Purpose:
- Thesis: A thesis is typically written to demonstrate the student's ability to conduct independent research and present their findings in a clear and concise manner.
- Dissertation: A dissertation is typically written to make a significant original contribution to the field of study. It is a more comprehensive and in-depth piece of work than a thesis.
Length:
- Thesis: A thesis is typically shorter than a dissertation, ranging from 50 to 100 pages.
- Dissertation:A dissertation is typically longer than a thesis, ranging from 100 to 200 pages or more.
Audience:
- Thesis: A thesis is typically written for a general academic audience, including other students, faculty, and researchers in the field of study.
- Dissertation: A dissertation is typically written for a more specialized audience of experts in the field of study.
Research:
- Thesis: A thesis typically involves conducting original research, but the scope of the research is typically smaller than that of a dissertation.
- Dissertation: A dissertation involves conducting original research that makes a significant contribution to the field of study.
Process:
- Thesis: A thesis is typically written over a period of one to two years, and is typically completed in conjunction with coursework.
- Dissertation: A dissertation is typically written over a period of three to five years, and is typically completed after completing coursework.
In summary, a thesis is a shorter piece of academic writing that demonstrates the student's ability to conduct independent research and present their findings clearly. A dissertation is a longer, more in-depth piece of academic writing that makes a significant original contribution to the field of study.