Read extensively in the area of research in which you intend to focus your research. Your dissertation must be an original project that has never been done before, even though it may build upon existing literature in the field. Avoid proposing research on a question that had already been answered, unless you know the prevailing answer is wrong and have the necessary data to prove your case.
Write your introduction. This serves as the basis for the rest of your proposal. The required length for research proposals can vary from 10 to 40 pages. Your introduction comprises approximately 10 to 20 percent of the content of your paper, so you should tailor it to fit this general format. The introduction should lay out the basic road map for the rest of your proposal.
Indicate the sources you will use for your dissertation, from where you intend to gather them and how they are relevant to the existing scholarly literature in the field. This is important for your dissertation committee to review, to determine whether or not you have overlooked any obviously significant research or information that may alter or change the thrust of your thesis.
Provide a review of the existing scholarly literature in the field. Your committee will also want to know how your work fits within that body of literature and how it will contribute to any ongoing scholarly debates. Avoid overly broad works in the field and focus specifically on the works that have direct bearing on your own work.
Visit with the members of your dissertation committee several times throughout the process of writing it to update them on your progress and ask for suggestions. Between your committee, yourself and your adviser, you should be able to carefully craft a proposal that meets the necessary standards to embark on the required research.
Indicate the overall goal of your research. This is be the most significant part of your Ph.D. proposal because it tells your committee how you will accomplish your goal. Your review of the existing literature and explanation of your research methods and sources will point towards a goal of altering the scholarship in your field in a significant way. You must clearly indicate this within the text of your proposal.