depth advice regarding the student’s research project. Students must obtain approval from their program for their committee member selections.

A student’s dissertation committee not only provides feedback and support on a student’s research, but also serves as a collective evaluator of a student’s research progress and final product. For example, the committee generally sets dissertation chapter completion and submission deadlines to keep students on track, and also listens to and evaluates students’ dissertation defense, which is a requirement for graduation.

Create and Defend Research Proposal

After students receive approval of their dissertation committee, they work individually and with their dissertation chair/advisor to develop a formal research proposal. The proposal typically includes the first three chapters of a student’s dissertation: the Introduction, the Literature Review chapter, and the Research Methodology chapter. In this proposal, students must outline their specific research query and its relevance to and impact on different spheres of education. They must also explain the work that has already been done in their area of research, their methodologies for the study they will conduct, and their tools and plans for analysis.

Once students have written these three chapters and formalized their research proposal, they must meet with their committee to present and defend their research proposal. This defense is meant to identify any issues with a student’s research objective, review of the literature, or study methodology, so that the student can address these issues prior to conducting their research.

Develop a Timeline for Research and Writing

Students work with their dissertation committee to establish timelines for the completion of certain chapters and milestones in their study (e.g. the conducting of surveys or the compilation and analysis of data or records). A reasonable timeline may have students writing the first three chapters during the fall term of their third year, and the fourth and fifth chapters during the spring term of the same year. However, dissertation timelines will vary depending on whether students are pursuing their degree full-time or part-time, how early in their program they are able to take the requisite research courses prior to starting their independent work, how soon they are able to identify a research question, and other factors.

Apply for Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

The Institutional Review Board protects the rights and well-being of human subjects of research studies by working to ensure their consent to certain research procedures, and assuring their ethical treatment during the research process. All EdD research projects must receive IRB approval before proceeding. The IRB approval application is generally comprised of any study subject consent forms; copies of any surveys, questionnaires, or other data collection methods and tools to be used; a completed application form; and proof of IRB Training completion. IRB Training is typically completed through an online course module that is delivered through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) program.

Conduct Study and Analyze Results

Once students have received IRB approval, they are ready to proceed with their planned study. Data collection methods vary depending on the nature and scope of one’s research project, but may include sending out surveys, conducting interviews, conducting student or teacher assessments, compiling student performance metrics from public records, and other methods of collecting relevant data to try and answer their research query. Once students have gathered sufficient data, they move to the analysis of this data to try and find trends or patterns that help answer their research question. Throughout this process, students consult with their advisor and with members of their dissertation committee as necessary.

Complete Dissertation and Submit for Review and Revision

Once students have completed their analysis, they must write the Results and Analysis and Discussion and Conclusions sections of their dissertation. The Results and Analysis chapter is a straightforward explanation of one’s study results and the conclusions that can be drawn from them. The Discussion and Conclusions section places the study results in the context of the larger educational issue(s) affected by one’s research, makes recommendations for the application of one’s findings, and also provides suggestions for further research in the area of study. Upon the completion of a full dissertation manuscript, students submit their work to their committee for review and commentary. Students may go through several revisions and then final edits of their dissertation prior to their final defense and formal manuscript submission.

Conduct Dissertation Final Defense

A milestone in the EdD student’s graduate school career is the dissertation final defense, which is a formal presentation that students make to their dissertation committee, in which they explain their research objectives, methodology, and findings. During and after their presentation, committee members ask questions in an effort to identify any weaknesses, inconsistencies, or other issues in the student’s research. When faced with these questions, students must answer clearly and defend the validity of their research methods, results, and conclusions. After the presentation and questions are over, the committee confers to decide whether the student has passed his or her final defense and will receive the doctoral degree.

Before completing their dissertation defense, it is recommended that students prepare well in advance by attending the defenses of other students within the same program and discussing their dissertation manuscript with their advisor and asking any questions regarding what to expect during the defense. Students should craft a strong and well-organized presentation, and also anticipate questions that their committee members may ask them.

Submit Dissertation for Formal Review

The final step students need to take to complete their dissertation is to submit their fully edited manuscript for formal review by their dissertation committee, after making any necessary modifications in response to recommendations given during their dissertation defense. Some programs require students to publish their dissertation in an academic journal, which requires students to format their manuscript according to journal guidelines.

71 Best Education Dissertation Topic Ideas

It’s hard to choose and settle on a topic for your education dissertation. When I was choosing my topic, I was confused and uncertain. I wished I had a list like this that would help me out!

The topics below are best for undergraduate (B.A / B.Ed) or masters (M.A / M.Ed) students. Check out these 51 topic ideas, use them, and adapt them to create a topic that suits you.

The Lazy Man’s Top 10

before I dig in…

Here is a quick list of my top 9 favorite education dissertation topic ideas:

• What skill development strategies can be observed in children’s play?
• What evidence is there for the theory of multiple intelligences?
• What are parents’ attitudes toward play-based learning in schools?
• Is there a correlation between student stress levels and standardized exams?
• What are the differences in teaching strategies between experienced and novice teachers?
• What are the greatest challenges faced by teachers in their first 3 years in the profession?
• What does the literature say about the differences between phonics and whole language learning?
• What are the factors facilitating successful inclusion of students with behavioral disabilities?
• What do teachers believe has been the effect of technology on students’ learning?

Read this First: 9 Tips for Choosing a Dissertation Topic

Education Dissertation Topic Ideas (List

1. dissertation ideas for studying early childhood education.

• Structured and Unstructured Play: What are the perspectives of parents about the benefits of structured and unstructured play for children?
• Transitioning to School: What do educators identify as the key challenges of transitioning from early childhood to compulsory schooling settings?
• Children’s Book Representation: How do the 50 most popular children’s books of the 21 st Century promote gender norms? (For this one, consider also using the social graces concept to add a more analytical lens.)
• Montessori Settings: What do teachers in Montessori educational settings perceive to be the benefits and limitations of a Montessori-style education?
• Parents’ Anxieties: What are parents’ initial anxieties about sending their children to preschool?
• Studying Promotional Literature: A semiotic analysis of the representation of the stages of play in early childhood learning center promotional literature.
• Representation in News: How is the early childhood education and care (ECEC) profession represented in mainstream news?
• Benefits of ECE: What do parent perceive to be the developmental benefits of early childhood education for their children?
• Impact of Digital Technologies on Early Learning : Exploring how the use of tablets, educational apps, and digital storytelling influences cognitive and social development in preschool children.
• Parental Involvement and Its Effects on Early Childhood Education : Examining the role of parental engagement in the educational outcomes and social development of preschool children.
• Comparative Study of Outdoor Versus Indoor Play in Early Childhood Development : Assessing the impact of outdoor play environments versus traditional indoor classrooms on physical, emotional, and cognitive growth in young children.
• Nutrition and Cognitive Development in Early Childhood : Investigating the correlation between nutritional intake and cognitive development in preschool-aged children.
• Early Intervention Strategies for Children with Special Needs : Exploring effective early intervention techniques for children with developmental delays or disabilities in early childhood education settings.
• The Role of Storytelling in Language Development : Analyzing how storytelling and narrative play contribute to language acquisition and literacy skills in early childhood.
• Effects of Teacher-Child Ratio on Learning Outcomes : Evaluating the impact of teacher-to-child ratios in preschool settings on individual attention, learning outcomes, and overall classroom dynamics.
• Exploring Play-Based Learning Versus Structured Curriculum in Early Education : Comparing the outcomes of play-based learning approaches to more structured, curriculum-based methods in early childhood education.
• Social-Emotional Learning in Early Childhood Education : Investigating the integration and effectiveness of social-emotional learning programs in fostering emotional intelligence, empathy, and interpersonal skills in young children.
• Cultural Diversity in Early Childhood Classrooms : Investigating how educators can integrate various cultural backgrounds and practices into their teaching to create an inclusive environment for children.

2. Dissertation Ideas for Studying Elementary Teaching

• Piaget’s Stages: Are Piaget’s stages of development an accurate reflection of the abilities of children in the concrete stage of development?
• Behavior Management Styles: What are teachers’ perspectives of authoritarian behavior management strategies ?
• Behavior Management Strategies: What do teachers perceive as the most effective behavior management strategy for children aged 5 – 7?
• Pros and Cons of Homework : What do parents perceive to be the benefits of no homework for children?
• Autism in Classrooms: What are parents’ perceptions and concerns about integration of children with autism into mainstream classrooms?
• Seating Arrangements: How do changes in seating arrangements from rows to table groups impact learning in a Grade 5 classroom?
• Benefits of Play Breaks: According to educators, what are the benefits and limitations of regular play breaks for learning?
• Phonics vs Whole Language Learning: What do teachers perceive to be the benefits and limitations of the phonics versus whole language learning approaches to literacy?
• Development through Play: What skill development strategies can be observed in children’s play during recess breaks in schools?
• Compulsory School Uniforms: What do educators in a school that has compulsory school uniforms see as the educational benefits or drawbacks of compulsory uniforms?
• Sense of Belonging: What are the barriers and opportunities for promoting a ‘sense of belonging’ in primary school classrooms?
• Technology Integration in Elementary Classrooms : Investigating the impact of integrating technology such as interactive whiteboards and educational software on student engagement and learning outcomes.
• Differentiated Instruction Strategies : Evaluating the effectiveness of differentiated instruction in meeting the diverse learning needs of students in elementary school settings.
• Parent-Teacher Communication : Analyzing the role of parent-teacher communication in student academic performance and behavioral development in elementary schools.
• Impact of Bilingual Education : Exploring the cognitive, linguistic, and academic outcomes of bilingual education programs in elementary schools.
• Teacher Perceptions of Standardized Testing : Investigating elementary school teachers’ views on the impact of standardized testing on teaching practices and student learning.
• Social Skills Development Through Cooperative Learning : Examining the effectiveness of cooperative learning strategies in promoting social skills and teamwork among elementary school students.
• Environmental Education in Elementary Curriculum : Analyzing the impact of incorporating environmental education into the elementary curriculum on students’ awareness and attitudes towards environmental issues.

Related: How to Write a Dissertation from Beginning to End

3. Dissertation Ideas for Studying Middle & High School Contexts

• Homework vs Extracurricular Activities: What are students’ perceptions of the impact of homework on their after school extracurricular activities?
• Nationalism in Curriculum Documents: How are nationalist ideologies reinforced and challenged in the current curriculum documents of [your jurisdiction]?
• Preparation for Life: What are students’ perceptions of how well school prepares them for university / trades / real life?
• Standardized Tests: What are students’ / teachers’/ parents’ perceptions of standardized tests in high school?
• Mentorship: What do high school teachers in leadership positions perceive to be the best approaches to mentoring early career teachers?
• Childhood Citizenship: Which models of childhood citizenship are evident in [your jurisdiction’s] curriculum?
• Traits of Quality Teachers: What do parents perceive to be the traits of quality teachers in primary school vs. high school?
• Students’ Perceptions of Teachers: What do adolescents see as the qualities of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ teachers?
• Moral Values in Education: What do educators see as their role versus parents’ roles in promoting the moral values of children?
• Migrant Challenges in the School System: What do parents of immigrant children see as the challenges their children face in schools in their new nation?

4. Educational Technology Dissertation Ideas

• Use of Electronic Whiteboards: How prepared do pre-service teachers feel about teaching using Electronic White Boards?
• Mobile Phones in the Classroom: What are parents’ perceptions of classroom mobile phone apps that are designed to increase parent-student interactions?
• Impact of Technology on Learning: What are teachers’ perspectives of the impact of technology on student learning?
• Gaming for Creative Writing: Can gaming help promote creative writing skills among boys aged 10-12?
• Best Age for Introducing Technology: What age do parents perceive to be the best age for introducing children to technology?
• Boys vs Girls Technology Usage: What are the differences between boys’ and girls’ technology usage habits during free time at school?
• Online Learning Benefits and Challenges: What social, pedagogical and cognitive benefits and limitations do students face when learning online ?
• Use of AI Large Language Models: How can Large Language Models like ChatGPT be beneficial for learning?

5. General Education and Teaching Dissertation Ideas

• The Value of University: What do experienced educators perceive is the value of their university education?
• Poverty and Education: What are teachers’ perceptions of the barriers and opportunities to learning for children in poverty?
• Challenges faced by [Gender] Teachers: What challenges do male educators face in their first 5 years of teaching?
• Anti-Bullying Policies: What are the main ways school leaders approach whole-school anti-bullying policy development?
• Behavior Management for Developmental Delays: How do teachers differentiate their behavior management strategies for children with developmental delays?
• Netiquette: What do teachers believe to be effective netiquette rules for online learning ?
• Motivations for Taking a Promotion: What are the factors that impact teachers’ motivations for promotion into leadership positions in schools?
• Reflective Practice: What do teachers perceive to be the role of reflection in their practice, and what are the most common reflective practice strategies among practitioners?
• Theory Testing: What evidence is there for the theory of multiple intelligences?
• Extroverts vs Introverts: How do Introverted and Extroverted Students Learn Differently?
• Purpose of Schooling: What do parents perceive to be the purpose of schooling?
• Experienced vs Novice Teachers: What differences are there in behavior management strategies for experienced versus novice teachers?
• Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Motivation: What do teachers believe are the benefits and challenges of intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation strategies ?

6. Ideas that Involve Interviewing your Classmates!

A lot of my students like to use this idea because they can use a snowball sampling method rather than having to seek out teachers or schools to interview and study:

• Concerns in Entering the Teaching Profession: What do pre-service teachers see as their biggest worries about entering the teaching profession?
• Feeling Unprepared: What do pre-service teachers perceive to be the major factors that their degree does not prepare them for, before entering the workforce?
• Benefits of a Dissertation Project: What do a cohort of teacher education students see as the benefits of conducting a final dissertation project prior to entering the profession? (see also: cohort effect )
• Differences in Perspectives (Freshman vs Senior): What are the differences between freshman (first year) and senior (final year) students’ perspectives of the role of the classroom teacher in the 21 st Century?

Read Also: 25 Sociology Dissertation Ideas

What to do once you Choose your Topic for an Education Dissertation

Hopefully by now you have highlighted or written down 3 topics that caught your eye.

I recommend for your next step that you organize a meeting with your dissertation supervisor. Your supervisor will talk with you about your three ideas and give you advice on which to choose and why.

Each university has different requirements, so you’ll need to get input from your supervisor. Your supervisor is the person who can help you to navigate the special requirements of your particular program of study.

You’ll find that you and your supervisor will be able to tailor your chosen topic to you and your needs.

Good luck, and please do leave a comment below if you found this post useful!

I’m also always looking for more ideas to add to this list so if you came up with another idea, share it below.

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Social-Emotional Learning (Definition, Examples, Pros & Cons)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ What is Educational Psychology?
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ What is IQ? (Intelligence Quotient)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 5 Top Tips for Succeeding at University

1 thought on “71 Best Education Dissertation Topic Ideas”

Thank you for this! These open-ended examples helped me to broaden my topic some!

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Dissertations from 2024 2024.

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Dissertations from 2022 2022

Mathematics Achievement and Native Language Within Dual Immersion Programs , Cristina Alcaraz-Juarez

The Impact of Empathy-Building Activities: Implementing the Anti-Defamation League's No Place for Hate Program , Heidi Blackwell

CTE Instructor Retention: Considering the Factors Impacting Turnover and How Use of Funding Affects Instructor Satisfaction , Matt Boase

"Why Stay?" Experiences of Persistence in Former Education Support Staff who become Second-Career Teachers , Christine Bullock

Improving Student Satisfaction and Wellbeing in an International Baccalaureate Program: An Improvement Science Study , Michael Fisher

Lived Experiences of Liberal and Conservative Educational Leaders Navigating Solutions to Highly Contentious and Polarizing Sociopolitical Education Problems , Troy Fisher

An Examination of Peer-led Professional Development in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports , Sarah E. Flynn

The Impact of Social-Emotional Curriculum Training on Oregon 4th-8th Grade School Teachers' Emotional Intelligence , Tiffany Marie Fotre

The Correlation Between Rural Oregon High School Students' SAT and ASVAB Scores with High School GPA, Gender, Race, and Ethnicity, and SES as Moderators , Kelly Garvin

New Teachers Enacting Culturally Relevant Pedagogy in Literacy Instruction , Sarri A. Gibson

An Exploration of Elementary Mathematical Performance during the COVID-19 Pandemic , Rachel Sunshine Herron

A Professional Teacher Disposition, Defined and Assessed Through Peer Reviewed Literature from 1985 to 2021: A Narrative Review , John Hynes

Hired, Not Retained, and Leaving Drained: Assembling Teacher Attrition Through Drama Theory and Theatre of the Oppressed in Nevada K-12 Schools , Jonathon M. Josten

A Descriptive Analysis of the Impact of Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Public Educators During COVID-19 , Amy Joynt

Rethinking Grading: Exploring High School Teachers' Experiences with Changing to a Nontraditional Grading System , Sarah E. Leonard

A Multiple Case Study Exploring CTE Faculty Members’ Account of Working with ID Professionals in the Course Design Process , Nicole Lewis

A Multiple Case Study of Oregon’s K-12 Accountability Transformation: A Journey to include Outcome Mapping , Shay Mikalson

Exploring the Relationship Between College Mathematics Remediation Status and Continued Persistence in Mathematics of Community College Students , Morvarid Javadi Pourhassan

Exploring Student Teacher's Lived Experiences with Supervisor Feedback , Kristin M. Rich

Grade Determination: An Exploration of High School Teacher Cognitive Processes , Bonnie Robbins

Paraeducator Experience Participating in Professional Development: a Phenomenological Perspective , Loren K. Sickles

Corporate Gaslighting: Can Isolated Training Help? A Narrative Study , Jade Singleton

A Phenomenological Investigation of Nurse Faculty Commitment , Timothy A. Yett

Dissertations from 2021 2021

Safety Department Officers' Perceptions: Concealed Carry and the Imposed Risk on Campus , Alaina R. Adkins-Armstrong

A Case Study of White Professors' Culturally Responsive Practice in a Dominant Cultural Higher Education Setting , Zhiqiong Ai

The Impact of Using Social Media Platfrom WeChat for Formative Feedback of Teaching and Learning on Student Satisfaction , Suxia Chen

A Multiple-Case Study Examining the Experiences of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Teachers in Grow Your Own Programs , Emily Couch

Licensed Educator Perceptions of the Use of Mission, Vision, and Values to Guide Daily School Operations: A Qualitative Study , Adaline K. Fraser

A Phenomenological Study of Community College Career and Technical Education Graduates' Perceptions of the Impact of Online Delivery on Their Employability Skills Preparation , Jarett John Gilbert

Improving Student Engagement in a Digital Environment: An Improvement Science Study , Christopher Scott Gragg

A Qualitative Study of Contributing Factors of Early Career Teacher Burnout , Mindi Ann Helmandollar-Armatas

Improving Student Engagement Through Instructional Design During the COVID-19 Pandemic , Jill Kirksey - Diehl

Exploring Educators' Perspectives on Empathy and Equity through a Role-Play Game Experience , Jennifer Kleiber

A Case Study of English as Foreign Language Chinese Teachers' Use of Computer-Based Technology , Lingao Li

Portraits of Meaning Attached to a Rural School Through the Community It Serves , Dena Jo Palmaymesa

People Leaders and Change Managers: Perspectives from the Middle , John Regier

Increasing Social and Emotional Learning Competencies Through Use of Tabletop Role-Playing Games , Tia Ruff

Exploring Rural Teachers' Perceptions of the Achievement of Professional Agency in the Context of a School District Mandated Pedagogical Reform , Janice Marie Scudder

Efficacy of Culturally Responsive Teaching with the 7 Cs within an Educational Alternative Services High School English Class , Mark A. Simon

"You Don't Have to be a Head Teacher": Perceptions of Long-Term Male Elementary Teachers on Why They Stay in the Classroom , Maranda Turner

Dissertations from 2020 2020

The Impact of Socioeconomic Status, Race/Ethnicity, and English Learner Status in Predicting Student Placement with an Individual Education Plan During the Third Through Eighth Grades , John Burch

A Critical Phenomenological Study of Female Asian American Leadership in Higher Education , Jenny L. Elsey

Understanding Hispanic Women's Emotional and Social Presence Experiences: Case Studies of Three Undergraduate Online Learners , Angel Krause

A Case Study of Christian School Parents Who Work in Public Schools , Timothy C. Lehman

An Exploratory Data Analysis Study of Open Education Resources in Dental Hygiene Education , Jessica Luebbers

"Some Days We Don't Learn Anything New": A Phenomenological Study of Intellectually Gifted Elementary Students , Frank Luzaich

The Relationship Between Social Science Majors' Quantitative-Course Experience and Their Quantitative Anxiety , Kelly McIntyre

The Lost Boys: A Phenomenological Study of Freshmen Year Failure , Holly Miele

Exploring How Second-Career Teachers Construct a New Professional Identity: A Narrative Inquiry Study , Bethany Pflug

When's the Payoff?: A Narrative Inquiry into Adjunct Faculty Experiences , Tiffany Sarkisian

Christian Higher Education Faculty's Perceptions of Occupational Stress, Job Demands, and Job Resources as Predictors of Job Burnout , Michelle E. Shelton

The Association Between Teacher Self-Efficacy, Teacher Motivation and the Implementation of Project-Based Learning (PBL) Teaching Methods , John Spencer

A Cross-study Exploration of Experiences of Induction Level Teachers Identified as Teacher Leaders , Elaine Tinholt

A Content Analysis of Dissertations on Business Topics: A Quantitative Study , Kat Yamamoto

Dissertations from 2019 2019

The Influence of a School-Based Health Center on Students and Teachers' Classroom Experiences: Stories Teachers Tell , Joseph D. Bridgeman

Exploring High School Seniors' Lived Experience of Teacher Empathy: A Phenomenological Study , Danielle Bryant

Exploring the Associations Among Self-Harm, Anxiety, and Suicidal Ideation in the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment II , Meagan Clark

A Microethnographic Study of Bilingual Teacher Candidates' Appropriation of Translanguaging , Jessica Dougherty

The Impact of Freshmen On-Track Status, Absenteeism, and Associated Demographic Variables on Four-Year Graduation Attainment within a Rural Community: A Predictive Validity Study , Joel Hoff

An Examination of the Psychometric Properties of the Mental Health Literacy Scale with K-12 Educators , Cassandra A. Kenney

A Multiple-Case Study of Chinese Student Teachers' Micropolitical Literacy in Teaching Practicum Conflicts in Chinese Contexts , Huiyin Li

The Predictive Validity of Mathematics Curriculum-Based Measurement on Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Mathematics Scores , Lauren J. Merkel

An Exploration of Schooling Perceptions of Dual-Enrollment Students: A Qualitative Research Study , Helen Louise Milliorn-Feller

Examining the Help Seeking Experiences of Youth in Extended Care: A Narrative Ethnography Study , Sarah M. Pennington

Including Students with Emotional Disturbance: Teachers' Experiences , Kimberley Shearer

Student Perceptions on a Virtual Credit Recovery Program , Max O. Sigander

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5 Tips for Choosing Your EdD Dissertation Topic

Faculty Insights Industry Advice Education

Associate teaching professor Corliss Thompson shares her top tips for choosing your EdD dissertation topic.

You’ve learned more about why you should earn your Doctor of Education (EdD), and now you’re ready to apply. As part of the Northeastern application process, however, you’re required to submit a problem of practice that you want to pursue throughout the course of your doctoral program.

But how do you arrive at that problem of practice and narrow your area of interest down into a specific dissertation topic? Here are some tips to keep in mind.

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Tips for Choosing a Dissertation Topic

1. pick a topic you’re passionate about..

A lot of work goes into your dissertation—from the literature review, where you’re conducting a critical analysis of what’s been published on your topic, to interviewing stakeholders and actually writing the dissertation itself. Each of those steps take time, so you want to choose a topic that will keep you engaged and hold your interest.

When trying to decide your area of focus, consider the challenges you’re motivated to address and the difference you want to make both during and at the end of your EdD program. The goal is that you will continuously build off your dissertation research and leverage the work in a way that positively impacts your organization and/or community.

2. Ensure your topic is manageable.

You want to select a topic you can complete during the duration of your EdD program that is also aligned with your budget. If you need to travel or perform longitudinal research, your idea might not be achievable. Find what available, attainable data you can, and use that to narrow down your research into a dissertation that’s more manageable.

3. Embrace the unknown.

Although you’re passionate about your topic and it’s manageable, there will still be lingering questions about your subject. Be prepared to explore what you don’t know and deepen what you already do know. Strong research typically results in more questions.

Be ready to ask questions of yourself, others, and the literature, and get comfortable with not knowing the answer. As you’re thinking about your dissertation, keep track of inquiries that emerge around different ideas. Those may help you hone in on a topic.

4. Leverage your peers.

One benefit of enrolling in an EdD program is the diversity of backgrounds and opinions you’ll find within your cohort. At Northeastern, EdD instruction is primarily online, which enables students to connect and collaborate with professionals from around the world.

Vasiliki Goudanas Mavroudhis, a recent graduate of Northeastern’s EdD program, emphasized this benefit in her piece on what it’s like to be in an online doctoral program , saying:

The ability to not only have a cohort-based network, but one that crossed cohorts and continents, allowed me to have a far richer and deeper experience. I learned from students with different perspectives who came from different industries across a number of countries.

When fleshing out your dissertation, use that global network to your advantage. Ask your peers for constructive feedback. It’s likely they’ll have suggestions on how you can approach your topic from different cultural perspectives.

5. Know it’s OK to change your topic.

It’s natural for your dissertation topic to evolve the more research you complete and experts you interview. Actually, it’s expected.

Switching topics halfway through the program might seem like more work, but you will have already gone through the research process once and laid the foundation for your dissertation. As you approach your topic from different perspectives, it’s understandable if your own viewpoint changes a bit.

If you’re in need of inspiration, here are some examples of doctoral research Northeastern students have recently conducted:

• “The Drop Out Decisions of Latino College Students”
• “Changing the Experiences of African Refugee Youth”
• “Supporting Students Through Mindful Mentoring”
• “The Transitioning Student Veteran: Finding Your Civilian Career Through Academic Success”
• “Bridging the Gap Between Training and Educating in Adult Learning”
• “Watch out for Shards from the Glass Ceiling: A Study of Women Higher Educational Administrators’ Leadership Development Experiences”

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• Franklin University Doctoral Resources Doctoral Studies Resource documents, including the dissertation handbook and guide to submitting your dissertation are available on the Office of Academic Scholarship page.
• Franklin University Student Dissertations View former Franklin student's dissertations in the OhioLINK ETD Center.

• Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center (OhioLINK) This link opens in a new window Online theses and dissertations from Ohio graduate students.
• Open Access Theses and Dissertations This link opens in a new window Information about and links to freely-available full-text to almost almost 3.5 million graduate theses and dissertations from over 1,100 colleges, universities, and research institutions.
• Open Dissertations This link opens in a new window Open access database providing both historic and contemporary dissertations and theses. Includes content of the American Doctoral Dissertations database, which provides more than 153,000 theses and dissertations from 1902 to the present, as well as additional dissertation information provided by colleges and universities from around the world. Includes links to full-text from free platforms where available.
• ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global This link opens in a new window Doctoral dissertations and theses from around the world, spanning from 1743 to the present day and offering full text for graduate works added since 1997, along with selected full text for works written prior to 1997. It contains a significant amount of new international dissertations and theses both in citations and in full text.
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• CPED Dissertation in Practice Find sample dissertations in practice from institutions that are members of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED)

Doctoral students are required to prepare a research proposal for their dissertation study. All doctoral projects that involve human subjects must be reviewed and approved by Franklin University's Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure the rights and welfare of human participants are protected. The research proposal will be included in the IRB application.

Anyone who conducts human subjects research at Franklin University must complete training before any research activities commence and before submitting a research proposal to the IRB for review. The Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) provides an online training course to satisfy this requirement and must be completed by all faculty, staff, and students involved in human subjects research. CITI educational courses help researchers to understand their obligations to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects in research. 

Please take the following steps to complete your CITI training: 

• Log on to the CITI homepage: www.citiprogram.org and click on the Register link. You will register with Franklin University in this seven-step process. Please use your Franklin University email address, which will link your CITI record to Cayuse IRB.
• Franklin learners must complete the Social and Behavioral Research (SBE) course. Additional elective courses are available but not required to conduct human subjects research at the University. The SBE course will take a few hours to complete, but you are not required to complete all modules in one sitting. 

Completing the CITI course will keep your training current for three years, after which time you will be required to complete a refresher course that updates your training for another three years. You will receive an email reminder from CITI when it is time to refresh your training. If your training expires during any human subjects research project, you must cease all research activities until your training has been updated.

• Institutional Review Board (IRB) Office For questions or issues with CITI Training, please contact the Franklin University IRB Office. Email: [email protected] Phone: 614.947.6037
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Ed.D. Dissertations in Practice

Dissertation in practice from 2023 2023.

Transforming Learning Spaces: Decentering Whiteness to Dream of a Liberatory Education , Kimberly Booker

Subversive Self-Care: Black Women Faculty and the (Im)possibilities of Healing in Higher Education , Hermenia Butler

(UWT-Muckleshoot Cohort Doctoral Program) NO FRACTIONS HERE: NAVIGATING BLOOD QUANTUM-BASED COLORISM SETTLER IDEOLOGY WITHIN TRIBAL COMMUNITIES , DeAnn Dillon

We are Stronger Together: Faculty Reflections on Competency-Based High School Completion for Adults in Washington State , Elizabeth J. Flanagan

(UWT-Muckleshoot Cohort Doctoral Program) Preparing the Future, Healing the Past, & Being in the Moment with Teachers as they Indigenize the Way They Teach , Ramona Halcomb

(UWT-Muckleshoot Cohort Doctoral Program) Off the Rez: Witnessing Indigenous Knowledges Through Social Media , Deborah Hales

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu & Mental Resilience , Brendan Hanley

(4) A Post Pandemic Analysis of COVID-19 and the Impact on Mental Health of High School Student-Athletes—Today, more than ever minds matter , Pastora Hernandez Barbee

(UWT-Muckleshoot Cohort Doctoral Program) “Tienes Que Ser Bien Educada”: A Call for Art, Reconciliation, and Justice in Education , Eileen Jimenez

(UWT-Muckleshoot Cohort Doctoral Program) Educational Sovereignty: Creating Community by Ensuring Belonging , Merisa K. Jones

(UWT-Muckleshoot Cohort Doctoral Program) Indigenous-based Mindful Activities for Students with Test Anxiety , Amy Maharaj

(UWT-Muckleshoot Cohort Doctoral Program) The One Drop Rule While Being a Black Indigenous Woman , Ada McDaniel

(4) Creating and Maintaining High-Quality Educational Spaces for Black Children: Challenges and Strategies , Darius B. Mensah

Women With Student Loans: Relational Impacts on Self, Family, and Work , Annie Pocklington

(UWT-Muckleshoot Cohort Doctoral Program) Heart Story Curation: Indigenous Feminist Justice Leadership & The Philanthropic Call to Action , Joannie M. Suina

(UWT-Muckleshoot Cohort Doctoral Program) Indigenizing Education: Universal Design for Learning and Indigenous Leadership Frameworks , Jennifer Vasilez

(4) Start with Self: Considerations of Being in Relationship , Alison O. Pugh

(4) Effective Professional Development and Lesson Study , Kylie Danielson

You are another me: Public schooling testimonios de lugares nepantleras , E. R. Álvarez

Re-establishing Public School Curriculum Adoption Process for Grades Six Through Eight , Alicia Mendez

Dissertation in Practice from 2022 2022

Fostering Communities for BIPOC Students in Higher Education Spaces: The Impacts of Targeted Student Supports Services on Racially Hostile Campuses , Kenderick Wilson

Dissertation in Practice from 2021 2021

University Staff: Indigenous Sovereignty and Justice Online , Star Berry

Mechanisms of Biases and Cultural Literacy in International Language Education: One Such Story to Carry , Yukari Birkett

Recommendations for Creating Inclusive Classroom Andragogy: Perspectives of Graduate Students with Learning Disabilities , Marcee Boggs

Examining Strategies that Promote Success for Adult Basic Education Students: A Professional Development Seminar for Educators , Andrew Brottlund

Equity by Design and Delivery Model in Online Learning: Educator and Student Perceptions and Behaviors as Leading Indicators of Systemic Change , Miebeth Bustillo-Booth

A Qualitative Study: Exploring the Connection Between Therapeutic Foster Parent Training and Placement Disruption , Emmanuel Camarillo

Improving Homeless Student Identification in an Urban High School , Donald Crider

COVID-19 School Closures: Professional and Personal Impacts on Building Principals , Paula R. Dawson and Alicia M. Nosworthy

Still Just white-Framed: Continued Coloniality, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Latin@/x Students , Ilda Guzman

Diversity in Community College Registered Nursing Education , Sergio Hernández Del Cid

Experiences of Contemporary Dance Choreographers of Color in the Pacific Northwest , Sue Ann Huang

Latinx Students' Sense of Belonging in a Comprehensive Suburban High School , Samantha Ketover

Disrupting Racial Segregation in Special Education: An Evaluability Assessment of Washington State’s Inclusionary Practices Project , Tania May

Barriers Impacting LPNs Academic Progression , M Dianne Nauer

Examining Social Capital and Whiteness in a University Community Engagement Network , Bonnie Nelson

Asian American Community College Presidents: Their Leadership Practices, Insights, and Attributes , Michael Pham

Institutional Accreditation: Making the Process More Efficient, Effective, and Meaningful to Colleges and Universities , Cynthia J. Requa

Community College Student Completion Rates and Strategies for Improvement , Norma Whitacre

Dissertation in Practice from 2019 2019

Corporate E-learning: Perceptions of Persistence and Satisfaction , Staci Bain

Reflections on Reentry: A Qualitative Study of Cross-Cultural Reentry Experiences of International Cultural Exchange Students , Christina Lynn Cox

Asian American Teachers in Predominantly White Education Systems , Candis Lee Eckert

Examining Campus Racial Climate for Faculty and Staff , Sherri Fujita

Let's be Blunt: Substance Use Among Black Male Student-Athletes , Elizabeth Griffin

Asian American Community College Presidents: An AsianCrit Analysis of their Approaches to Leadership , Johnny Hu

Professional Development and Self-Efficacy: Their Impact on the Advancement of Latinas in Higher Education Leadership , Olga Torres Inglebritson

Online Learning Within an Open-Door Program , Adriana Julian

SLOW PROGRESS TOWARDS EQUITY AT A HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTION (HSI): A Case Study , Paulette Lopez

Social Constructivism: An Andragogical Praxis for Critical Thinking Instruction and Evaluation with Graduate Social Work Students , Luella Loudenback

Experiences of African American Women in Washington State’s Applied Baccalaureate Programs: A Mixed Methods Study , Stefanie McIrvin

STUDENT VOICE IN SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING , Angelo Mills

Understanding the Impacts of Campus Racial Climate on Southeast Asian College Students’ Experiences , Chanira Reang Sperry

Expanding Educational Potential through Multisector Partnership , Maija Thiel

Reframing Internationalization: Faculty Beliefs and Teaching Practices , Marco Tulluck

Where Did My Black Folk Go? The Exclusion of Black Males From American K-12 Classrooms , conrad webster

Improving the Leadership of P-12 Administrative Teams , Joshua Zarling

Examining the Human Experience of Moral Distress: A Narrative Inquiry , Allison Wareham

Dissertation in Practice from 2018 2018

Its Okay For Us to Be Students, but Not Leaders: African American Women in Executive Leadership within the Community College , La Shemia C. Hanebutte

Dissertation in Practice from 2017 2017

Barriers for Pseudo School District’s College Bound Scholars’ Scholarship Attainment , Annette Burnett

Dissertation in Practice from 2016 2016

Responding to their Voice: The Needs of Postsecondary Students with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disability , Lucretia A. Berg

Youth Empowerment for Environmental Justice , Mattie B. Brickle

The Principal's Voice: Supports Critical to a School Principal's Effectiveness , Rita Chaudhuri

Writing Equity Policy for a K-12 Public School District: An Insider's Perspective , Louanne H. Decker

From Isolation to Collaboration: School Principals , Allison B. Drago and Vincent Pecchia

Sustained Implementation of School-wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports through Continuous Regeneration , Thomas A. Edwards

Building on Community: A Community-Built Pipeline of Community College-Educated Secondary Mathematics Teachers of Color , Maria J. Gross

Gifted and Unserved: Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Promise Scholar Program on Reducing the Racial Segregation of Gifted Education , Reby Helland

Harnessing Emotions: The Critical Role of Emotional Intelligence for Community College Leaders , Lauren Hibbs and Valerie M. Sundby-Thorp

Attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Process of Tacoma’s Globalization , Yi Hui

Surviving or Thriving: Educator Change Following School-Based Trauma , Mona M. Johnson

Utilizing Assessment Resources to Support Classroom Instruction in Mathematics , Jennifer A. Judkins

Online Onboarding of Community College Mid-Level Administrators , Heather F. Lukashin

The Cultural Isolation of Providers and Educators Caused by Stigma and Compassion Fatigue when Serving Survivors of Invisible Wounds , Bronwyn G. Pughe

Images of DREAMers: Using Photovoice to Explore the Experiences of Undocumented Latinxs in a Washington State Community College , Theresa R. Ramos Ed.D.

Using Student and Staff Perceptions to Guide Training and Practice , Cynthia Sherrod

Change Management and Guided Pathways: Creating a Plan for Implementation at a Washington State Community College , Sandra Spadoni and Saovra Ear

An Opportunity for Community: Building a Community College Center for Community Engagement in a “Distressed” Suburb , Jeffrey L. Wagnitz

Race Matters: Occupational Therapy as a Career Choice by High School Students of Color , Kirsten L. Wilbur

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What is an Ed.D. Dissertation? Complete Guide & Support Resources

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Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Dissertations

Dissertations from 2024 2024.

AN EXPLORATION OF ADULT CHILDREN’S ATTACHMENT TO THEIR PARENTS ACROSS TWO CULTURAL GROUPS: INDIANS IN INDIA AND INDIANS WHO IMMIGRATED TO THE UNITED STATES , Vilasini Meenakshi Arun

RESILIENT AF: UNDERSTANDING THE LIVED EXPERIENCES OF WOMEN OF COLOR PSYCHOLOGISTS IN FORENSIC MENTAL HEALTH SETTINGS , Carisse A. Cronquist

Creating whole inclusive worlds: The impact of social media usage on Black gender expansive millennials’ experiences of social support and identity development processes , Meredith J. Holmes

The Transition from In Person Sessions to Telemental Health Sessions for College Counseling Center Counselors , Katherine L. Karimian

An Exploration of the Contributions of Parenting Styles and Peer Relationships on the Emotional Expression of Second-Generation Indian-Americans , Smitha M. Kashi

THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN UNCERTAINTY, REPRODUCTIVE DISTRESS, AND AVOIDANCE IN ASSIGNED FEMALE AT BIRTH ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT (AYA-F) CANCER SURVIVORS , Devon Ann Pons

Dissertations from 2023 2023

STUDENTS AS CO-RESEARCHERS: USING PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH TO ADDRESS COLLEGE FOOD INSECURITY , Rachel Brand

WE ARE STILL PLAYING: A META-ANALYSIS OF GAME-BASED LEARNING IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION , Thomas Conmy

MOVING BETWEEN ENTITLEMENT AND CO-CONSPIRACY: A STUDY OF HOW SUPPORT, SKILLS, AND COMMUNITY CAN ADVANCE ANTI-RACISM EFFORTS OF WHITE PARENTS , Karin Marianne Cotterman

WHITE WOMANHOOD: FINDING OPPOSITIONAL EPISTEMOLOGIES AND COMMUNITY AT THE INTERSECTION OF WHITENESS AND WOMANHOOD , Hannah Joy Fischer

Understanding Filipino Wellness: Investigating the Effects of Colonial Mentality and Enculturation , Juliene Grace P. Fresnedi

A Qualitative Study of Ableism on the Postsecondary Campus , George Stuart Fuller

Alleviating Mathematics Anxiety For Middle School Students Using A Combined Intervention Approach Versus Only Using The Cognitive Intervention Approach For Increasing Mathematical Achievement: A Comparative Study , Patricia Anna Garcia

Parent-Child Conversations about Body Safety and Consent , Natasha Gerber

Experiences of Black American Millennials: A Qualitative Study of Internalized and Externalized Coping in the Face of Racial Trauma , Natalia Angelique Giles

The Mental Health of First-Generation College Students of Color , Devin Hallquist

Identity Formation and Role Expansion for Nurse Practitioner Residency Preceptors: A Qualitative Thematic Analysis , Angel Chen Kuo

Understanding the Lived Experiences of Ethnic-Racial Minority Former Foster Youth Who Identify as Queer , Cristian A. Lemus

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF INTERVENTIONS TO INCREASE ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY (ART) ADHERENCE AMONG LATINX MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN (MSM) WITH HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) IN THE UNITED STATES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW , Everardo Leon

Mental Health and Experiences of Pregnancy Among Black Women and Birthing People with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) , Madeleine E. Marcus

EARLY DIAGNOSIS METHODS FOR AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW , Megan Denise McCarthy

The Association between Psychotic Symptoms and Romantic Relationship Quality among Young Adult Ethnic Minorites , Tashagaye T. McKenzie

META-ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PROJECT-BASED LEARNING APPROACH ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION WORLDWIDE , Ziyu Meng

A Case Study of a School-Supported Extracurricular Activity's Influence on STEM Identity and Interest for Females , Letta Meyer

African American Women Make Meaning of Historical Trauma , Deidre A. MILLER

THE GRINDR COMPLEX: THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH IMPACT OF SEXUAL RACISM ON LATINX MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN , Luisalfredo Plascencia

Working with Other Immigrants Brings the Parts That I Lost Back To Me: The Experiences of Latin American Immigrant Therapists Working with Latin American Immigrant Populations , Elizabeth P. Rivera

DECOLONIZING MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH HE/A/R/TOGRAPHY: CORAZONAR, SENTIPENSAR Y SENTISABER , Patricia Rojas-Zambrano

The Effects of Acculturation, Marianismo, and Religiosity on Pregnancy Related Anxiety in Latina Women , Jennifer M. Zanoli

Dissertations from 2022 2022

A Collaborative Autoethnography: Your Passport to Immigrant Women of Color Leader's Stories of Identity Exploration and Leadership Barriers and Possibilities , Fraylanie Adan Aglipay

RECLAIMING OUR HUMANITY: REDEMPTION, REIMAGINING, AND RESTORYING OF THE FOUNDATIONS FOR SUCCESS OF FORMERLY INCARCERATED AFRICAN AMERICAN MALES , Robert Mossi Alexander III

Fifty Years of Underrepresented Student Advocacy at One Jesuit Secondary School , Sonya Cotero Arriola

Voces of Little Michoacan: A Collective Narrative of Resistance and Preservation of Home , Ana Angel Avendaño

CLINICIANS' PERSPECTIVES ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TRAUMA - FOCUSED COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY WITH AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN: A QUALITATIVE STUDY , Jada Carter

The Use of Simulation with the School of Nursing and Health Professions (SONHP) Prelicensure Students to Support Affirming Practice with Transgender Communities , Genevieve Charbonneau

Understanding the perspectives, practices, and expectations of Korean American parents toward the heritage language education of their children , Yunhee Choi

The Association between Physical Pain, Depression, Anxiety, and Nervios among Latinx Agricultural Workers , Iveth Cuellar Celallos

Incorporating Andragogy and Cognitive Theory Of Multimedia Learning Into Self-Paced Training and Development Programs , Shanshan Gao

An Exploration of Learning-At-Home Experiences Among Families and Children of Color Labeled with Disabilities During COVID-19: A Narrative Inquiry , Nam Ju Han

"What’s Race Got To Do With It?”: A Virtual Participatory Action Research Study of Community College Students Exploring Intersectionality In Queer Studies , Breana Hansen

"MY BODY GOES NUMB A LOT OF THE TIME": EXAMINING HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT-ATHLETE EXPERIENCES USING YOUTH PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH AND EMBODIED CULTURALLY RELEVANT PEDAGOGY , Gabriela Elizabeth Holmes

TOWARDS CHARISM IDENTITY: A CATHOLIC IDENTITY CASE STUDY THROUGH THE LENS OF LAUDATO SI’ , Kristofer Ross Koller

Teaching Solidarity: Popular Education in Grassroots U.S. Social Movements , Tenaya Summers Lafore

The Effects of Curriculum-Integrated Explicit Learning Strategy Instruction on Reading Comprehension for English as a Second Language (ESL) Learners at the Community College , Sylvia Chaiyeon Lee

Genocide in East Turkestan: Exploring the Perspectives of Uyghurs in the Diaspora and their Resistance to Chinese State Violence , Lina Semyonovna Lenberg

Mediating Language Fluency Development: An Action Research Study In A High-School AP Chinese Second-or-Foreign-Language Task-Based Language Teaching Classroom , Jing Liang

EFFORTS TO CREATE A TRAUMA-INFORMED CLASSROOM IN HIGHER EDUCATION: INSIGHTS FROM MEMBERS OF A COMMUNITY COLLEGE TRAUMA-INFORMED TEACHING GROUP , Danyelle Marshall

Women in Senior Leadership Roles Career Mobility, Challenges, Success Stories and Need for Future Research , Giselle Flores Martin

Impact of COVID-19 on New Teacher Retention and Perceived Supports in a Northern California Public School District , Rebecka Maxkenzie

African American Female Identified Therapists' Experiences Working Culturally Similar and Dissimilar Populations , Kimiko J. May

EXPLORING LATINX PARENTS’ EXPERIENCES WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION: DEVELOPING A COMMUNITY-BASED WORKSHOP TO EMPOWER LATINX PARENTS OF CHILDREN IN SPECIAL EDUCATION , Gabriela Alejandra Perez

BLACK MOTHERING IN THE BAY AREA WHILE UNSEEN AND UNHEARD: NAVIGATING BLACK MOTHERING IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC & SOCIAL UNREST , Kassie Michelle Phillips

Feminist Catholic Organizational Identity: A Phenomenological Study of Charism in the Lay Educator of a Notre Dame de Namur Learning Community , Kathleen Barrera Quiazon

Effects of Teaching Argument to First-Year Community-College Students Using a Structural and Dialectical Approach , Sharon Radcliff

¿TÚ QUÉ SABES?: LATINA DOCTORAL WOMEN DISRUPTING AND RESISTING DOMINANT KNOWLEDGE , Sendy Ramos Madsen

HEARING IMPAIRED AND LEADERSHIP: STRUGGLES OF INDIVIDUALS WITH HEARING LOSS IN THE WORKPLACE , John Cleese Relihan

Cuentos Criollos: Colombian Internally Displaced Families as Knowledge Producers , Liliana Salazar de Deck

An Exploration of Higher Educational Experiences For Mixed Blood American Indian Males in the Santa Clara Valley , Edward Salcedo

APPLICATION OF THE EPISTEMOLOGIES OF THE SOUTH TO ADDRESS THE ECOLOGICAL CRISIS: A NARRATIVE CASE STUDY OF BURKINA FASO AND THE LEADER YACOUBA SAWADOGO , Barwendé Médard Sané

The Relationship Between Metacognitive Strategies and Listening Comprehension Proficiency in Intensive-Korean-Foreign-Language Setting , Gumok Seo

The Collegiate Black Space: Black College Students’ Use of New Counter-Spaces for Support, Knowledge Production, and Organizing for Activism , Heather Streets

The Impact of #MeToo on Reasons for Sexual Assault Disclosure , Cheryl H. Tien

Developing Queer Faith: Exploring Experiences of Cognitive Dissonance and Identity Integration For LGBQ Catholics Individuals , Kendal M. Vaarwerk

Using Peer Review to Improve English as a Second Language College Students' Writing Scores , Mengjie Wei

Dissertations from 2021 2021

The Effect of Teaching and Learning Vocabulary in Lexical Chunks on the Listening Comprehension of Adult Learners of Arabic , Bassam Al-Maqtari

Exploring Student Engagement for Diverse Student Populations: A Case Study Examining Institutional Logics of Student Affairs Middle Management Leaders , Frangelo Rominque Ayran

Employment Discrimination: An Efficacy Study of African American Inequities in the California Utility Sector , Victor Baker

Mental Health Outcomes of Various Types of Fear Among University Students who have an Undocumented Legal Status During the Donald Trump Presidency , Liliana Campos

Experiences of UC Santa Barbara female alumni exposed to a gender-based mass shooting , Erin G. Carpenter

Effects of the Concept-Mapping Method on International Students' Academic Performance and Perceptions , Yinghung Natalie Chiang

Majority to Minority Shift: Experiences for American Born Chinese College Students from Predominant Chinese American Communities to Predominantly White Institutions , Joseph C. Chung

The Role of Community Building in Second Language Acquisition in the Mainstream Classroom , Alejandro Clemente Fernandez

The Effectiveness of Using Multimedia for Teaching Phrasal Verbs in Community-College ESL Classes , Guohua Fu

Replanting a Wild Seed: Black Women School Leaders Subverting Ideological Lynching , Whitneé Louise Garrett-Walker

The Significance of Jesuit Educational Institution in the Reconstruction of Postcolonial and Post-Conflict East Timor , Plinio do Rosario Gusmao dosReis Martins

Effects of Static and Dynamic Visuals on the Learning of Science Concepts in the Secondary-School Classroom , Theodore Johnson

Impact of Moral Injury for Ethnic/Racial Minority Male Veterans , Kristopher Kern

Dysconscious Racism and Racial Microaggressions in the Public School System , Ryan Lee

Stigma and Social-Emotional Health in Youth with Learning Differences , Kelsey Maki

Provider Perspectives: Working with the Male Lifer Reentry Population , Laura R. Marker Dr.

Women Who Lead: A Feminist Phenomenology of Crisis Leadership in Higher Education , Ingrid Helene McVanner

The Use of Mindfulness Meditation to Increase the Efficacy of Mirror Visual Feedback for Reducing Phantom Limb Pain in Amputees , Nicolas Sebastian Mills

A Minority Within a Minority: Exploring Identity Development in Relation to Mental Health Outcomes Within the Black Deaf Community , Nekolas Milton

Community Based Participatory Research Informed Manualization and Piloting of E-Training of a Modified Dialectical Behavior Therapy Intervention , Annika M. Miyamoto

Early Childhood Special Education Teachers’ Attitudes Toward Inclusion: A Qualitative Study on a School’s Transition From Segregated Classrooms to More Inclusion Classrooms , Shally Moua

The Ignatian Pedagogical Paradigm as a Critical Theoretical Framework to Enhance Teachers' Professional Identity in Diverse Context , Lourdu Sunder Reddy Mummadi

Patient Reported Outcomes in Sickle Cell Disease Examined Within a Conceptual Model , Swapandeep Mushiana; Marsha Treadwell PhD; Sherif M. Badawy MD, MS; Liliana Preiss PhD; Allison King MD MPH PhD; Barbara Kroner PhD; Yumie Chen BS; Jeffrey Glassberg; Victor Gordeuk MD; Nirmish Shah MD; Angie Snyder Phd MPH; and Theodore Wun MD

Incorporating Critical Perspectives in Nonprofit Management Education Programs: How Critical Scholars of Color Navigate Pressures in Higher Education , Khanh H. Nguyen

A Critical Feminist Case Study of the Northern California Cherry Blossom Queen Program , Alison Kepola Nishiyama-Young

Understanding the African American Male Student Experience of Being Diagnosed with Emotional Disturbance Through the Use of Counter-Storytelling , Sara Ordaz

Sex or Sexual Assault? Critical Media Literacy as a Tool for Consent Education , Riana S. Pella

Higher Education Discourses of India’s National Education Policy 2020: Analysis and Teacher Counterspaces in Jesuit Institutions , Vincent Pereppadan Poulose

Effect of Transcendental Meditation on the Social Emotional Well-being of Bilingual Teacher Leaders , Margaret Peterson

Engaging Feminism, Transforming Institutions: How Community Engagement Professionals Employ Critical Feminist Praxis to Re-Imagine and Re-Shape the Public Purpose of Higher Education , Patricia Star Plaxton-Moore

The Effectiveness Of A Transaffirmative Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Group-Based Intervention To Help Transgender Individuals Suffering From Depression , Joy Riach

Investigating the Self-Efficacy Awareness of Black Female Technology Leaders , Marie Roberts De La Parra

Parental Involvement in Support of African American Families , September Rose

Pilipinx Radical Imagination: Healing and Visioning in our Process of Becoming , Anthony Abulencia Santa Ana

Interests Served and Interests Converged: A Mixed-Methods Critical Policy Analysis of the California Math Placement Act , Chalesea Schuler

Exploring the lived experiences of Middle-Eastern and North African (Mena) Jews through narrative inquiry using a digital storytelling approach , Brandy B. Shufutinsky

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Dissertations

We are proud to provide access to the dissertations that our students have written as part of the requirement for their doctoral degree. Below is a list by cohort of titles with a link to ScholarWorks, a searchable database where the actual dissertations are available. To search our full collection of doctoral dissertations, you can follow the link to ScholarWorks .

Cohort 1: Dissertations from the Graduation Class of 2010

Cohort 2: dissertations from the graduation class of 2011, cohort 3: dissertations from the graduation class of 2012, cohort 4: dissertations from the graduation class of 2013, cohort 5: dissertations from the graduation class of 2014, cohort 6: dissertations from the graduation class of 2015, cohort 7: dissertations from the graduation class of 2016, cohort 8: dissertations from the graduation class of 2017, cohort 9: dissertations from the graduation class of 2018, cohort 10: dissertations from the graduation class of 2019, cohort 11: dissertations from the graduation class of 2020, cohort 12: dissertations from the graduation class of 2021, cohort 13: dissertations from the graduation class of 2022.

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Education Dissertation Topics

Published by Grace Graffin at January 5th, 2023 , Revised On May 3, 2024

Introduction

Education as a subject helps in understanding the various learning approaches and different types of education. When you choose education as your major subject, you will be expected to develop a critical understanding of the issues surrounding education.

To choose an education dissertation topic, you can look into a wide array of topics, including public school education, holistic education, the role of ethnicity, gender and class on academic achievements, adult education, preschool and primary school education, college and university education, child development, distance learning, politics and policy in education, teacher education, and curriculum.

To help you get started with brainstorming for education topic ideas, we have developed a list of the latest topics that can be used for writing your education dissertation.

These topics have been developed by PhD-qualified writers of our team , so you can trust them to use them when drafting your dissertation.

You may also want to start your dissertation by requesting  a brief research proposal  from our writers on any of these topics, which includes an  introduction  to the topic,  research question ,  aim and objectives ,  literature review along the proposed  methodology  of research to be conducted.  Let us know  if you need any help in getting started.

Check our  dissertation examples  to get an idea of  how to structure your dissertation .

Review the full list of  dissertation topics here.

Topic 1: Investigating the impact of COVID-19 on the learning experience of the students

Research Aim: The research aims to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the learning experience of the students.

Objectives:

• To analyse the impact of Covid-19 on education delivery across schools.
• To evaluate the impact of the pandemic on teaching delivery and learning outcomes of the students.
• To investigate how the pandemic affected the learning experience of the students

Topic 2: An analysis of the impact of classroom interaction and participation on the personality development and confidence of the students.

Research Aim: The aim of the research is to analyse the impact of classroom interaction and participation on the personality development and confidence of the students.

• To analyse the importance of classroom interaction for the students and how it contributes to personal development.
• To investigate the impact of classroom participation on the confidence of the students.
• To evaluate how classroom interaction and participation impact the personality development and confidence of the students.

Topic 3: The potential use of virtual reality for educational assessment of the students.

Research Aim: The research aims to analyse the potential use of virtual reality for the educational assessment of students.

• To analyse the technologies available for student assessment across higher educational institutions.
• To evaluate the role of virtual reality in education delivery and assessment.
• To investigate how virtual reality influences the educational assessment of students to improvet their learning experience and knowledge.

Topic 4: An evaluation of the impact of the rising cost of academic education on students of lower-income backgrounds in the UK.

Research Aim: The aim of the research is to evaluate the impact of the rising cost of academic education on students of lower-income backgrounds in the UK.

• To analyse the factors impacting the affordability of higher education in the UK.
• To understand the challenges of lower-income background students in the UK.
• To investigate the impact of the rising cost of academic education on the lower-income background students in the UK and how the meritorious students can be supported.

Topic 5: An investigation into the impact of interactions among students of multiple ethnicities on the cross-cultural communication and behaviour of the pupils.

Research Aim: The aim of the research is to investigate the impact of interactions among students of multiple ethnicities on cross-cultural communication and pupil behaviourt .

• To analyse the impact of student interactions among different ethnicities.
• To determine the importance of cross-cultural communication and tolerance of the students.
• To examine the impact of interactions among students of multiple ethnicities on the cross-cultural communication and behaviour of the pupils.

Dissertation Topics in Education Dynamics

Topic 1: the need to use information and communication technology to study in public institutions in any country of your choice. a reflection on the impact of covid-19 on the education sector in the chosen country..

Research Aim: This research will focus on the lack of good information and communication technology equipment in public institutions of study and the need to find the education sector to meet the new standard of learning in work. It will also analyse the pandemic’s impact on students in public institutions at home throughout the pandemic without any academic activities.

Topic 2: The fear of maintaining social distancing in schools

Research Aim: This research aims to evaluate the fear of maintaining social distancing in schools. It will also suggest possible solutions to minimise the fear of parents, educators, and students.

Topic 3: Online Education- Increased screen time or quality education

Research Aim: This research aims to identify whether online education exposes students to increased screen time or quality education.

Topic 4: The emergence of coding courses for young children and their cognitive development and age. A comparative study.

Research Aim: This research aims to identify how far coding education is beneficial for children. What sort of positive and negative consequences are concerned with the future of young children with their access to such kind of advanced technology?

Topic 5: Data science and growing opportunities for data scientists

Research Aim: This research will focus on identifying the emergence of degrees and courses in data science, their importance, and growing opportunities for data scientists. Who can become a data scientist? What is its career scope?

Covid-19 Education Topics 

Impacts of coronavirus on education.

Research Aim: This study aims to review the impacts of Coronavirus on education.

Online educational programs to educate students during COVID-19

Research Aim: The widespread Coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown have disrupted the education of many students, including school, college, and university levels. This study will identify the online programs offered through various platforms, schools, colleges, and universities. It will discuss how students can have access to these courses and how it will benefit them.

Impact of COVID-19 on educational institutes

Research Aim: This study will focus on identifying the impacts of COVID-19 on educational institutes. What steps can be taken to ensure a safe environment for the students and teaching staff?

Role of teachers and professors during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Research Aim: This study will focus on the contribution of teachers, professors, and institutions in providing education. What challenges are they facing? What would be the possible ways to improve the current education system?

The future of education post Coronavirus pandemic.

Research Aim: This study will collect information about current education methods during the pandemic and predict the future of education after the coronavirus pandemic.

Topic C1: How the Coronavirus pandemic is reshaping education?

Research Aim: Coronavirus has offered a stark reminder of the very human nature of schools. Students have leapt into online learning but cannot wait to get back into her building. Being online, I don’t think you really get a true sense of whether a student is really engaged and has a proper understanding. This study will aim to understand the extent to which the coronavirus pandemic is reshaping education.

Topic C2: How Coronavirus could affect the well-being of people with intellectual disabilities

Research Aim: We are all feeling more anxious than usual. We may be worried about accessing food and services, going to work, enduring self-isolation, or catching COVID-19. While some anxiety is normal, some of us may be more resilient to changes in our routines and the general uncertainty the world is experiencing. But for the 1.5 million people in the UK with an intellectual disability, these effects may be much greater. This research will aim to establish how Coronavirus could affect the wellbeing of people with intellectual disabilities.

Topic C3: The impact of the 2019–20 Coronavirus pandemic on education

Research Aim: The 2019–20 Coronavirus pandemic has affected educational systems worldwide, leading to the widespread closures of schools and universities. As of 28 March 2020, over 1.7 billion learners were out of school due to school closures in response to COVID-19. According to UNESCO monitoring, over 100 countries have implemented nationwide closures, impacting nearly 90% of the world’s student population. This research will explore the impact of the 2019–20 Coronavirus pandemic on education.

Topic C4: What actions are being taken by universities in response to Coronavirus?

Research Aim: We have seen a growing number of decisions by universities to start implementing social distancing strategies, such as moving to more online teaching delivery and increasing homework by staff. At present, there is no government advice to universities about this. Therefore any operational decision by individual universities must be based on their local circumstances, which vary for various reasons. This research will examine some of the measures we see across the universities in response to the pandemic.

Topic C5: The impact of Coronavirus on international students and the response from universities

Research Aim: This research will explore the impact of Coronavirus on international students and the response from universities.

The Best Education Dissertation Topics

Topic 1: a comparison of wonderlic tests and standardised tests as means to assess academic performance..

Research Aim: Although there are many techniques and methods for assessing academic performance, this research will focus on the comparative analysis of Wonderlic and standardised tests. In the end, the research will conclude which approach would be better in different academic situations.

Topic 2: The theory and practice of educational games as a means to promote better learning.

Research Aim: In recent times, many pieces of research have focused on identifying different learning approaches to provide quality education. This research will analyse the concept of educational games for young children to promote and improve the learning mechanisms.

Topic 3: The impact of learning ability of a child: A case study of kindergarten students

Research Aim: With the emergence of technological advancements, many organisations, including education institutes, have started embracing innovative technologies. The main purpose of these advancements is to improvise the different ways of education. This research will focus on how the use of smart technology has improved the learning ability of kindergarten students.

Topic 4: Comparing and analysing the teaching approaches and mechanisms of privately owned schools and public school: Case of developing countries

Research Aim: Due to the rise of capitalist economies, many institutions have developed unique mechanisms to improve business operations and sales. The same is the case with educational institutes. However, the teaching mechanism and approach for private schools have been more effective than public schools. Therefore, this research will critically analyse the teaching approaches and mechanisms of privately owned schools and public schools and compare and analyse their teaching approaches.

Topic 5: Analysing the current curricular development of K12 students and how it can be linked with current economic issues

Research Aim: It has been found that the curriculum of the majority of educational institutes has become obsolete and monotonous. In other words, students are not being taught current affairs and the latest knowledge with respect to technology, etc. Therefore, the main aim of this research will be to analyse the current curricular development of K12 students and how it can be moulded to reflect the true economic conditions and issues of society.

Early Childhood Education Dissertation Topics

Early childhood education in the UK and many other countries refers to any form of education that children between 2 and 6 years obtain. Some early childhood education dissertation topics are listed below:

Topic 6: The effectiveness and implementation of early childhood education curriculum interventions

Research Aim: This research will discuss how effective curriculum interventions have been in early childhood education and how they can be effectively implemented.

Topic 7: Linking theory to practice and back again: The use of collaborative enquiry and video documentation to facilitate critical thinking in preservice teacher education

Research Aim: This research will provide theoretical and practical evidence to establish how collaboration inquiry and video documentation effectively affect critical thinking in preservice education.

Topic 8: Improving early childhood literacy development and English education through the use of multiple media tools

Research Aim: This research will analyse how effective medical tools are in early childhood education.

Topic 9: Supporting emergent literacy at the preschool level through the use of technology.

Research Aim: This research will present how supportive technology can be for emergent literacy at the preschool level.

Topic 10: Merging multimodality, technology, and literacy in the era of kindergarten digital storytelling

Research Aim: This research will explore the effectiveness of multimodality, literacy, and technology in today’s era of kindergarten storytelling.

Topic 11: Computer-based reading program with at-risk pre-kindergarten students

Research Aim: This research will discuss how computer-based reading programs are at risk with pre-kindergarten students.

Topic 12: Pre-school educational settings and the nature of children’s leadership

Research Aim: This research will analyse how educational settings in preschool help develop leadership skills in children.

Topic 13: How urban students’ academic accomplishments can be influenced by a school district’s preschool education policies

Research Aim: This research will discuss the academic accomplishments of children and how educational policies influence them.

Topic 14: Investigating the relationship between kindergarten achievement and classroom quality

Research Aim: This study will investigate the relationship between kindergarten students’ achievement and education quality.

Topic 15: Creating efficient learning environments to facilitate the process of early childhood education

Research Aim: This research will understand the learning environments that facilitate the process of childhood education.

Elementary Education Dissertation Topics

In the United Kingdom and other developed regions of the world, elementary education is the first level of compulsory education that children between the ages of 6 and 13 years obtain.

Primary or elementary education helps establish history, geography, mathematics, science, and other social sciences. In some countries, basic sexual education is also part of the elementary education curriculum. Some important primary education issues to explore are listed below:

Topic 16: Establishing the factors inhibiting and enhancing elementary school children’s creativity

Research Aim: This research will discuss the factors that help enhance children’s creativity in elementary school.

Topic 17: Developing life skills in elementary school pupils in the United Kingdom (or any other country of your choice)

Research Aim: This research will explore how life skills are developed in elementary school in the UK. (Country can be changed according to your choosing)

Topic 18: Monitoring and evaluating instruction in private elementary schools in China from the perspective of headteachers and teachers.

Topic 19: including children with special educational needs in a mainstream elementary educational institute – a case study of any elementary school.

Research Aim: This research will discuss inclusive education, i.e. including special needs students in elementary school. You are free to choose the school of your choice.

Topic 20: Implementing inclusive education in elementary/primary schools in Australia – The challenges and opportunities

Research Aim: This research will discuss the challenges and opportunities of implementing inclusive education in Australian elementary schools.

Topic 21: Classroom evaluation in England – Teachers’ practices and perceptions in Maths

Research Aim: This research will evaluate a typical classroom in England. It will assess the practices adopted by math teachers in elementary school.

Topic 22: Integrating outdoor learning activities with elementary curriculum in the United Kingdom

Research Aim: This research will analyse the results of integrating outdoor learning activities with curriculum activities.

Topic 23: Investigating the use of technology in elementary school physical education

Research Aim: This research will investigate and analyse the use of technology in elementary school physical education.

Topic 24: Investigating the impact of the age of information on current courses taught in primary school

Research Aim: This research will investigate the impact of information on courses taught in primary school.

Topic 25: Should primary schools allow their students to study more independently to achieve improved performance?

Research Aim: This research will assess whether elementary school students should be allowed to study independently and its impacts.

Read More About   Elementary Education / Primary Education

How Can ResearchProspect Help?

ResearchProspect writers can send several custom topic ideas to your email address. Once you have chosen a topic that suits your needs and interests, you can order for our dissertation outline service , which will include a brief introduction to the topic, research questions , literature review , methodology , expected results , and conclusion . The dissertation outline will enable you to review the quality of our work before placing the order for our full dissertation writing service !

Secondary Education Dissertation Topics

Secondary school education primarily covers formal education obtained by pupils between 13 and 18 years. Secondary education is compulsory in most countries, including the United Kingdom, and it may be taught in the form of Ordinary Levels, Advanced Levels, and SSC and HSC exams.

There is a wide array of research areas to be explored in this field of study, and any of the following research topics could be selected for your education dissertation.

Topic 26: Investigating the impact of teacher education on secondary education in the European Union

Research Aim: This research will investigate how secondary education in the EU is impacted by teacher education.

Topic 27: Investigating the impact of secondary school dual enrolment course participation on pupils’ academic accomplishments

Research Aim: This research will investigate the impact of dual course enrolment and its impact on academic accomplishments in secondary school.

Topic 28: The role of sustainability in learning and teaching in secondary schools to transform the soul of education

Research Aim: This study will explore the role of sustainable learning and teaching in secondary school, and it helps transform the soul of education.

Topic 29: Investigating secondary school teachers’ thinking in a professional development project

Research Aim: This research will analyse the teachers’ thinking with the help of a professional development project.

Topic 30: Betraying the college dream: How student aspirations are undermined by the disconnected post-secondary and K-12 education systems

Research Aim: The post-secondary schooling and K-12 education systems are misaligned. Thus, this research will investigate how this adversely impacts students, and as a result, more and more students are giving up on their college dreams.

Topic 31: Analysing supply & demand in light of the rising cost of secondary education

Research Aim: This research will assess and analyse the rising cost of education and its impact on the supply and demand for education.

Topic 32: To study the use of instructional and information technologies in teacher training in secondary schools and colleges in the United Kingdom

Research Aim: This research will study the use of technologies in teacher training and how they impact secondary education in the UK.

Topic 33: Should secondary school teachers emphasise today’s demanding issues such as energy conservation, sustainability, and environmental protection?

Research Aim: This research will study whether or not teachers should emphasise current issues like energy preservation, sustainability, and environmental protection.

Topic 34: How can religious and racial tolerance increase among pupils by reintroducing religious education in the secondary schooling system?

Research Aim: This research will explore whether introducing religious education in secondary education helps decrease religious and racial intolerance.

Topic 35: To investigate the benefits of teaching business management and entrepreneurship-related courses to secondary school students over social science courses.

Research Aim:  This research will study the uses and benefits of teaching business management and entrepreneurship at the secondary schooling level.  Read More About   Secondary Education

Higher Education Dissertation Topics

Higher education or college/university education covers the formal education available to college, undergraduate and postgraduate students. Some interesting higher education dissertation topics are listed below.

Topic 36: International mobility of graduate and undergraduate students of mathematics, engineering, technology and science; Push and Pull Factors

Research Aim: This research will study and analyse the push and pull factors that impact the graduate and undergraduate students’ choice of university.

Topic 37: International graduate students and their decisions to stay or leave the US; The decisive factors

Research Aim: This study will explore the factors that lead students to decide whether they should stay or leave their universities in the US.

Topic 38: Aligning higher education to labour market requirements in the UK

Research Aim: This research will assess whether higher education in the UK should be aligned with the labour  market requirements or not.

Topic 39: Internationalisation drivers, obstacles and rationales: A case study of any higher education institute in the UK

Research Aim: This research will analyse the internationalisation drivers, obstacles, and rationales of higher education institutes in the UK.

Topic 40: An investigation into the governance systems of academic planning in both private and public sector higher education institutes

Research Aim: This research will investigate the governance systems of academic planning in both, private and public higher education institutes.

Topic 41: Higher education system: Should all universities follow the same education pattern?

Research Aim: This research will explore whether every university should follow the same educational pattern.

Topic 42: Evaluating teaching quality in higher education schools from students’ perspective

Research Aim: This research will evaluate the performance of teachers based on students’ perspectives. Suggestions will be provided as to how it should be improved.

Topic 43: Identify the factors affecting student mobility in Europe – The quality aspect

Research Aim: This research will explore the factors that impact student mobility in Europe.

Topic 44: Assessing and Evaluating the Impact of Hiring, Firing and Retiring Professors in Higher Education System on Students

Research Aim: This research will evaluate the various impacts of hiring, firing and retiring professors in the higher education system on students.

Topic 45: Do university graduates perform better than those who do not obtain formal education but have practical work experience?

Research Aim: This research will evaluate and assess the performance of two sets of students. First, university graduates, second, will be those who have no formal education but have practical work experience.  Also Read:   Fashion and Culture Dissertation Topics

Teaching Method Dissertation Topics

The role of primary, secondary or higher education teachers is highly important, particularly considering the ever-increasing need to provide a growth-oriented academic environment to students. Some interesting teaching method dissertation research topics are listed below.

Topic 46: The influence of teaching methods on students’ academic success and achievements

Research Aim: This research will explore the influence of teaching methods on students’ academic success and achievements.

Topic 47: A Transactional Method to Learning and Teaching in an English Language Arts Methodologies Conference

Research Aim: This study will explore the transactional learning and teaching method in an English language arts methodologies conference.

Topic 48: How the effect of constructivist teaching methods can largely influence the algebraic understanding of primary and secondary school students

Research Aim: This research will understand how constructivist teaching methods affect primary and secondary school students.

Topic 49: Student learning of DNA and the effect of teaching methods

Research Aim: This research will study the impact of various teaching methods on students.

Topic 50: Teaching English through conventional and direct approaches – A qualitative study

Research Aim: This will be a qualitative study that will help assess the teaching of English as a subject through direct and conventional approaches.

Topic 51: Investigating the relationships of teachers’ pedagogical beliefs, knowledge and efficiency: A multimethod approach

Research Aim: This research will investigate the relationship between teachers’ pedagogical beliefs, efficiency, and knowledge.

Topic 52: Exploring the benefits of employing the Socratic methodology as an approach to learning

Research Aim: This research will investigate the benefits of the Socratic method of learning approach.

Topic 53: The benefits of introducing mathematics software to higher education mathematics teachers

Research Aim: This study will explore the benefits of introducing mathematics software to higher education math teachers.

Topic 54: The increasing importance of teachers training taking into consideration various threats to students such as weapons and drugs

Research Aim: This research will understand the importance of teachers’ training with respect to threats such as drugs and weapons.

Topic 55: Are the teachers more prone to violence at the hands of their students as compared to the past: How the profession of teaching has evolved over the last twenty years

Research Aim: Purpose: This research will compare the teaching profession in the past twenty years and will conclude on how it has changed.  Read More About:   Teaching Methods in the UK

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Education Leadership and Policy Studies Dissertation Topics

The role of leadership, politics, and policies cannot be overlooked. Education leadership and policy studies have two main roots, including organisational theory and political science. This may be an interesting area of research for your educational dissertation.

Topic 56: Implementing educational change in failing middle schools through examination of one’s fundamental leadership procedures and processes

Research Aim: This research will explore the impact of implementing educational change in failing middle schools by examining leadership procedures at the institutes.

Topic 57: Historical background and development of co-curricular transcripts

Research Aim: This research will date back to history and explore how co-curricular transcripts were developed, and will compare them to today’s processes.

Topic 58: Evaluating the self-efficiency of high-performing first-generation university students

Research Aim: This research will evaluate the self-efficiency of high performing university students.

Topic 59: The influence of spiritual growth on leadership development of college and university students

Research Aim: This research will explore the influence of spiritual growth on the leadership skills development of university students.

Topic 60: The peril and power of globalisation: The Higher education, the World Bank, and the Global Knowledge Economy

Research Aim: This research will focus on the globalisation aspect of education and will talk about how it has been impacted.

Topic 61: The self-reported impact of instructional coaching on middle school teachers’ practices

Research Aim: This research will investigate the impact of instructional coaching on middle school teachers’ practices.

Topic 62: An investigation into the policies designed to address bullying in schools of the UK: The beliefs, opinions and perceptions of teachers and principals

Research Aim: This research will explore in-depth the policies that are designed to address and eliminate bullying in UK schools.

Topic 63: Investigating the causes of under-representation of black students in advanced placement courses in the USA

Research Aim: This research will explore the racial issues in the educational system of the US, i.e. underrepresentation of black students.

Topic 64: Lecture note-taking skills of adolescents with and without learning disabilities

Research Aim: This research will understand the note-taking skills of adolescents and how they differ with respect to learning.

Topic 65: A qualitative study to evaluate the educational policies in the UK

Research Aim:  This study will assess and evaluate the various educational policies in the UK.  Read More About:  Courses About International Education Leadership And Policy

Adult Education Dissertation Topics

Vocation-based or professional adult education has gained tremendous popularity in the academic world over the last couple of decades. Here is a wide range of research topics within this field of study to base your dissertation on.

Topic 66: Investing social and personal benefits and costs of basic adult education from students’ perspective

Research Aim: This research will investigate the social and personal benefits and costs of basic adult education.

Topic 67: The perception of adult learners regarding their satisfaction with their educational experiences

Research Aim: This research will explore the perception of adult learners regarding their educational experiences.

Topic 68: Use of bounded agency approach to promoting participation in adult education programmes

Research Aim: This research will discuss the bounded agency approach to promote participation in adult education programs.

Topic 69: A psychoanalytic investigation to explore adult teaching and learning theory

Research Aim: This research will conduct a psychoanalytic investigation in order to explore adult teaching and learning.

Topic 70: Comparing the perception of adult learners in face-to-face and online courses

Research Aim: This research will compare the perception of adult learners in online and face to face courses.

Topic 71: Use of Hatcher-Assagioli Synthesis to analyse practices, principles, and goals for community-based adult education

Research Aim: This research will utilise Hatcher Assagioli Synthesis to analyse community-based education practices, principles, and goals.

Topic 72: A review of the UK government spending on adult education over the last two decades

Research Aim: This research will review the UK government’s spending on adult education for two decades.

Topic 73: The relationship between unemployment and government funding for adult education – A quantitative analysis

Research Aim: This research will explore the relationship between government funding and unemployment for adult education.

Topic 74: The impact of entrepreneurship, wealth building and personal finance-related courses in adult education

Research Aim: This study will study the impact of courses like entrepreneurship, personal finance et. For adult education.

Topic 75: Frequent career changes over working life and the increasing importance of adult education in today’s world

Research Aim: This research will assess the importance of adult education and how it influences students to change their career choices frequently.

Private School Education Dissertation Topics

Private schools have become a large profit-making industry in both the developed and developing world. More and more parents want to send their children to private schools even though the expenses associated with private education are constantly on the rise. Following are some suggestions for your education dissertation research:

Topic 76: Evaluating the effectiveness of management in private schools in the UAE

Research Aim: This research will evaluate the effectiveness of private school management in the UAE.

Topic 77: To study the level of cooperation between home schools, public schools and private schools in the United Kingdom

Research Aim: This research will explore the cooperation level in home schools, and private and public schools in the UK.

Topic 78: A qualitative analysis to determine the causes of why parents choose to send their children to private schools in South Asian countries

Research Aim: This research will conduct qualitative analysis to determine why parents send their children to private schools in Asia.

Topic 79: Investigating the policies concerning the fee structure of private schools in Shanghai

Research Aim: This research will investigate the various policies that concern the fee structure of private Shanghai schools.

Topic 80: An empirical analysis of the impacts of the universal primary education policies on educational performances in South Asia

Research Aim: This research will conduct an empirical analysis to understand the impact of universal primary education policies on educational performance in the South Asian region.

Topic 81: Use of information technology and teaching tools in private schools in the UK

Research Aim: This research will explore the use of technology in private schools and assess its effectiveness.

Topic 82: Schooling for money – The Impact of the Profit motive on Swiss Educational Reform

Research Aim: This research will study the Swiss educational reform and its impact on the system.

Topic 83: Challenges and experiences of children with disabilities in private schools in India

Research Aim: This research will evaluate the challenges and experiences of children with disabilities in Indian schools.

Topic 84: Why are private school students considered to have the edge over public schools – A qualitative study

Research Aim: This will be a qualitative study on why private school students are preferred over public school students.

Topic 85: Emphasis on personality formation and character in private schools – Are private school students more competitive than public school students?

Research Aim:  This research will study the personality formation and character building of private school students.  Read More About   Private School Fee Increase for First Time.

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Public School Education Dissertation Topics

Most schools in the developed world are publicly funded, offering elementary, secondary, and higher education. There is a wide array of topics of research under this field of study that can be explored. Some of them are suggested below:

Exploring the Funding of Public Schools – How they can be improved. This research will explore the ways through which public schools are funded and will study what can be done to improve them.

Topic 86: Investigating the impact of teacher leadership in public schools in the UK

Research Aim: This research will study the impact of teacher leadership in UK public schools.

Topic 87: Is it true that public schools are better able to prepare their students to face the challenges of the real world as compared to private schools

Research Aim: This research will explore a common misconception that public school students are better prepared to face real-world challenges than private school students.

Topic 88: Can publicly-funded religious schools help to counter radicalisation and terrorism?

Research Aim: This study will explore an important topic, i.e. can terrorism and radicalisation be countered with public funding of schools.

Topic 89: Encouraging values and morals in the younger generation by reintroducing religious education in public schools in the UK

Research Aim: This research will study how reintroducing religious education help encourage values and morals in the younger generation in the UK.

Topic 90: Healthy eating habits and the role of public schools offering courses such as meal choice, cooking and home economics

Research Aim: This research will explore the benefits of cooking and home economic courses and promote healthy eating.

Topic 91: How public school students can be encouraged to participate in sporting activities?

Research Aim: This research will assess how public school students can be encouraged to participate in sporting activities.

Topic 92: The perception of special education administrators on the use of paraprofessionals in the education of students with disabilities

Topic 93: the perception of special education administrators on the use of paraprofessionals in the education of students with disabilities.

Research Aim: This research will discuss special education administrators and how they help offer quality education to disabled students.

Topic 94: Educating students with disabilities and the beliefs of public school principals

Research Aim: This research will explore the beliefs of public school principals and how these beliefs help offer quality education to disabled students.

Topic 95: Advanced teaching tools in public school classrooms – How they Help Improve Quality Education

Research Aim:  This research will explore how quality education is provided by implementing innovative technology in classrooms.

Read More About   Public Schools in the UK

Home Schooling Dissertation Topics

Homeschooling is a highly growing educational phenomenon in developed countries. Any form of education that children obtain within their home setting under the supervision of their parents/adults is classified as homeschooling. Some interesting home school dissertation topics are suggested below:

Topic 96: A qualitative study to understand the significance of the role of information technology in homeschooling

Research Aim: This research will assess the importance of information technology for homeschooling through qualitative research.

Topic 97: The advantages and disadvantages of home schooling – Do home children perform with the top private and public school students?

Research Aim: This research will assess the pros and cons of home-schooling. It will also assess the performance of home schooled-students as compared to private and public school students.

Topic 98: A qualitative analysis of socialisation and academic accomplishments among home schooled university students

Research Aim: This research will be a qualitative analysis with respect to socialisation and academic accomplishments with respect to home schooled university students.

Topic 99: Factors motivating students to choose home schooling over conventional schooling systems

Research Aim: This study will explore the factors that motivate students to opt for homeschooling over the conventional schooling system.

Topic 100: A qualitative study to understand the parental motivation for home-schooling

Research Aim: This will be a qualitative study to assess the parental motivation to home-school their children.

Topic 101: Are partnerships available in homeschooling? Exploring their Effectiveness

Research Aim: This research will explore whether partnerships are available in homeschooling or not and how beneficial they prove to be.

Topic 102: A qualitative analysis to understand the educational beliefs of home schooled pupils and their parents

Research Aim: This research will conduct a qualitative analysis to assess the educational beliefs of homeschooled students and their parents.

Topic 103: A qualitative analysis of the relationship between financial literacy and homeschooling

Research Aim: This research will assess whether there is a relationship between homeschooling and financial literacy or not.

Topic 104: The duties and responsibilities of parents concerning the homeschooling of their children

Research Aim: This research will explore the duties and responsibilities of parents with respect to the homeschooling of their children.

Topic 105: Do Homeschool Children Develop Personalities and Characters Like Private and Public Schooled Children?

Research Aim: This research will explore whether homeschooled children build strong character and confident personalities just like private and public schooled students or not.

Latest Education Dissertation Topics

• A Comparative Study on the Impact of Technology Integration on Student Learning Outcomes
• The Role of Teacher Feedback in Student Academic Achievement
• Efficacy of Differentiated Instruction in Diverse Classroom Settings
• Influence of Socioeconomic Factors on Educational Attainment
• Investigating the Effectiveness of Inquiry-Based Learning in Science Education
• Promoting Critical Thinking Skills Through Literature-Based Instruction
• Examining the Relationship Between Parental Involvement and Student Success
• Implementing Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in Urban Schools
• The Impact of Early Childhood Education Programs on Long-Term Academic Success
• The Effects of Gender Bias in Classroom Interactions on Student Achievement
• Impact of School Climate on Student Well-being and Academic Performance
• The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Teacher Effectiveness
• The Influence of Motivation on Student Engagement and Achievement
• The Impact of Peer Tutoring on Academic Achievement in Mathematics
• Exploring the Relationship Between Student-Teacher Rapport and Classroom Behaviour

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A system that works for everyone, important notes:.

As a student of education looking to get good grades, it is essential to develop new ideas and experiment with existing education theories – i.e., to add value and interest to your research topic.

The field of education is vast and interrelated with so many other academic disciplines. That is why creating an education dissertation topic that is particular, sound, and actually solves a practical problem that may be rampant in the field is imperative.

We can’t stress how important it is to develop a logical research topic; it is the basis of your entire research. There are several significant downfalls to getting your topic wrong; your supervisor may not be interested in working on it, the topic has no academic creditability, the research may not make logical sense, and there is a possibility that the study is not viable.

This impacts your time and efforts in  writing your dissertation , as you may end up in a cycle of rejection at the very initial stage of the dissertation. That is why we recommend reviewing existing research to develop a topic, taking advice from your supervisor, and even asking for help in this particular stage of your dissertation.

While developing a research topic, keeping our advice in mind will allow you to pick one of the best education dissertation topics that fulfils your requirement of writing a research paper and add to the body of knowledge.

Therefore, it is recommended that when finalizing your dissertation topic, you read recently published literature to identify gaps in the research that you may help fill.

Remember- dissertation topics need to be unique, solve an identified problem, be logical, and be practically implemented. Take a look at some of our sample education dissertation topics to get an idea for your own dissertation.

How to Structure Your Education Dissertation

A well-structured   dissertation can help students   to achieve a high overall academic grade.

• A Title Page
• Acknowledgements
• Declaration
• Abstract: A summary of the research completed
• Table of Contents
• Introduction : This chapter includes the project rationale, research background, key research aims and objectives, and the research problems. An outline of the structure of a dissertation can also be added to this chapter.
• Literature Review :  This chapter presents relevant theories and frameworks by analysing published and unpublished literature available on the chosen research topic in light of research questions to be addressed. The purpose is to highlight and discuss the relative weaknesses and strengths of the selected research area while identifying any research gaps. A breakdown of the topic and key terms can positively impact your dissertation and your tutor.
• Methodology: The  data collection  and  analysis methods and techniques employed by the researcher are presented in the Methodology chapter, which usually includes  research design, research philosophy, research limitations, code of conduct, ethical consideration, data collection methods, and  data analysis strategy .
• Findings and Analysis: The findings  of the research are analysed in detail under the Findings and Analysis chapter. All key findings/results are outlined in this chapter without interpreting the data or drawing any conclusions. It can be useful to include  graphs ,  charts, and  tables in this chapter to identify meaningful trends and relationships.
• Discussion and  Conclusion: The researcher presents his interpretation of the results in this chapter and states whether the research hypothesis has been verified or not. An essential aspect of this section is to establish the link between the results and evidence from the literature. Recommendations with regard to the implications of the findings and directions for the future may also be provided. Finally, a summary of the overall research, along with final judgments, opinions, and comments, must be included in the form of suggestions for improvement.
• References:  Make sure to complete this in accordance with your University’s requirements
• Bibliography
• Appendices: Any additional information, diagrams, and graphs used to complete the dissertation  but not part of the dissertation should be included in the Appendices chapter. Essentially, the purpose is to expand the information/data.

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How to find education dissertation topics.

To find education dissertation topics:

• Research recent educational issues.
• Explore curriculum gaps or innovations.
• Investigate teaching methods.
• Analyse student learning challenges.
• Consider policy or technology impacts.
• Select a topic aligning with your passion and research goals.

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It is often said that commercial law covers a broad study area since it cannot be studied exclusively in one legal jurisdiction. However, England and Wales are preferred as commercial centers.

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Graduates of the Executive Leadership (Ed.D.) program have their dissertations posted on the College's institutional repository, Fisher Digital Publications. You can access Fisher dissertations by clicking the link below for Fisher Digital Publications, or copy and paste:https://fisherpub.sjfc.edu/education_etd/.

• Fisher Digital Publications Fisher dissertations from the Executive Leadership program.

The Library has access to dissertations from around the world, on all topics. To search these dissertations use the database ProQuest Dissertations and Theses , linked below.

• ProQuest Dissertations and Theses: The Humanities and Social Sciences This link opens in a new window Dissertations and theses; humanities, social sciences, and education topics more... less... A searchable collection of theses and dissertations in the humanities and social sciences, including the field of education. This database lists more than 1 million dissertations and theses and contains the full text for many of them. Coverage: 1637-Present.
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• URL: https://libguides.sjf.edu/EdD

At Marymount University, we aim to elevate your Online Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) experience and empower you to make a meaningful impact. You will grow professionally and personally as you delve into meaningful research and leadership topics that will propel your career trajectory.

Gain an advanced understanding of the theory and skills required to become a more confident and strategic leader. Our renowned team of professors and faculty mentors will give you the tools and guidance you need to design solutions for a real-world problem you are passionate about solving. Upon graduation, you will be a published author contributing to the academic and research community for years to come.

Learn more about our innovative Online Ed.D. program that gives you scaffolded support, an embedded dissertation experience and a high-impact community to guide you every step of the way.

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Dissertation in Practice

Unlike a traditional dissertation, Marymount Online Ed.D. students complete a dissertation in practice (DiP) that emphasizes the application of research and theory to provide a solution to a problem of practice that your organization or industry is facing. A DiP provides a practical and applied focus to actively solve problems in your community or organization. This is in comparison to a traditional dissertation grounded in academic theory, usually associated with prolonged programs and Ph.D. degrees.

The chart below outlines general and key distinctions between each type of dissertation.

Your own research journey may take unexpected and inspiring turns. To give you a glimpse of the exciting possibilities that await, here are some of the dissertation topics Marymount students have completed:  

• Empowering Leaders for Effective Organizational Change: Unveiling the SPY2 Methodology  
• Leadership Matters: Affecting Social Transformation in Africa
• The Lack of Hispanic Leadership in Higher Education: A Qualitative Study of Current Leaders at U.S. Universities
• The Relationship Between English Language Proficiency Level and Growth in Reading: A Quantitative Analysis of English Learners in First, Second, and Third Grade

Next application deadline:

• July 26, 2024 Fall 2024

Next start date:

• September 3, 2024 Fall 2024

Access Program Guide For Full Curriculum

One of the biggest advantages of studying online with Marymount is the exceptional faculty support. The dissertation process is embedded into course assignments and scaffolded throughout the Online Ed.D. program, allowing you to receive feedback from distinguished faculty and your committee. This also allows for an expedited timeline for completion as you are working on your dissertation while you are completing relevant courses.

Play the video to hear more details about the Dissertation in Practice, Lead Doctoral Faculty Mentor program and high-impact online community at Marymount.

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What’s a Lead Doctoral Faculty Mentor? 

You are strategically paired with a Lead Doctoral Faculty Mentor (LDFM) in Semester 4, prior to your Applied Methods course. Your LDFM will not only be your dissertation chair but also a mentor and guide throughout the dissertation process. LDFMs are highly trained through Marymount and introduced earlier than dissertation chairs in other programs to ensure that sufficient progress can be made on your dissertation alongside your coursework.

All LDFM’s are practicing scholars with diverse backgrounds specifically assigned to students through an in-depth matching process based on personal working styles, research design, topic and methodology. Throughout the program, you will connect with your LDFM, discuss your intended topic and continuously map out the next stages of your dissertation journey. You may even attend the same virtual events together, like sync sessions, office hours, professional writing labs, retreats, seminars —and more.

View All LDFM Faculty Profiles

A Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate 

Marymount is a proud member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). Our LDFM program is proactively designed to encompass CPED’s mentorship best practices that include: 

• Mutual respect 
• Equity and inclusion 
• Dynamic learning 
• Empathy and flexibility 
• Individualized attention 
• Continuous improvement

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Frequently Asked Questions

A DiP is an alternative to the traditional research-based dissertation. It emphasizes addressing real-world problems in a practical context.

Yes — a DiP showcases your practical problem-solving skills, collaboration with practitioners and real-world impact. This gives you applied expertise that is valued in academia, organizations and in leadership roles.

Supporting you is our top priority. You will be paired with a Lead Doctoral Faculty Mentor (LDFM) who will guide, mentor and coach you throughout your dissertation and doctoral journey.  

Any field with practical challenges that require real-world solutions will work. Your lead doctoral faculty mentor will help you narrow in on a suitable topic that is important to you.

Methodologies may include focus groups, phenomenological studies, content analysis, surveys, participatory research, case studies and mixed methods.     These methodologies facilitate a close connection between research and practice.

Yes, you are required to publish your dissertation.     After a successful Final Presentation, you will submit your manuscript to ProQuest where it becomes a published document that will further the academic community and your field of study.

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To proceed with either the BSN to MSN FNP or the BSN to DNP FNP or the BSN to DNP PMHNP or the MSN PMHNP, you are required to have a bachelor’s degree and hold your RN license.

To proceed with either the PMC-FNP or the PMC-DNP or the PMC-PMHNP, you are required to have a master's degree and hold your RN license.

To proceed with the ABSN, you are required to have a bachelor's degree.

If you don’t meet these requirements but would still like further information, please contact us .

To proceed with the EdD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Leadership degree, you are required to have a master’s degree.

If you don’t meet this requirement but would still like further information, please contact us .

To proceed with the Doctor of Business Administration - Business Intelligence degree, you are required to have a master’s degree.

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What Support Will I Need to Complete My Ed.D. Dissertation?

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Having a strong support network—from faculty and staff to fellow students— will help you stay energized and on track as you research, write and defend your doctor of education dissertation.

Look for a well-structured Ed.D. program.

Everyone knows the horror stories of the dissertation that won’t end. “You hear about dissertations taking 10 years,” said Dawn White, who works in a Minnesota school system’s central office and is finishing her Ed.D. at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut.

Don’t be that candidate. Along with narrowing down programs that fit your philosophy, format, location and price range, look for a program that has benchmarks, creating a clear path for researching, writing and defending your dissertation within a reasonable timeframe.

At Sacred Heart University, the Ed.D. program has built-in support in the form of clear deliverables, semester by semester. “Everything is scaffolded to get us to the dissertation,” White said.

SHU’s doctoral program, with tracks in both K-12 educational leadership and higher education leadership , focuses on developing skills that enhance social, emotional and academic learning and promote social justice to comprehensively oversee organizations and effectively and ethically lead faculty and staff.

The core set of classes is a roadmap to complete the dissertation in practice during the third year of the practical, applied program, said program director David G. Title, Ed.D. A reasonable, but brisk pace allows students to plan their career timelines and anticipate expenses, said Dee Walters, who successfully defended her dissertation in 2023.

Look for a program that allows you to apply your Ed.D. dissertation research and findings to real life.

Dissertations often deal with lofty topics and philosophical questions. Programs that encourage centering your research on more practical, applicable issues can help you find a ready-made support system both in your program and in the field.

SHU’s Improvement Science framework means that candidates address a complex issue that exists in the educational landscape—including issues they’ve experienced in their own school systems or universities—in their aptly named dissertation in practice. The program requires candidates to define and address the problem of practice and, ultimately, improve student experiences and outcomes—sometimes beginning while they are working on their dissertations.

“You could look at a problem of practice and diagnose it, so to speak,” said Walters.

SHU’s program is part of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED), including more than 130 colleges and schools of education that are committed to a future of equity-minded education professionals. The model encourages dialogue, experimentation, critical feedback and evaluation—in short, a multi-faceted support system.

“We give them a framework and they work on something that might actually be helpful, useful,” said Title.

Each course and meeting in the low-residency SHU program speaks to another aspect of the dissertation, said Shannan Carlson, who recently defended her dissertation at SHU. “Everything was a building block from content to dissertation to application.”

Look for an Ed.D. program with well-defined faculty support.

Your best mentors in an Ed.D. program are your faculty. While many programs are designed for working professionals and showcase the flexibility of online and hybrid features, strong connections to experts are key to finding knowledgeable sounding boards and sources.

At SHU, all Ed.D. candidates take a series of dissertation seminars over a full calendar year with close assistance and feedback from a faculty member. When it comes time to begin their dissertation, they are assigned a chair and a second committee member who are closely aligned with their chosen topic. Having a chair assigned took some of the time and stress out of finding and asking faculty members to sign on to a project, Carlson said.

Each dissertation chair has no more than five candidates assigned to him or her, Title said. The chair meets with the student every other week at first and once every week as the project nears completion, allowing for plenty of personalized support and reflection.

The candidate chooses a third committee member, often someone from the research site, which tightens the relationship between the dissertation and improvements in practice, Title said.

“I was quite satisfied with the way the process turned out,” Walters said.

Look for an Ed.D. program with built-in peer support.

Given the nature of Ed.D. programs, many include candidates from across the country and beyond and many incorporate low-residency scenarios, hybrid, part-time options and online components. As a result, getting to know one’s colleagues can be difficult.

With students hailing from as far away as Wisconsin, Oregon, Georgia and Maine, SHU anticipated this challenge and fosters a tight-knit cohort system that features a July residency on our Connecticut campus. Candidates are able to meet and collaborate at key junctures in the program, bouncing ideas off one another and gaining inspiration from each other’s journeys. The group bonded over their time together through text threads, emails and phone calls, White and Carlson said.

SHU is also part of the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE) Holmes Scholarship Program, adding a second layer of mentorship and peer support for students from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds.

Walters and others appreciated the camaraderie. “We definitely had a close cohort,” Walters said.

Staff support is also key to dissertation success.

When considering an Ed.D. program, look at how well the department staff and others on campus are embedded in the program. It’s good to know you can turn to support staff and experts in other departments to get the job done.

SHU’s Ed.D. program is pleased to have a dedicated librarian attached to the program at the Ryan Matura Library . This staffer is well-versed in education topics and resources, providing crucial assistance at the beginning of dissertation research and other steps along the way, Title said.

Want to know more about Sacred Heart University’s Ed.D. programs?

Curious about earning your Ed.D.? Talk to Tara Chudy , director of graduate enrollment operations, at [email protected]  or call 203-365-4735. 

Want to hear more from SHU? Subscribe to our newsletters to get the latest updates delivered right to your inbox.

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Ed.D. Dissertations of Practice

As our program is tailored to the needs of working professionals, the culminating research project of the doctoral studies is the dissertation of practice. The dissertation of practice demonstrates the scholarly practitioner's ability to examine problems found within the practice through scholarly inquiry (i.e., a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods research project or a program evaluation project).

The topic for the dissertation of practice originates from a real-world issue or problem that is then explored, researched and analyzed. The document is designed to include the development of a publishable paper which can be utilized to further the scholarly knowledge of the field.

Successful defense of the dissertation of practice proposal serves as a candidacy examination. The defense must be completed within two semesters of completion of coursework.

Dissertation requirements can be found in the Graduate Catalog .

Dissertation Committees and Support

A faculty member, in alignment with their research expertise and interest, is designated as your dissertation chair. Two additional committee members of your choosing will guide and support you through the dissertation process.

Faculty are committed to supporting you in making significant progress toward the dissertation each term. You will submit reports of progress at least twice a semester to their dissertation chair to ensure they are making progress toward degree completion. Dissertation chairs provide feedback and individual support throughout the semester.

Commitment and Timeline

Our students complete the dissertation within 2-5 semester terms. Students’ progress depends on their topic, research design, and ability to dedicate time toward their dissertation research.

Required Hours

Minimally, twelve credits of dissertation hours (HESA 799) need to be taken. Once you complete your coursework and start dissertation hours, you will remain continuously enrolled and take a minimum of 3 credit hours of dissertation hours per semester.

Example Timeline

Dissertation proposal.

On average is 25-30 pages in length, excluding cover page, references and appendix. The proposal contains the following sections:

• Introduction
• Background of the topic
• Literature review (approximately 10 pages)
• Methodology and methods to be used in the study (approximately 10 pages)
• Significance of the research

Once the proposal is written, you will provide an oral presentation to the committee which serves as the dissertation defense. Successful defense of the proposal serves as a candidacy examination.

Dissertations of Practice Publications

Andrews, M., and Hu, X. (2021). A descriptive profile of online faculty training practices in the Illinois community college system. The Journal of Educators Online , 18 (3), 1-12.

Berek, J., and Kortegast, C. A. (2022). Widening the Pathway to a Degree: Community College Students Experiences With Credit for Prior Learning. Journal of The First-Year Experience & Students in Transition , 34 (2), 111-127.

Clark, P., and Hu, X. (2022). What’s after a D/F/W grade? Community college students’ online course-taking and reenrollment outcomes . Community College Journal of Research and Practice , advance online publication.

Lango, M., and Kortegast, C. (2023). “We’re in This Together”: Small Private College SSAOs Crisis Leadership During COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice , 60 (1), 95-107.

Latiolais, S. J., and Hu, X. (2022). Pathways Toward (unequal) Earnings: Students' Choice of Career Training Programs in Washington State. Journal of Applied Research in the Community College , 29 (1), 83-106.

Pridgen, R., and Nyunt, G. (2023). How College Culture Shapes the Experiences of Students with Food Insecurity . Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice . Advanced online publication.

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"One of the highlights of my journey was the opportunity to undertake an ambitious dissertation, designed with my position as a Director of International Education in mind. The work done in my dissertation not only expanded my expertise in international education but also allowed me to make a tangible impact on my campus community." Jacob Cushing, Ed.D., Higher Education, 2020, Director of Student Recruitment and Onboarding, College of Lake County

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• Education /

Dissertation Topics in Education

• Updated on  
• Jan 24, 2024

A dissertation is an academic piece of writing based on a student’s independent research. Being a student of M.Ed, you are supposed to submit a dissertation based on education. It takes a lot of time to complete a dissertation research project, so choosing a relevant dissertation topic is the first step you take for getting a Master’s Degree . This blog provides you with the best dissertation topics in education.

This Blog Includes:

Introduction, how to structure an education dissertation, how to choose a dissertation topic in education, where to find dissertation topics in education, how to choose the right title for an m.ed dissertation, best m.ed dissertation topics, research dissertation topics in education, dissertation topics in education for m.ed in india, covid-19 education topics research topics, impact of covid-19 on education dissertation topics for 2022, dissertation topics in higher education.

Education as a subject aids in the comprehension of various learning methods and forms of education. You will be required to gain critical knowledge of the issues surrounding education if you pick education as your main topic. You can look into topics like public school education, holistic education, the role of ethnicity, gender, and class on academic achievements, adult education, preschool and primary school education, college and university education, child development, distance learning, politics, and policy in education, teacher education, and curriculum when choosing an education dissertation topic.

Must Read Article: Dissertation Topics in Law for LLM Students

Before starting your dissertation on any topic in the Education sector, it is important to be familiar with the universal structure of writing a dissertation. Here is a basic structure for further reference. 

• Title – The title for your M.Ed Dissertation must focus on your research objective.
• Abstract – The abstract part must include a summary of the research problem or objective of the research, the research design and a summary of the results.
• Introduction – The introduction must be included in a precise manner. It should reflect your research in a way that the audience already gets to know what the research is going to include. 
• Review of Literature – The Review of Literature Section must include a theoretical rationale of the problem, the importance of the study, and the significance of the results.
• Methodology – The methodology section must include the description of the subjects, research methods used in the data collection and any limitations issues involved.
• Significance/Implications (Results of the Discussion)
• Overview of Chapter (Conclusion)
• Recommendation
• References – This section must include an alphabetical listing of all referenced text used in the M.Ed dissertation

Also Read: Dissertation vs Thesis

If you are confused about choosing a topic for your dissertation, here are some simple methods that might simplify what you can put your focus on while writing your dissertation.

Choose a Relevant Topic

It is extremely important to select a relevant topic for the dissertation as it contributes to your future. To obtain a masters degree in education, you need to find interesting topics for a dissertation. The topic must hold your interest and include the potential to provide you with a significant amount of content.

Don’t Be Vague

A dissertation is supposed to be a lengthy piece of research work. So the dissertation must be broad enough to explore the topic. It must follow a clear structure to contribute to the argumentation you are going to include in the dissertation.

Research Questions

Do not select narrow questions which are supposed to be answered with a Yes or No. Choose questions that provide you with relevant answers such as

• Can parent’s expectations affect a student’s life?
• Does giving students homework really contribute to their academic improvement?

Ask for advice

Students who are writing a dissertation are always provided with guidance. Teachers or supervisors are assigned to guide students throughout the duration of the dissertation. So remember to ask for feedback or a piece of advice. Your supervisor will have years of academic experience, so their recommendation will only add to your research.

Before choosing a topic, make sure you research thoroughly about the chosen topic. Be aware of the content provided by the topic. You may not get enough information to complete the dissertation, so make sure you find and get enough sources to expand and support your arguments.

Also Read: All you need to know about M.Ed 

Finding a dissertation topic can be very challenging. When you are looking for an M.Ed Topic, you must be clear with your thoughts. Mentioned below are some sources from where you can come up with a Dissertation Topic in Education:

• Try to study the most recent published piece of work to find out what kind of issues are open to further exploration and discussion
• Thoroughly check out the work examples done by other scholars.
• Research the recently published work regarding your subject that is education, and find out what is prevalent in today’s time.

Also Read: What do you need to know about a PhD?

A good title is very important while writing a dissertation. So when you are done with choosing the topic, you must look forward to its relevance. Make sure your title does justice to your research. The title itself should communicate the topic or objective of your dissertation

In these crucial times of the pandemic, education is one of the things that has suffered the most. Educational institutes have been shut for more than 2 years now. All we get to do is online now. Be it work or study. So the dissertation topic in education in the view of a pandemic can be relevant to choose from. Mentioned below are the best topics you may want to choose:

Topic 1: Maintaining social distancing in schools

Topic 2: Increased screen time or Online Education

Topic 3: Impact of COVID-19 on students

Topic 4: Impact of Covid-19 on teachers

Topic 5: How did the Coronavirus pandemic reshape education?

Topic 6: The impact of Coronavirus on international students

Topic 7: Classroom evaluation in the pandemic

Also Read: PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

To start your dissertation you can choose from a wide array of topics such as:

• Impact of the Internet on the social life of students.
• Educational assessment of students using virtual reality technologies
• Interaction between students of different ethnicities based on a differentiated approach
• Harassment prevention of younger students in school
• Illegal Behaviour of students in high school 
• Importance of self-studying for students
• Development of Time management for students
• Personal development of teachers in educational institutions
• The role of sustainability in educational institutions
• The rising cost of academic education

Also Read: MPhil in English Literature

In order to write an advanced dissertation on any topic related to Education here are some examples:

• How does the education system address the problem of teachers shortage in private schools?
• A case study of gender issues in Indian educational institutes
• A critical analysis of  the teaching method used in schools
• Analyze the depression phase of students for admission in the medical field
• How does the government address the problem of rising fees in private schools?

Also Read: How to get a Bachelor’s of Education degree?

Students who are pursuing an M.Ed degree must be very careful while writing a dissertation as it contributes a lot to their skills and it is the only way they’ll be able to obtain a Masters’s Degree. In choosing the right topic for the M.Ed dissertation submission on time, all the above-mentioned aspects must be given equal importance. This blog has included the best dissertation topic in education you can choose while writing a dissertation. 

Coronavirus’s Effects on Education

The goal of this study is to look at the effects of Coronavirus.

Online educational programs to educate students during COVID-19

Many students’ education has been disrupted as a result of the global Coronavirus epidemic and the lockdown, which has affected students at all levels of education, including school, college, and university. This research will look at the many platforms, schools, institutions, and universities that provide online programs. It will go through how students may get access to these courses and how they can profit from them.

Impact of COVID-19 on educational institutes

This research will look at the effects of COVID-19 on educational institutions. What efforts can be made to guarantee that kids and teachers are in a safe environment?

Role of teachers and professors during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

The future of education in the aftermath of the Coronavirus epidemic.

This study will collect information on current educational practices in the event of a pandemic and estimate the future of education in the wake of the Coronavirus.

What is the impact of the Coronavirus epidemic on education?

Coronavirus has served as a sharp reminder of how human schools are. Students have embraced online learning but are eager to return to her classroom. I don’t think it’s possible to tell whether a student is truly interested and understands the material while they’re learning it online. The goal of this study is to determine how the coronavirus epidemic is affecting schooling.

What steps are institutions taking in reaction to Coronavirus?

Universities are increasingly deciding to utilise social distancing methods, such as switching to more online delivery of courses and allowing employees to work from home. There is currently no government advice to institutions on this subject. As a result, each operational choice made by different institutions must be based on their own local conditions, which differ for a variety of reasons. This study will look at some of the responses to the epidemic that we’ve seen across colleges.

Coronavirus’s influence on overseas students and colleges’ responses

This study will look into the effects of Coronavirus on overseas students and how colleges are responding.

The formal education provided to college, undergraduate, and postgraduate students is referred to as higher education or college/university education. The following are some intriguing higher education dissertation topics.

• The origins of traditional university education’s cultural roots
• Students from non-core subjects might use interactive strategies to create enthusiasm for learning foreign languages.
• In the university’s digital educational environment, conceptual underpinnings for building a customised educational path for students.
• Formation of the student’s civic role in the university’s instructional activities
• Students’ self-education motivation is developed through the university’s scientific library.
• Students at legal faculties might improve their self-education motivation by participating in social events.
• Using time management approaches, pupils can develop self-education motivation.

An M.Ed dissertation must include over  60,000 words and should not exceed the limit of 80,000 words.

You must have scored a minimum Percentage of 50% to 60% in B.Ed and the admission varies for different universities. You may be required to take an entrance exam.

It takes around 2 Years to complete an M.Ed Degree.

Related Articles

If you are planning to pursue further studies that include a dissertation (or not), our experts at Leverage Edu are just one click away to help you out through the entire application process to get to your dream college. You can take the help of our service at any time by calling us at 1800 572 000

Damanpreet Kaur Vohra

Daman is an author with profound expertise in writing engaging and informative content focused on EdTech and Study Abroad. With a keen understanding of these domains, Daman excels at creating complex concepts into accessible, reader-friendly material. With a proven track record of insightful articles, Daman stands as a reliable source for providing content for EdTech and Study Abroad.

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Ed.D. and Ed.L.D. Candidates Defend Dissertations

• Posted April 11, 2014
• By Jill Anderson

Students from the Ed.D. and Ed.L.D. programs will publicly present their dissertations and capstone projects April 11–22 as part of HGSE’s annual 2014 Dissertation and Capstone Defenses. The public is invited to these presentations showcasing the work of 41 students. This is the second time in HGSE history that students will defend their dissertations or capstone projects.

“By the time our doctoral students finish their dissertations and capstone projects, they are perhaps the foremost experts in the world on their particular subject,” said Dean James Ryan. “These defenses aren’t just an integral component of our doctoral training, they are an opportunity for this school to open up its most valuable resource — the knowledge of our students — to the world, so that the research conducted here is made accessible to practitioners and policymakers and can have a real and lasting impact on the field.”

The Ed.D. and Ed.L.D. program faculty consider this an opportunity for accountability and accomplishment among students. The Dissertation and Capstone Defenses provide an enriching and celebratory occasion to share the abundance of research interests and leadership initiatives being pursued within the doctoral communities.

Students will present before their committee members and the public for 60–75 minutes.

The following schedule includes the topics and locations of the presentation.

Friday, April 11

10:00–11:30 a.m., Longfellow 225 Sofía Bahena (Ed.D.). The Hope of Immigrant Optimism. Committee Members: Hiro Yoshikawa (Chair), New York University; Katherine Masyn, HGSE; Vivian Louie, CUNY Hunter College.

12:00–1:00 p.m., Gutman 302 Gislaine Ngounou (Ed.L.D.). Continuous Improvement and Excellence Through Teamwork: The Journey of the Senior Leadership Team of Montgomery County Public Schools. Committee Members: Robert Kegan (Chair), HGSE; Deborah Jewell-Sherman, HGSE; Joshua Starr, Superintendent, Montgomery County Public Schools.

1:00–2:30 p.m., Longfellow 225 Mary Catherine Savard (Ed.D.). Parent beliefs regarding defender behavior when children witness bullying situations: An exploratory study within an early childhood school context. Committee Members: Rick Weissbourd (Co-Chair), HGSE; Hirokazu Yoshikawa (Co-Chair), New York University; Stephanie Jones, HGSE; Kristen Bub, Auburn University.

Monday, April 14

8:30–9:30 a.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 1 Justin May (Ed.L.D.). Measuring What We Care About: Confident Individuals Who Continuously Challenge Themselves. Committee Members: Elizabeth City (Chair), HGSE; Michael Tushman, HBS; Greg W. Baker, Superintendent, Bellingham Public Schools.

8:30–10:00 a.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 3 Marcia Russell (Ed.D.). Implementation in an Era of Reform: Investigating the Voluntary Implementation of a Pilot Reading Program in a Supportive Context. Committee Members: Monica Higgins (Chair), HGSE; Kitty Boles, HGSE, Eileen McGowan, HGSE.

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 1 Ryan Stewart (Ed.L.D.). Increasing the Equity, Transparency, and Strategic Alignment of School Budgets: Weighted Student Funding in The School District of Philadelphia. Committee Members: Robert Kegan (Chair), HGSE; Bruce Harreld, (HBS); Stacy Holland, Chief of Strategic Partnerships, The School District of Philadelphia.

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 3 Alison Huguley (Ed.L.D.). Principal Supervisors as Agents for Both District-Wide Instructional Improvement and Central Office Cultural Change: A Bifurcated Strategy. Committee Members: Deborah Jewell-Sherman (Chair), HGSE; Richard Weissbourd, HGSE; Dr. Linda Lane, Superintendent, Pittsburgh Public Schools.

12:30–1:30 p.m., Larsen 106 David Rease (Ed.L.D.). Creating Inquiry Networks in Priority Schools: Introducing Data Wise in Prince George’s County. Committee Members: Kathy Boudett (Chair), HGSE; Elizabeth City, HGSE; Sito Narcisse, Associate Superintendent of High Schools, Prince George’s County.

1:30–2:30 p.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 1 Paul Perry (Ed.L.D.). Shift, Share, and Design: Building Capacity to Improve Student Learning Environments in New York City. Committee Members: Deborah Jewell-Sherman (Chair), HGSE; Andrés Alonso, HGSE; John Duval, Architect, Expanded Success Initiative School Design Fellowship

1:30–2:30 p.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 3 Joshua Klaris (Ed.L.D.). The Beginning of a Beautiful Relationship: America’s Principals and the United States Department of Education. Committee Members: Richard Elmore (Chair), HGSE; Michael Tushman, HBS; Brad Jupp, Special Advisor to the Secretary, United States Department of Education.

4:00–5:00 p.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 1 Paola Peacock Friedrich (Ed.L.D.). Disruptive Innovation in Education: Building Organizational Culture to Create an Effective Network of Leadership High Schools. Committee Members: Monica Higgins (Chair), HGSE; Robert Peterkin, HGSE; Tony Monfiletto, Director, New Mexico Center for School Leadership.

4:00–5:30 p.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 3 Edward Clapp (Ed.D.). Reframing Creativity as the Biography of an Idea: Developing Learning Narratives that Describe Creativity as a Distributed and a Participatory Process. Committee Members: Steve Seidel (Chair), HGSE; Shari Tishman, HGSE; Michael Hanchett Hanson, Teachers College, Columbia University.

Tuesday, April 15

8:30–9:30 a.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 1 Lucia Moritz (Ed.L.D.). Developing Leadership Capacity Through Strategic Action: A Campaign Approach to Transforming High Schools in Los Angeles Unified School District. Committee Members: Deborah Jewell-Sherman (Chair), HGSE; Marshall Ganz, HKS; Esther Soliman, Linked Learning Administrator, Los Angeles Unified School District.

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 1 Andrew Frishman (Ed.L.D.). The Future of Big Picture Learning: A Strategy to Spread Student-Centered Personalized Education. Committee Members: Mark Moore (Chair), HGSE/HKS; Clayton Christensen, HBS; Elliot Washor, Co-Director, Big Picture Learning.

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 3 Janis Ortega de Gomez (Ed.L.D.). Unbundling Capital: A Venture Philanthropy Firm’s Exploration of Non-Monetary Investments & the Organizational Components That Influence Them. Committee Members: Monica Higgins (Chair), HGSE; Michael Tushman, HBS; Deborah McGriff, Managing Director, NewSchools Venture Fund.

1:30–2:30 p.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 3 Liliana Polo-McKenna (Ed.L.D.). Leading and Learning in Transformation: Exploring the Relationship Between Team Development and School Reform Plan Implementation in Rhode Island. Committee Members: Elizabeth City (Chair), HGSE; Andrés Alonso, HGSE; Kathy Nadurak, Executive Vice President of Programs, NYC Leadership Academy.

1:30–3:00 p.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 1 John McLaughlin (Ed.D.). The Effect of Test-Optional Policy on Application Choice. Committee Members: Richard Light (Chair), HGSE/HKS; Bridget Terry Long, HGSE; Stephen Minicucci, Consortium on Financing Higher Education (COFHE).

4:00–5:00 p.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 1 Kimberley Ednie (Ed.L.D.). Organizing to Learn While Managing Transition: BPE's Path to Designing and Supporting Teaching Academies. Committee Members: Jal Mehta (Chair), HGSE; Richard Elmore, HGSE; Shoma Haque, Chief Operations Officer, BPE.

4:00–5:00 p.m. Gutman 303 Jason Lustig Yamashiro (Ed.L.D.). Equity in Action: Implementing the Voluntary Resolution Plan to Eliminate Disproportionality in Exclusionary Discipline in Oakland, California. Committee Members: Deborah Jewell-Sherman (Chair), HGSE; Andrés Alonso (HGSE); Maria Santos, Deputy Superintendent, Oakland Unified School District.

Wednesday, April 16

1:30–2:30 p.m. Gutman Conference Center, Area 1 Laura Shubilla (Ed.L.D.). Designing a Competency Based Educational Innovation in Partnership with the School District of Philadelphia. Committee Members: Robert Schwartz (Chair), HGSE; Marshall Ganz, HKS; William Hite, Superintendent, School District of Philadelphia.

4:00–5:00 p.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 1 Charles Linehan (Ed.L.D.). Reimagining Secondary Education: A Turn Towards the "Who." Committee Members: Lisa Lahey (Chair), HGSE; Richard Elmore, (HGSE); Stacy Holland, Chief of Strategic Partnerships, School District of Philadelphia.

4:00–5:30 p.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 3 Adrienne Keene (Ed.D.). “College Pride, Native Pride” and Education for Native Nation Building: Portraits of Native Students Navigating Freshman Year. Committee Members: Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot (Chair), HGSE; Dennis Norman, HGSE/HKS/HUNAP; Bryan Brayboy, Arizona State University.

Thursday, April 17

8:30–9:30 a.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 1 Katherine Casey (Ed.L.D.). Innovation and Inclusion by Design: Reimagining Learning, Remembering Brown. Committee Members: Robert Kegan (Chair), HGSE; Richard Elmore, HGSE; Alyssa Whitehead-Bust, Chief of Innovation and Reform, Denver Public Schools.

8:30–9:30 a.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 3 Morgan Camu (Ed.L.D.). A Community-Based Approach to Strategy Development in the Knox County Schools. Committee Members: Martin West (Chair), HGSE; John Kim, HBS; Dr. James McIntyre, Superintendent, Knox County Schools.

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 1 Christine DeLeon (Ed.L.D.). From Seed to Scale: Building the Foundation to Personalize Learning Within Denver Public Schools. Committee Members: Elizabeth City (Chair), HGSE; Chet Huber, HBS; Peter Piccolo, Executive Director of Innovation Lab, Denver Public Schools

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 3 Vaishali Dharmadhikari Joshi (Ed.L.D.). Creating Coherent Systems of Data Collection and Analysis: A Case Study in the Collection, Analysis, and Use of Client Feedback Data at Expeditionary Learning. Committee Members: Eileen McGowan (Chair), HGSE; Jal Mehta, HGSE; Tom Van Winkle, Managing Director of School Services, Expeditionary Learning.

1:30–2:30 p.m. Gutman Conference Center, Area 3 Laura Kanter Fellows (Ed.L.D.). Organizing for Innovation in Denver Public Schools: Stimulating Empowered Problem Solving through Design Thinking. Committee Members: Richard Elmore (Chair), HGSE; Eileen McGowan, HGSE; Alyssa Whitehead-Bust, Chief of Innovation and Reform, Denver Public Schools.

1:30–2:30 p.m. Gutman Conference Center, Area 3 Eva Mejia (Ed.L.D.). Walking the Talk, Teaching the Walk: Developing a Collective Learning System for The Carnegie Foundation for The Advancement of Teaching. Committee Members: Jal Mehta (Chair), HGSE; Kathryn Boudett, HGSE; Paul LeMahieu, Senior Vice President for Programs and Administration, The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

1:30–3:00 p.m., Larsen 203 Parker Goyer (Ed.D.). Utilizing Psychological “Small Wins” to Help Adolescents in Developing Countries Increase Their Perception of Their Educational and Life Possibilities: A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Coach for College Program, in Two Provinces of Vietnam. Committee Members: John Willett (Chair), HGSE; Hunter Gehlbach, HGSE; Stephanie Jones, HGSE; Fernando Reimers, HGSE.

4:00–5:30 p.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 1 Melissa Fern Matarazzo (Ed.D. ). Exploring Accountability through Performance Evaluation: How Do School and District Leaders in Three U.S. School Districts Experience Results-Based Evaluations? Committee Members: Deborah Jewell-Sherman (Chair), HGSE; Eileen McGowan, HGSE; Elizabeth City, HGSE.

4:00–5:30 p.m., Gutman Conference Center, Area 3 Janet Kwok (Ed.D.). Be true to your polity: A mixed methods secondary data analysis of youth perceptions of civic engagement and the role of school culture. Committee Members: Robert L. Selman (Chair), HGSE; Helen Haste, HGSE; Terry Tivnan, HGSE.

4:00–5:00 p.m., Larsen 203 Hueling Lee (Ed.L.D.). The Power of Meaningful Work: Facilitating District Learning and Ownership of Sacramento's NCLB Waiver to Promote Social Emotional Learning. Committee Members: Robert Kegan (Chair), HGSE; Richard Weissbourd, HGSE; Koua Franz, Chief of Staff, Sacramento City Unified School District.

Friday, April 18

8:30–9:30 a.m., Larsen 106 Jeron Campbell (Ed.L.D.). The Use of Data to Drive Decisions and Instruction in Chesterfield County Public Schools. Committee Members: Robert Kegan (Chair), HGSE; Deborah Jewell-Sherman, HGSE; Marcus Newsome, Superintendent, Chesterfield County Public Schools.

8:30–10:00 a.m., Longfellow 225 Rebecca Givens Rolland (Ed.D.). Exploring Early Childhood Teachers’ Professional Experiences in a High-Risk Setting: Generating Hypotheses for Enhanced Professional Development. Committee Members: Nonie K. Lesaux (Chair), HGSE; Stephanie Jones, HGSE; Richard Weissbourd, HGSE.

1:30–3:00 p.m., Gutman 302 Andres Molano (Ed.D.). Peer Effects in the Elementary School Classroom: Socialization of Aggressive and Prosocial Behavior and its Consequences for Academic Skills. Committee Members: Stephanie M. Jones (Chair), HGSE; John B. Willett, HGSE; Robert L. Selman, HGSE.

1:30–2:30 p.m., Larsen G08 Sarah Johnson (Ed.L.D.). Developing Leadership Capacities in Central Office Managers in Service of Learning at Every Level. Committee Members: Mark Moore (Chair), HGSE/HKS; Deborah Jewell-Sherman, HGSE; Justin Tyack, CEO of the Office of School Support, New York City Department of Education.

1:30–3:00 p.m., Larsen 203 Vanessa Beary (Ed.D.). Not Doing Business in Tajikistan: The Impact of an Entrepreneurship Education Program for Youths and Young Adults. Committee Members: Fernando Reimers (Chair), HGSE; Andrew Ho, HGSE; Monica Higgins, HGSE.

4:00–5:30 p.m., Larsen 203 Jed Lippard (Ed.D.). Adult Developmentally Oriented Instructional Leadership: An Exploratory Qualitative Study of Two Principals’ Efforts to Support Instructional Improvement Among Teachers Whose “Ways of Knowing” Differ. Committee Members: Robert Kegan (Chair), HGSE; Lee Teitel, HGSE; Eleanor Drago-Severson, Teachers College, Columbia University.

Tuesday, April 22

1:00–2:30 p.m., Larsen 513 Ayana Campoli (Ed.D.). Retaining Black Teachers in Public Schools: What Roles do Interpersonal Bonds and Racial Match Play? Committee Members: John B. Willett (Chair), HGSE; Susan Moore Johnson, HGSE; John B. Diamond, University of Wisconsin.

4:00–5:30 p.m., Gutman 302 North Cooc (Ed.D.). Teacher Perceptions of Student Disabilities: Racial Disparities and Consequences. Committee Members: John Willett (Co-Chair), HGSE; Vivian Louie (Co–Chair), CUNY Hunter College; James Kim, HGSE.

Thursday, April 24

4:10–5:25 p.m., Larsen 203. Jennifer Wallace Jacoby (Ed.D.). Teaching and Working in Linguistically Diverse Early Childhood Education Programs: Three Studies in Head Start. Committee Members: Nonie K. Lesaux (Chair), HGSE; Paola Uccelli, (HGSE); Susan Moore Johnson, (HGSE).

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A Systematic Comparative Analysis of Doctor of Education (EdD) Programs

Unraveling inconsistencies and informing student choices.

Prospective doctoral students face a daunting challenge choosing between Doctor of Education (EdD) programs and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education due to programmatic ambiguity, inconsistency, and ill-defined career alignment (Carpenter, 1987; Perry, 2012; Shafer & Giblin, 2008). This qualitative study employed comparative analysis to explore the distinctions between 50 US EdD programs, including completion time, modality, credits, qualifying exam (QE) inclusion and requirements, and dissertation requirements. The theoretical framework used to investigate the root causes and potential outcomes of the EdD and PhD inconsistency included Foucault’s Power Theory (Aguirre Rojas, 2021) and Adam’s Equity Theory (Adams, 1963, 1965). Findings revealed significant differences between EdD programs and between EdD and PhD programmatic features. This data provides valuable insight for prospective students, informs EdD improvement, and urges consistency or standardization for clarity, integrity, and advancement in the field (Fisher et al., 2020; McMahon et al., 2020; Schafer & Giblin, 2008).

Ali, S. (2022, September 13). The scandal facing college ranking lists, explained. The Hill. https://thehill.com/changing-america/enrichment/education/3641004-the-scandal-facing-college-ranking-lists-explained/

Adams, J. S. (1963). Toward an understanding of inequity. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 67(5), 422–¬¬436. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0040968

Adams, J. S. (1965). Inequity in social exchange. In Berkowitz, L. (Ed.), Advances in Experimental Social Psychology. Academic Press, pp. 267–299. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2601(08)60108-2

Aguirre Rojas, C. A. (2021). Theory of power: Marx, Foucault, neo-Zapatismo (R. Myers, Trans.). Peter Lang.

Bowles, K. (2022, January 10). Why can’t higher education change? How financial, governance, employment, and oversight models make it hard for colleges to switch gears. Inside Higher Ed. https://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/just-explain-it-me/why-can%E2%80%99t-higher-education-change

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RIT graduate pursues Ph.D. across time zones

Nastaran Nagshineh, center, defended her Ph.D. thesis at RIT in April. Faculty from RIT’s Rochester and Dubai campuses served on her thesis committee and include, from left to right, Kathleen Lamkin-Kennard, Steven Weinstein, Nathaniel Barlow, and David Kofke (a professor at the University at Buffalo). Mohamed Samaha participated remotely and appears on the video screen behind the group and alongside Nagshineh’s picture.

Nastaran Nagshineh is one of the first Ph.D. candidates to bridge RIT’s Rochester and Dubai campuses. Her accomplishment creates a path for future students at the university’s international campuses.

Nagshineh completed her Ph.D. in mathematical modeling while working full time as a mathematics lecturer at RIT Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, teaching as many as five classes a semester. She described her Ph.D. journey as “an exercise in perseverance” due to competing demands and long days. Rochester is eight hours behind Dubai, and the time difference meant many late-night classes and meetings.

“I saw this collaboration as an opportunity, rather than as a challenge, because my primary adviser, Dr. Steven Weinstein (RIT professor of chemical engineering), and my co-adviser, Dr. Mohamed Samaha (RIT Dubai associate professor of mechanical engineering), both have the same area of research interest,” she said. “They both worked toward my success.”

Nagshineh is one of 67 RIT Ph.D. students who defended their thesis this academic year and who will earn their doctorate. RIT awarded 63 Ph.D. degrees in 2023.

In 2020-2021, RIT’s Graduate School met and surpassed the university’s goal of conferring 50 Ph.D. degrees during an academic year. That number will continue to grow as students cycle through the seven new Ph.D. programs that RIT has added since 2017, said Diane Slusarski , dean of RIT’s Graduate School.

Meeting these goals puts RIT on a path toward achieving an “R1,” or research-intensive designation, from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning. RIT is currently ranked as an R2 institution . Many factors go into changing a university’s status, including research investment and maintaining a three-year average of 70 Ph.D. degrees awarded per year, according to Slusarski.

“We have met the goals of the strategic plan, and now we look forward to contributing to the research innovation in the future,” Slusarski said. “We want to help the new programs thrive and win national research awards.”

RIT’s emphasis on high-level research is seen in Nagshineh’s Ph.D. work. She applies mathematical modeling to the field of fluid dynamics. Her research has been published in top-tier journals and has gained notice, said Weinstein, her thesis adviser.

Weinstein describes Nagshineh’s accomplishments as “a testament to a fantastic work ethic and commitment” and is inspirational to younger students at Rochester and Dubai.

“The collaboration between RIT Dubai/Rochester has continued,” he said. “Another paper was submitted a few weeks ago with Mohamed Samaha and Nate Barlow (RIT associate professor in the School of Mathematics and Statistics) as co-authors, as well as Cade Reinberger, a younger Ph.D. student in my research group.”

Mathematical modeling is one of RIT’s newer Ph.D. degree programs, and Nagshineh is among its earliest graduates. The program has doubled in size since it began accepting students in 2017, Slusarski said. This past fall, the mathematical modeling program had 35 students, with two graduating this year.

Altogether, RIT has 13 Ph.D. degree programs currently enrolling 438 students, with computing and information sciences accounting for the largest with 117 students. RIT’s other Ph.D. programs include astrophysical sciences and technology , biomedical and chemical engineering , business administration , color science , electrical and computer engineering, imaging science , mechanical and industrial engineering , microsystems engineering , and sustainability .

New programs in cognitive science and physics will launch in the fall.

The growth in RIT graduate education—with more than 3,000 master’s and doctoral students—reflects a demographic change in the student population, Slusarski said. “We have a higher percentage of women in the graduate programs than we have for RIT undergraduate programs.”

RIT’s graduate programs enroll 42 percent women, according to Christie Leone , assistant dean for the Graduate School.

Nagshineh, who also holds an MS in electrical engineering from RIT Dubai, welcomes her role as a mentor to other women students on both campuses.

“As a young woman in an Arabic country, the power of women is often underestimated and undervalued, and I hope to serve as a role model to female students, especially those that question their path,” Nagshineh said.

She plans to continue in her career as a professor and a researcher. “I would like to pursue a research program where I can advise my own students and teach them more deeply.”

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Two Penn Ph.D. candidates awarded 2024 Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship

The school of arts & sciences awardees are arielle xena alterwaite, who is pursuing a ph.d. in history, and katherine scahill, who is pursuing a ph.d. in music..

Two University of Pennsylvania Ph.D. candidates in the School of Arts & Sciences have been named to the 2024 class of the Charlotte W. Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship , administered by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars .

The Newcombe Fellowship, funded by the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation , is the largest and most prestigious award for Ph.D. candidates in the humanities and social sciences addressing questions of ethical and religious values in interesting, original, or significant ways. Fellows receive a 12-month award of $31,000 to support the final year of dissertation writing.

Arielle Xena Alterwaite , a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of History , and Katherine Scahill , a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Music , were named as 2024 Fellows.

Alterwaite’s research explores Haiti’s sovereign debt in the aftermath of the Haitian Revolution in her dissertation, “Empire of Debt: Haiti and France in the Nineteenth-Century Atlantic World.”

“With support from the Newcombe Foundation and its interdisciplinary focus, I look forward to deepening the ways in which I can bring my work to broad audiences,” Alterwaite says. “My hope is that this archivally grounded historical account of Haitian debt in a global context can speak to international activists, legislators, and policymakers who take the ethical ramifications of finance seriously.”

History department chair Sophia Rosenfeld says it’s no surprise that Alterwaite continues to win an extraordinary number of major external fellowships, including, now, the Newcombe.

“For her dissertation, she has taken on a crucial topic in 19th century Atlantic history—the massive debt that a newly independent Haiti owed to the French state—and she has managed both to find brand-new sources for understanding it and to generate new explanations that have real implications for thinking about sovereign debt and reparations for slavery today,” Rosenfeld says.

Scahill’s dissertation, “The gendered politics of religious authority in Thai Buddhism: Voice, embodiment, and sonic efficacy in the movement for female monastic ordination,” is based upon ethnographic fieldwork with three communities of female Buddhist monks (bhikkhunīs) in Thailand. Drawing on the fields of religious studies and music studies, her dissertation investigates the sonic practices bhikkhunīs employ to establish alternate channels of recognition, given that women’s ordination is not accepted at a national level.

“I am honored to have been selected as a 2024 Newcombe Foundation Doctoral Dissertation Fellow. The Fellowship will provide me with the resources and time I need to adequately engage with the stories and practices shared at bhikkhunī monasteries,” Scahill says. “I am truly grateful for this opportunity.”

Timothy Rommen, chair of the music department, says he’s unsurprised that Scahill’s “excellent” work continues to be recognized. 

“Katherine’s dissertation intervenes at the intersections of ethnomusicology, religious studies, and gender studies to explore what she calls efficacious chant. What makes her project so interesting and innovative is her recognition of a set of lacunae within the study of Buddhist chant,” he says. “While text, context, and religious labor have all been explored, very little has been written about the female monastics on which this dissertation is focused or on the role of ‘voice’ within their practice. Katherine zooms in on the ways that chant helps train monks to stabilize their own bodies while also making them aware of the body’s instability. We are all convinced that Katherine’s dissertation will make a signal contribution to several disciplines.”

Funding at the dissertation stage remains a vital way to support up-and-coming scholars. Since its creation in 1981, the Fellowship has supported more than 1,300 doctoral candidates with essential time and resources to complete their writing. Newcombe Fellows have gone on to be noted faculty at domestic and foreign institutions, leaders in their fields of study, Pulitzer Prize winners, MacArthur Fellows, and more.

Class of 2025 relishes time together at Hey Day

Picturing artistic pursuits

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Campus & Community

Penn celebrates operation and benefits of largest solar power project in Pennsylvania

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