Writing a graduate research paper--capstone, thesis or dissertation--is very different from writing your average term paper. In the lists below I've presented some of the differences between the writing requirements most undergraduates have experience with (i.e. the "term paper") and the writing requirements many universities impose upon graduate students (the "thesis" or "dissertation").

Term Papers

• Average length - 20 to 30 pages (about 1 chapter)
  
• Topic is usually suggested by or selected by the professor or graduate assistant facilitating your course
  
• Based on research of secondary sources (library research)
  
• Usually takes less than a semester to write
  
• Generally reviewed by a single professor or single graduate teaching assistant
  
• Outcome for the student is a grade.

Graduate Research Papers

• Average length - 100 to 300 pages (3 to 5 chapters)
  
• Topic is developed by the researcher and presented to a committee for review and approval
  
• Based on original research and review of existing literature
  
• May take 1 - 3 years to finish all research and write the paper
  
• Reviewed by a panel or committee of professors or other approved individuals and student generally must defend his/her work in an oral defense
  
• Outcome for the student is a degree.

Now that you have some idea of the type of work you'll be expected to produce at the end of your graduate program, you can begin laying the course for production and completion of your research paper. To ease your way through the process, make a deliberate effort to link your first and/or second year graduate school term papers and projects to your research topic. By doing so, you are laying the foundation for, at the very least, your literature review; and, quite possibly, your entire project.

Should you find yourself in need of assistance with your writing, visit the graduate writing center on your campus. Or, look for free information and resources online. Organizations such as the Association for Support of Graduate Studies and the Academic Ladder provide a wide variety of resources, services and products that are helpful to graduate students who are working on their thesis or dissertation. Your thesis or dissertation Chair or committee should also prove very helpful to you, if you've selected members for their knowledge and expertise as well as their position in the department.

Until next time, happy writing!

Lynn Byrne