How Long Should My Dissertation Be? (Hint: There is No One Right Answer)

Category: Academics

As a dissertation coach who has worked with students all around the world, one of the most common questions I get from students is: “How long should my dissertation be?” The answer is not straightforward but is a crucial consideration for anyone embarking on this academic journey. So let’s break it down, shall we? The Length Question: Is There a Magic Number? Short answer: Doctoral dissertation lengths can vary widely depending on various factors including the field of study, program guidelines, committee expectations and the scope of the research. Generally, a dissertation falls between 200 to 300 pages, though this is a broad range. Some disciplines, such as the humanities, often lean toward the longer end of the spectrum due to the need for extensive literature reviews and detailed analysis. On the other hand, STEM fields might produce more concise dissertations, focusing heavily on data and empirical findings. Such dissertations may be composed of multiple journal articles instead of the standard five chapter format.