UCLA
Graduate Writing Center

Summer Dissertation Programs 2024

*Please note that we usually provide the upcoming summer schedule in May*

The Graduate Writing Center holds several programs during the summer to support graduate students who are at the dissertation, dissertation proposal, or master's thesis writing stages. Programs are free of charge to UCLA graduate students who participate. Note: All summer programs will be held via Zoom unless otherwise indicated. We encourage you to participate and have a productive summer!

How to Apply: Submit an application by the deadline indicated for the specific program. We screen to make sure participants are in the appropriate fields and at the appropriate stages, but we otherwise accept as many people as we can.

Eligibility: Only UCLA graduate and professional students are eligible to apply. Participants should also be at the appropriate stage and in an appropriate field for the program to which they apply.

If you have any questions, please contact gwcprograms@gsa.asucla.ucla.edu

1) Dissertation Boot Camp (Humanities & Arts)

This program targets humanities and arts graduate students who have advanced to candidacy and are at the dissertation-writing stage. The program will teach writing strategies and provide structure to help participants produce a draft of a dissertation chapter. Graduate students from social science fields who use humanities approaches, such as historians or political science students who focus on theory, may also apply to this program. This program will meet via Zoom on Mondays, 4:00–7:00 PM, for 6 weeks, July 8–August 12. Deadline to apply: Friday, June 28th.

CLICK to see application instructions and program details.

How to Apply for the Humanities & Arts Dissertation Chapter Boot Camp : Interested graduate students must fill out the application Google form linked here (your application will be kept confidential) by Friday, June 28th. Space is limited.

Preparation for the Humanities & Arts Dissertation Boot Camp (for those accepted)

First Session Preparation and Homework:

Before the first session, participants should

  1. read/skim a dissertation recently completed in your department, preferably one chaired by your dissertation committee chair, to get a sense of overall structure (search ProQuest Dissertations/Theses database by advisor);
  2. review and do a brief outline/sketch (1-page maximum) of the structure of one of the analytical chapters in the sample dissertation, paying attention to
    1. a) type of content (primary source analysis, secondary criticism, theory, historical or biographical background, etc.); and
    2. b) form (narrative arc, argument, and language that signposts what the writer is doing);
  3. organize your notes, sources, and data for the analytical dissertation chapter you will work on during the program. Bring all relevant materials into a single physical and/or electronic location to simplify your workflow.

Participants should bring to the first session

  1. your brief sketch of the sample dissertation chapter you reviewed; and
  2. a 1-2 page outline of the analytical dissertation chapter you will work on during the program. If you are in the very early stages, a bulleted list of the topics and ideas you plan to address in the chapter would be fine.

Homework for Subsequent Sessions: Each session after the first will require 5 to 10 pages of new writing (of the dissertation draft). There may be additional reading and homework assignments to reinforce writing strategies.

Strongly Recommended Reading: Joan Bolker. Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day. 1998. (Available at the UCLA bookstore.) We recommend a more careful reading of chapters 3, 4 and 8, but the entire book is worth skimming.

Not sure whether you should apply to the Humanities or Qualitative Social Sciences Dissertation Boot Camp?

Your dissertation fits well with the humanities if one or more of the following applies:

  • you study texts, aesthetic objects, or theories;
  • you don't have separate chapters on literature review and methods;
  • you don't work with human subjects (in a manner requiring IRB approval);
  • and/or your chapters are organized in a purely topical way.

Your dissertation fits well with the qualitative social sciences if one or more of the following applies:

  • you have separate methods and literature review chapters;
  • you work with human subjects and went through the IRB process;
  • you do descriptive or ethnographic research based on interviews and observations;
  • your data analysis involves coding;
  • and/or you write your findings in results and discussion chapters.

Some research--such as oral histories, ethnographic studies, and studies of language and performance--falls in between humanities and qualitative social sciences, but we usually group projects involving human subjects with qualitative social sciences. Oral historians who don't code their interviews may fit better with the humanities. If you are not sure which section to choose, please consult with the GWC Director (Marilyn Gray: mgray@saonet.ucla.edu).

Deadline to apply: Friday, June 28th.

2) Dissertation Boot Camp (Qualitative Social Sciences)

This program targets graduate students using qualitative social science research methods or mixed methods with a qualitative emphasis. Graduate students who apply to this program should have defended their proposals, begun their data collection and analysis, and be ready to write (or already writing) the results and discussion chapters (or sections). It is okay if you have not finished all data collection and analysis before the bootcamp begins. The program will address writing issues specific to qualitative research as well as general writing and organizational strategies. You are also welcome to apply if you use mixed or quantitative methods but intend to work on a descriptive or qualitative section. This program will meet via Zoom on Wednesdays, 3:30–6:30 PM, July 10–August 14. Deadline to apply: Friday, June 28th.

CLICK to see application instructions and program details.

How to Apply for the Qualitative Social Sciences Dissertation Chapter Boot Camp : Interested graduate students must fill out the Google application form linked here (your application will be kept confidential) by Friday, June 28th.

Not sure whether you should apply to the Humanities or Qualitative Social Sciences Dissertation Boot Camp?

Your dissertation fits well with the qualitative social sciences if one or more of the following applies:

  • you have separate methods and literature review chapters;
  • you work with human subjects and went through the IRB process;
  • you do descriptive or ethnographic research based on interviews and observations;
  • your data analysis involves coding;
  • and/or you write your findings in results and discussion chapters.

Your dissertation fits well with the humanities if one or more of the following applies:

  • you study texts, aesthetic objects, or theories;
  • you don't have separate chapters on literature review and methods;
  • you don't work with human subjects (in a manner requiring IRB approval);
  • and/or your chapters are organized in a purely topical way.

Some research--such as oral histories, ethnographic studies, and studies of language and performance--falls in between humanities and qualitative social sciences, but we usually group projects involving human subjects with qualitative social sciences. Oral historians who don't code their interviews may fit better with the humanities. If you are not sure which section to choose, please consult with the GWC Director (Marilyn Gray: mgray@saonet.ucla.edu ).

Preparation for the Qualitative Dissertation Boot Camp (for those accepted)

First Session Preparation and Homework:

Before the first session, participants should

  1. read/skim a dissertation recently completed in your department, preferably one chaired by your dissertation committee chair, to get a sense of overall structure (search ProQuest Dissertations/Theses database by advisor);
  2. review and do a brief outline/sketch (1-page maximum) of the structure of one of the analytical chapters in the sample dissertation, paying attention to
    1. a) type of content (data analysis, relevant empirical literature, theory, historical background, cultural context, etc.); and
    2. b) form (narrative arc, argument, and language that signposts what the writer is doing);
  3. organize your notes, sources, and data for the analytical dissertation chapter you will work on during the program. Bring all relevant materials into a single physical and/or electronic location to simplify your workflow.

Participants should bring to the first session

  1. your brief sketch of the sample dissertation chapter you reviewed; and
  2. a 1-2 page outline of the analytical dissertation chapter you will work on during the program. If you are in the very early stages, a bulleted list of the topics and ideas you plan to address in the chapter would be fine.

Homework for Subsequent Sessions: Each session after the first will require 5 to 10 pages of new writing (of the dissertation draft). There may be additional reading and homework assignments to reinforce writing strategies.

Strongly Recommended Reading: Joan Bolker. Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day. 1998. (Available at the UCLA bookstore.) We recommend a more careful reading of chapters 3, 4 and 8, but the entire book is worth skimming.

Deadline to apply: Friday, June 28th.

3) Dissertation Proposal Boot Camp (Social Sciences)

The Social Sciences Dissertation Proposal Boot Camp is designed to help graduate students make substantial progress on a draft of their dissertation proposals. Sessions will cover strategies for writing the components of the proposal as well as managing the process. For guidance concerning research design, methodology, and other field-specific issues, please consult with faculty mentors. This program will meet via Zoom on Tuesdays, 3:00–5:00 & Thursdays, 3:00–4:00 PM, July 9–August 15. Deadline to apply: Friday, June 28th.

CLICK to see application instructions and program details.

How to Apply : Interested graduate students must fill out the Google application form linked here (your application will be kept confidential) by Friday, June 28th. Space is limited.

Homework for those accepted to the Social Sciences Dissertation Proposal Boot Camp:

For the first session , participants must bring the following:

  • Annotated Bibliography : bring a bibliography of your secondary and theoretical sources. Select four or five of the most important theoretical and secondary sources and write a paragraph or two about each. Also make sure that you have organized notes for your other sources. For the other sources that will be discussed in your literature review, we recommend writing at least a short annotation (2-3 sentences) for each one.
  • Project description (from application): bring a 200-300 word description of your dissertation project. Please be prepared to articulate your research topic succinctly.
  • Research questions: bring in a printout of your specific research questions, or if appropriate, your hypotheses and aims.
  • Recommended Reading : Joan Bolker. Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes A Day. 1998. Chapters 1, 3 and 4. (Available at the UCLA bookstore.)

For subsequent sessions : Each session will have a required writing assignment related to your proposal. There may also be required readings that we will make available electronically.

Not sure whether you should apply to the Humanities Prospectus or Social Sciences Proposal Boot Camp?

    Your dissertation fits well with the qualitative social sciences if one or more of the following applies:

    • you have separate methods and literature review chapters;
    • you work with human subjects and went through the IRB process;
    • you do descriptive or ethnographic research based on interviews and observations;
    • your data analysis involves coding;
    • and/or you write your findings in results and discussion chapters.

    Your dissertation fits well with the humanities if one or more of the following applies:

    • you study texts, aesthetic objects, or theories;
    • you don't have separate chapters on literature review and methods;
    • you don't work with human subjects (in a manner requiring IRB approval);
    • and/or your chapters are organized in a purely topical way.

    Some research--such as oral histories, ethnographic studies, and studies of language and performance--falls in between humanities and qualitative social sciences, but we usually group projects involving human subjects with qualitative social sciences. Oral historians who don't code their interviews may fit better with the humanities. If you are not sure which section to choose, please consult with the GWC Director (Marilyn Gray: mgray@saonet.ucla.edu).

    Deadline to apply: Friday, June 28th.

    4) Dissertation Prospectus Boot Camp (Humanities & Arts)

    The Humanities Dissertation Prospectus Boot Camp is designed to help graduate students in the humanities and/or those conducting interdisciplinary research make substantial progress on a draft of their dissertation prospectuses. The goal is to demystify the dissertation prospectus. Sessions will cover strategies for writing the components of the prospectus as well as managing the writing process, deadlines, and committee. Guidance will include field-specific components like research design and methodology; however participants will also be encouraged to consult with their faculty advisors/mentors throughout the process. This program will meet via Zoom on Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:00–5:30 PM, for 6 weeks, July 9–August 15. Deadline to apply: Friday, June 28th.

    CLICK to see application instructions and program details.

    How to Apply: Interested graduate students must fill out the Google application form linked here (your application will be kept confidential) by Friday, June 28th.

    Homework for those accepted to the Humanities & Arts Prospectus Boot Camp:

    For the first session, participants must bring in the following:

    • Annotated Bibliography: bring a bibliography of your secondary and theoretical sources. Select four or five of the most important theoretical and secondary sources and write a paragraph or two about each. Also make sure that you have organized notes for your other sources. For the other sources that will be discussed in your literature review, we recommend writing at least a short annotation (2-3 sentences) for each one.
    • Project description (from application): bring a 200-300 word description of your dissertation project. Please be prepared to articulate your research topic succinctly.
    • Reading Assignment : In preparation for the first session, please read: Joan Bolker. Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes A Day. 1998. Chapters 1, 3 and 4. (Available at the UCLA bookstore.)

    For subsequent sessions: Each session will have a required writing assignment related to your prospectus. There may be additional required readings that we will make available electronically.

    Not sure whether you should apply to the Humanities Prospectus or Social Sciences Proposal Boot Camp?

    Your dissertation fits well with the humanities if one or more of the following applies:

    • you study texts, aesthetic objects, or theories;
    • you don't have separate chapters on literature review and methods;
    • you don't work with human subjects (in a manner requiring IRB approval);
    • and/or your chapters are organized in a purely topical way.

    Your dissertation fits well with the social sciences if one or more of the following applies:

    • you have separate methods and literature review chapters;
    • you work with human subjects and went through the IRB process;
    • you do descriptive or ethnographic research based on interviews and observations;
    • your data analysis involves coding;
    • and/or you write your findings in results and discussion chapters.

    Some research--such as oral histories, ethnographic studies, and studies of language and performance--falls in between humanities and qualitative social sciences, but we usually group projects involving human subjects with qualitative social sciences. Oral historians who don't code their interviews may fit better with the humanities. If you are not sure which section to choose, please consult with the GWC Director (Marilyn Gray: mgray@saonet.ucla.edu).

    Deadline to Apply: Friday, June 28th.

    5) In-Person Summer Writing Retreat (All Fields)

    This program is for graduate or professional students who are writing large-scale projects like master's theses or capstones, doctoral dissertations or proposals, or manuscripts for publication. The program provides dedicated time to focus on your writing in the cozy setting of the renovated R.I.S.E. Center. This program is scheduled for July 16-18 on campus. Deadline to register is Friday, July 12th.

    CLICK to see application instructions and program details.

    Daily Schedule:

    9:30-10:00: Coffee and Check-in
    10:00-12:00: Individual work
    12:00-1:00: Lunch break
    1:00-2:00: Optional workshop/discussion
    2:00-4:00: Individual work

    How to Sign Up for the Writing Retreat:
    Fill out the web form by Friday, July 12th. (This program is now full.)

    Deadline to Apply: Friday, July 12th.

    6) Online Summer Writing Retreat (All Fields)

    This program is for graduate or professional students who are writing large-scale projects like master's theses or capstones, doctoral dissertations or proposals, or manuscripts for publication. The program provides dedicated time to focus on your writing and has online and in-person options. For STEM students, it additionally offers workshops related to scientific writing issues. To read more and register, please see the program description below. This program is currently scheduled for July 22-25. Deadline to register is Thursday, July 18th.

    CLICK to see application instructions and program details.

    SCHEDULE, July 22 – 25 (via Zoom)*
    (Please note that the schedule is in the process of being finalized and may change)

    Daily Schedule:

    9:00-10:00: Online productivity workshop & discussion
    10:00-12:00: Online writing group
    12:00-1:00: Lunch break
    1:00-2:00: Online workshops or individual work
    2:00-4:00: Online writing group

    Morning Online Productivity Workshops (9-10 am)
    Morning workshops will address project organization, time management, and productivity tips.

    Online Writing Group
    We will use our usual two-hour writing group format with brief check-ins and check-outs plus a break in the middle.

    How to sign up for the Writing Retreat:
    Fill out the web form (click here) by Thursday, July 18th.

    Morning Productivity Writing Workshops (9-10 am)

    Monday, July 22nd, 9:00–10:00 AM—Project Organization for Writing
    In this workshop, we will discuss how to set up an organized system for a large-scale research and writing project, especially the writing components.

    Tuesday, July 23rd, 9:00–10:00 AM—Time Management and Productivity Tips for Writing
    In this workshop, we will discuss effective strategies for time management, goal setting, and productivity when conducting large-scale research and writing projects, especially for the writing components.

    Wednesday, July 24th, 9:00–10:00 AM—Demos of Tools
    Writing consultants will demo a couple of organizational tools and how they use these tools to support writing.

    Afternoon Scientific Writing Workshops (1-2 pm)

    Monday, July 22nd, 1:00–2:00 PM—Strategies for Writing Effective Scientific Papers
    This workshop will address basic principles for writing scientific papers and offer strategies for avoiding common pitfalls. We will also introduce key points from Joshua Schimel's book Writing Science on developing good narrative structure and clarity to make writing engaging and impactful.

    Tuesday, July 23rd, 1:00–2:00 PM—Creating Effective Figures and Visual Aids
    This workshop focuses on strategies for designing effective figures and visual materials. The workshop will also introduce different software packages that can be used to create high-quality figures and offer further resources for learning these programs.

    Wednesday, July 24th, 1:00–2:00 PM—Strategies for Publishing Scientific Papers
    This workshop will focus on the process of getting an article published that most differ from other graduate writing projects, such as selecting appropriate journals and interacting with editors. We will also discuss strategies for revising articles for a target journal.

    Further Resources

    Advice for Thesis Writing
    If you haven’t seen a final thesis or dissertation in your field, we recommend looking one from your department in the ProQuest Dissertation database available through the UCLA Library. This database allows you to search by institution, advisor, and manuscript type (master's thesis versus dissertation).

    Optional Reading:
    Joan Bolker. Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes A Day . 1998.
    Paul Silvia. How to Write a Lot. 2007.

    Previous Workshops and Programs

    Click here to see an archive of past programs and workshops.

    If you have any questions, please contact gwc@gsa.asucla.ucla.edu