Northcentral University

• Portfolio or prospectus-based • Ties your academics to your dissertation • Builds a strong mentoring relationship • Discipline-specific dissertation chair • Subject matter expert • Academic reader serves as an objective third party Northcentral University has a decentralized discipline-specific dissertation process developed specifically for our students. At most universities, you might expect to have a comprehensive examination before starting the dissertation process. At NCU, you will instead develop a prospectus or take a series of portfolio courses. This is directly linked to your dissertation and serves to connect your coursework, your dissertation, and your career aspirations more clearly. At some schools, the dissertation can be lonely, and students often don't get feedback until they turn in their work. With NCU's innovative dissertation process, you receive weekly feedback from your dissertation advisor. This makes it easier to make changes as you go while building a strong mentoring relationship. Doctoral students will have a discipline-specific dissertation chair, who not only understands NCU, but also the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Your Dissertation Committee will also consist of a subject matter expert who has expertise in your particular area, and is available to offer you guidance throughout the project. A third member of the dissertation committee is added at a later stage to provide objectivity and offer a fresh perspective on your dissertation. With a cutting-edge, student-focused Dissertation Committee, NCU is able to help you focus on completing your research, your dissertation, and your doctoral program. NCU'S DOCTORAL DISSERTATION EXPERIENCE 39

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