Dissertation Options

Students have two options for the format of the dissertation. They may choose either the traditional five chapter format or the three article/manuscript format (which also has five chapters). The breadth, depth, and rigor are the same for both formats. The format is chosen by the student in close collaboration with the Dissertation Chair and the Dissertation Committee. The choice of format occurs during the proposal development stage, and cannot be changed once the dissertation proposal has been approved. Please consult the Health Services Research Student Handbook or the Center for Graduate Life (gradlife.charlotte.edu/resources/dissertation-thesis-formatting) for details on each of these formats.