new work bachelor thesis

Think of yourself as a member of a jury, listening to a lawyer who is presenting an opening argument. You'll want to know very soon whether the lawyer believes the accused to be guilty or not guilty, and how the lawyer plans to convince you. Readers of academic essays are like jury members: before they have read too far, they want to know what the essay argues as well as how the writer plans to make the argument. After reading your thesis statement, the reader should think, "This essay is going to try to convince me of something. I'm not convinced yet, but I'm interested to see how I might be."

An effective thesis cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." A thesis is not a topic; nor is it a fact; nor is it an opinion. "Reasons for the fall of communism" is a topic. "Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe" is a fact known by educated people. "The fall of communism is the best thing that ever happened in Europe" is an opinion. (Superlatives like "the best" almost always lead to trouble. It's impossible to weigh every "thing" that ever happened in Europe. And what about the fall of Hitler? Couldn't that be "the best thing"?)

A good thesis has two parts. It should tell what you plan to argue, and it should "telegraph" how you plan to argue—that is, what particular support for your claim is going where in your essay.

Steps in Constructing a Thesis

First, analyze your primary sources.  Look for tension, interest, ambiguity, controversy, and/or complication. Does the author contradict himself or herself? Is a point made and later reversed? What are the deeper implications of the author's argument? Figuring out the why to one or more of these questions, or to related questions, will put you on the path to developing a working thesis. (Without the why, you probably have only come up with an observation—that there are, for instance, many different metaphors in such-and-such a poem—which is not a thesis.)

Once you have a working thesis, write it down.  There is nothing as frustrating as hitting on a great idea for a thesis, then forgetting it when you lose concentration. And by writing down your thesis you will be forced to think of it clearly, logically, and concisely. You probably will not be able to write out a final-draft version of your thesis the first time you try, but you'll get yourself on the right track by writing down what you have.

Keep your thesis prominent in your introduction.  A good, standard place for your thesis statement is at the end of an introductory paragraph, especially in shorter (5-15 page) essays. Readers are used to finding theses there, so they automatically pay more attention when they read the last sentence of your introduction. Although this is not required in all academic essays, it is a good rule of thumb.

Anticipate the counterarguments.  Once you have a working thesis, you should think about what might be said against it. This will help you to refine your thesis, and it will also make you think of the arguments that you'll need to refute later on in your essay. (Every argument has a counterargument. If yours doesn't, then it's not an argument—it may be a fact, or an opinion, but it is not an argument.)

This statement is on its way to being a thesis. However, it is too easy to imagine possible counterarguments. For example, a political observer might believe that Dukakis lost because he suffered from a "soft-on-crime" image. If you complicate your thesis by anticipating the counterargument, you'll strengthen your argument, as shown in the sentence below.

Some Caveats and Some Examples

A thesis is never a question.  Readers of academic essays expect to have questions discussed, explored, or even answered. A question ("Why did communism collapse in Eastern Europe?") is not an argument, and without an argument, a thesis is dead in the water.

A thesis is never a list.  "For political, economic, social and cultural reasons, communism collapsed in Eastern Europe" does a good job of "telegraphing" the reader what to expect in the essay—a section about political reasons, a section about economic reasons, a section about social reasons, and a section about cultural reasons. However, political, economic, social and cultural reasons are pretty much the only possible reasons why communism could collapse. This sentence lacks tension and doesn't advance an argument. Everyone knows that politics, economics, and culture are important.

A thesis should never be vague, combative or confrontational.  An ineffective thesis would be, "Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe because communism is evil." This is hard to argue (evil from whose perspective? what does evil mean?) and it is likely to mark you as moralistic and judgmental rather than rational and thorough. It also may spark a defensive reaction from readers sympathetic to communism. If readers strongly disagree with you right off the bat, they may stop reading.

An effective thesis has a definable, arguable claim.  "While cultural forces contributed to the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe, the disintegration of economies played the key role in driving its decline" is an effective thesis sentence that "telegraphs," so that the reader expects the essay to have a section about cultural forces and another about the disintegration of economies. This thesis makes a definite, arguable claim: that the disintegration of economies played a more important role than cultural forces in defeating communism in Eastern Europe. The reader would react to this statement by thinking, "Perhaps what the author says is true, but I am not convinced. I want to read further to see how the author argues this claim."

A thesis should be as clear and specific as possible.  Avoid overused, general terms and abstractions. For example, "Communism collapsed in Eastern Europe because of the ruling elite's inability to address the economic concerns of the people" is more powerful than "Communism collapsed due to societal discontent."

Copyright 1999, Maxine Rodburg and The Tutors of the Writing Center at Harvard University

How to Write a Bachelor’s Thesis: A Step-by-Step Guide

The bachelor’s degree is an important milestone in your academic life, and creating a successful bachelor’s thesis is an essential part of this process.

Although it can be a challenge, with a structured approach and a clear timetable, a well-researched, informed, and organized bachelor’s thesis can be created.

In this article, we explain how to write a bachelor’s thesis.

11 Facts About Bachelor’s Theses

• The average length of a bachelor’s thesis is about 30-60 pages.
• Most bachelor’s theses are written in the field of economics.
• The average processing time for a bachelor’s thesis is 3-6 months.
• Typically, bachelor’s theses are supervised by a professor or lecturer.
• Most bachelor’s theses are still written and submitted on paper.
• A bachelor’s thesis is always written within the framework of a study program and is an important part of the degree completion.
• The topic selection for a bachelor’s thesis is usually free, as long as it falls within the field of study.
• Adherence to citation rules and source references is an important part of a bachelor’s thesis.
• Submission of a bachelor’s thesis is usually combined with an oral examination.
• The bachelor’s thesis is the first longer scientific work that a student writes during their studies and therefore represents an important hurdle.
• In 2021, approximately 260,000 students achieved their bachelor’s degree.

Scientific Formulations in Minutes Seconds

11 Tips for Academic Writing (Bachelor’s Theses)

• Start your bachelor’s thesis early to have enough time for research, writing, and revision.
• Choose an interesting and relevant topic that fits well with your field of study.
• Create a detailed work plan to keep track of your steps and deadlines.
• Use trustworthy and current sources to underpin your work.
• Write clearly and precisely, avoid using unnecessarily complicated sentences.
• Use a consistent citation style and pay attention to the correct source citation.
• Logically structure your bachelor’s thesis and ensure that the common thread is recognizable.
• Revise and polish your work multiple times to ensure that it is free from spelling and grammar errors.
• Have your work read by others and seek feedback to recognize areas for improvement.
• Consider publishing your bachelor’s thesis to make it accessible to others and to present your work.
• Have your text scientifically rephrased by Mimir. Sample input : Potatoes are healthy… ➔ Result : Potatoes are rich in vitamins and minerals and can contribute to a balanced diet.

The Process of Writing a Bachelor’s Thesis: Step by Step Guide

The writing process of a bachelor’s thesis is a challenge for many students. In this section, we give an overview of the most important steps and tips to successfully master the process.

• Determine the topic of the bachelor’s thesis and discuss it with the supervisor.
• Conduct comprehensive research and collect relevant sources.
• Create an outline and divide the topic into individual sections.
• Write the main part of the paper by processing and summarizing the insights gained from the research.
• Compose the concluding part, summarizing the main findings of the work and outlining possible further steps or implications.
• Proofread the work and check for formal requirements.
• Submit and defend the bachelor’s thesis.

Choosing a Topic: How to Find the Perfect Topic for Your Bachelor’s Thesis

The first step in creating a bachelor’s thesis is selecting the topic. It’s important that your topic is specific and answers a clear research question. If your topic is too general, it will be harder to achieve meaningful results.

Why is the topic important?

An interesting and relevant topic not only captivates your readers but also gives you the motivation to successfully complete the work.

The topic of your bachelor’s thesis is crucial for the success of your work.

A difficult or boring topic, on the other hand, can lead to you finding the writing process frustrating and ultimately not successfully completing the work. Therefore, it’s important to think carefully about which topic you choose for your bachelor’s thesis.

If you have difficulty finding a topic, you can turn to your supervisors and present your ideas to them.

Research & Study: The Right Way to the Perfect Bachelor’s Thesis

Once the topic is set, it’s time to collect the necessary information. This can be done by searching through libraries and databases, reading specialist literature, and interviewing experts. It’s important to carefully organize and document the collected information so that it’s easily accessible when writing the work.

It’s also important that your sources are current, as research and opinions in your subject area are constantly changing.

Possible Sources

• Academic Publications
• Professional Journals
• Reputable Websites (you should consult your supervisor beforehand)

Structure: Setup and Organization of the Bachelor Thesis

It is important to have a clear structure for your bachelor thesis. This should include an introduction, a main part, and a conclusion. Within the main part, you can divide your arguments into different sections. This helps you to structure your thought process and ensure a smooth and logical flow.

Introduction

• Summary of the research thesis
• Definition of the main terms
• Explanation of the research question and area of interest
• Conduct literature research
• Develop arguments and hypotheses
• Draw conclusions and results
• Cite sources
• Summary of the results
• Comparison of hypotheses and results
• Explanation of the implications of the results
• Recommendations for further research

Writing: Tips and Tricks for the Writing Process

After you have completed your research and established your structure, it is time to write.

It is important that you write your work in simple, academic German/English.

Avoid using too many technical terms and ensure that each sentence conveys a clear thought.

Compose a clear introduction that explains your topic and presents your argumentation. In the main part of your work, you should provide your arguments and examples to prove your thesis. Make sure that your arguments are logical and understandable.

• Write a simple and clear introduction
• Compose the main part of your work
• Ensure that each sentence conveys a clear thought
• Provide your arguments and examples to prove your thesis
• Ensure logical and understandable argumentation
• Avoid too many technical terms
• Avoid vague formulations
• Avoid subjective opinions

Tip: Let Mimir formulate your bullet point ( Example input : Running is great ➔ Result (1/3) : Running is a healthy and effective form of physical activity that can contribute to improving cardiovascular fitness, mobility, and mental health.)

Formatting: How to Properly Format Your Bachelor Thesis

It is important that you adhere to your university’s guidelines when formatting your bachelor thesis. Check the requirements for margins, line spacing, font size, and font type prescribed by your university.

It is also important to format your work consistently to achieve a professional look.

• Adhere to your university’s guidelines
• Check margins, line spacing, font size, and font type
• Consistently format your work
• Create a professional layout

Citing and Referencing: Rules for Citing and Referencing in the Bachelor Thesis

When referring to the ideas of other authors in your work, it is important to cite and reference them correctly. There are various citation styles you can use, but most universities use the Harvard or APA style.

Make sure to properly cite and reference all sources you refer to, to avoid plagiarism.

• Use the Harvard or APA style
• Cite and reference all sources you refer to
• Avoid plagiarism

Proofreading: Error Sources and Tips for a Flawless Bachelor Thesis

After you have written your bachelor thesis, it is important to thoroughly review it. Check the content for correct grammar, spelling, and structure. Also ensure that your arguments are clear and logical and that your statements are supported by your research.

It is important to proofread and edit your work several times. Make sure to correct all spelling and grammar errors so that your work looks professional.

• Read your work aloud to detect errors in grammar, sentence structure, and pronunciation.
• Use a dictionary or an online proofreading program to find errors in spelling and punctuation.
• Have someone else read your work and ask for feedback to gain additional perspectives and suggestions for improvement.
• Carefully review and revise your work to improve its quality and content. This can be done by adding examples, removing unnecessary information, or refining arguments.

Tip: Have your text checked by Mimir (Unscientific words, gender conformity, and more…)

Submission: How to Safely Submit and Defend Your Bachelor Thesis

Writing a bachelor thesis can be a challenging task, but if you follow the steps mentioned above, you will complete your work in a professional manner.

Don’t forget to adhere to the guidelines of your university.

Once you have reviewed and revised your bachelor’s thesis, it’s time to submit it. Make sure your work meets the requirements of your examiner and contains the correct information. If possible, have a friend or family member review it before you submit it.

Earning a bachelor’s degree is a great achievement, and creating a successful bachelor’s thesis is an essential part of this process. Remember, choosing a topic, conducting research, and writing a bachelor’s thesis can be a laborious process. However, if you have a clear schedule and follow the steps mentioned above, you can create a well-researched, informed, and organized bachelor’s thesis.

And last but not least: Congratulations!

Two Practical Examples of the Process

To better understand the steps and tips mentioned above, here are two examples from different academic areas:

• A psychology student writes a bachelor’s thesis on the effects of social media on the mental health of adolescents. She chooses this topic because it combines her personal interest and her expertise in psychology. She gathers information by reading textbooks and conducting interviews with adolescents and experts. She creates an outline consisting of an introduction, three main chapters, and a conclusion, and writes her paper accordingly. She makes sure to use quotes and references and to adhere to the APA formatting requirements. Finally, she carefully corrects her work and has it read by her teacher and a fellow student for improvement suggestions.
• A computer science student writes a bachelor’s thesis on the development of a new algorithm for machine learning. He chooses this topic because it reflects his expertise in computer science and his curiosity about new technologies. He gathers information by reading academic articles and communicating with other experts in his field. He creates an outline consisting of an introduction, three main chapters, a section on results, and a conclusion, and writes his paper accordingly. He makes sure to use citations and references and to adhere to the IEEE formatting requirements. Finally, he carefully corrects his work and has it read by his supervisor and a reviewer from a professional journal for improvement suggestions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you start writing a bachelor’s thesis.

Before you start writing your bachelor’s thesis, you should first plan the topic and structure of the paper. This also includes researching relevant sources and creating an outline. Once you have an overview of the structure of the paper, you can start writing.

How quickly can you write a bachelor’s thesis?

The duration of writing a bachelor’s thesis can vary greatly and depends on various factors, such as the complexity of the topic, the size of the paper, and the time spent on research. However, you should generally plan several weeks or even months for the actual writing of a bachelor’s thesis.

How do you properly write a bachelor’s thesis?

1. Start by selecting an interesting and relevant topic for your bachelor’s thesis. 2. Create a clear and detailed research plan that outlines the goals, methods, and timeline for your work. 3. Gather comprehensive and reliable sources to support your arguments and substantiate your theses. 4. Compose a clear and structured introduction that highlights the topic and significance of your work. 5. Develop your arguments in the main chapters of your bachelor’s thesis and use examples and evidence to support your statements. 6. Conclude your findings and conclusion in a conclusive and detailed section that summarizes the significance and implications of your work. 7. Thoroughly correct and revise your bachelor’s thesis to ensure it is logical, coherent, and error-free.

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Dissertation Structure & Layout 101: How to structure your dissertation, thesis or research project.

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) Reviewed By: David Phair (PhD) | July 2019

So, you’ve got a decent understanding of what a dissertation is , you’ve chosen your topic and hopefully you’ve received approval for your research proposal . Awesome! Now its time to start the actual dissertation or thesis writing journey.

To craft a high-quality document, the very first thing you need to understand is dissertation structure . In this post, we’ll walk you through the generic dissertation structure and layout, step by step. We’ll start with the big picture, and then zoom into each chapter to briefly discuss the core contents. If you’re just starting out on your research journey, you should start with this post, which covers the big-picture process of how to write a dissertation or thesis .

*The Caveat *

In this post, we’ll be discussing a traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout, which is generally used for social science research across universities, whether in the US, UK, Europe or Australia. However, some universities may have small variations on this structure (extra chapters, merged chapters, slightly different ordering, etc).

So, always check with your university if they have a prescribed structure or layout that they expect you to work with. If not, it’s safe to assume the structure we’ll discuss here is suitable. And even if they do have a prescribed structure, you’ll still get value from this post as we’ll explain the core contents of each section.  

Overview: S tructuring a dissertation or thesis

• Acknowledgements page
• Abstract (or executive summary)
• Table of contents , list of figures and tables
• Chapter 1: Introduction
• Chapter 2: Literature review
• Chapter 3: Methodology
• Chapter 4: Results
• Chapter 5: Discussion
• Chapter 6: Conclusion
• Reference list

As I mentioned, some universities will have slight variations on this structure. For example, they want an additional “personal reflection chapter”, or they might prefer the results and discussion chapter to be merged into one. Regardless, the overarching flow will always be the same, as this flow reflects the research process , which we discussed here – i.e.:

• The introduction chapter presents the core research question and aims .
• The literature review chapter assesses what the current research says about this question.
• The methodology, results and discussion chapters go about undertaking new research about this question.
• The conclusion chapter (attempts to) answer the core research question .

In other words, the dissertation structure and layout reflect the research process of asking a well-defined question(s), investigating, and then answering the question – see below.

To restate that – the structure and layout of a dissertation reflect the flow of the overall research process . This is essential to understand, as each chapter will make a lot more sense if you “get” this concept. If you’re not familiar with the research process, read this post before going further.

Right. Now that we’ve covered the big picture, let’s dive a little deeper into the details of each section and chapter. Oh and by the way, you can also grab our free dissertation/thesis template here to help speed things up.

The title page of your dissertation is the very first impression the marker will get of your work, so it pays to invest some time thinking about your title. But what makes for a good title? A strong title needs to be 3 things:

• Succinct (not overly lengthy or verbose)
• Specific (not vague or ambiguous)
• Representative of the research you’re undertaking (clearly linked to your research questions)

Typically, a good title includes mention of the following:

• The broader area of the research (i.e. the overarching topic)
• The specific focus of your research (i.e. your specific context)
• Indication of research design (e.g. quantitative , qualitative , or  mixed methods ).

For example:

A quantitative investigation [research design] into the antecedents of organisational trust [broader area] in the UK retail forex trading market [specific context/area of focus].

Again, some universities may have specific requirements regarding the format and structure of the title, so it’s worth double-checking expectations with your institution (if there’s no mention in the brief or study material).

Acknowledgements

This page provides you with an opportunity to say thank you to those who helped you along your research journey. Generally, it’s optional (and won’t count towards your marks), but it is academic best practice to include this.

So, who do you say thanks to? Well, there’s no prescribed requirements, but it’s common to mention the following people:

• Your dissertation supervisor or committee.
• Any professors, lecturers or academics that helped you understand the topic or methodologies.
• Any tutors, mentors or advisors.
• Your family and friends, especially spouse (for adult learners studying part-time).

There’s no need for lengthy rambling. Just state who you’re thankful to and for what (e.g. thank you to my supervisor, John Doe, for his endless patience and attentiveness) – be sincere. In terms of length, you should keep this to a page or less.

Abstract or executive summary

The dissertation abstract (or executive summary for some degrees) serves to provide the first-time reader (and marker or moderator) with a big-picture view of your research project. It should give them an understanding of the key insights and findings from the research, without them needing to read the rest of the report – in other words, it should be able to stand alone .

For it to stand alone, your abstract should cover the following key points (at a minimum):

• Your research questions and aims – what key question(s) did your research aim to answer?
• Your methodology – how did you go about investigating the topic and finding answers to your research question(s)?
• Your findings – following your own research, what did do you discover?
• Your conclusions – based on your findings, what conclusions did you draw? What answers did you find to your research question(s)?

So, in much the same way the dissertation structure mimics the research process, your abstract or executive summary should reflect the research process, from the initial stage of asking the original question to the final stage of answering that question.

In practical terms, it’s a good idea to write this section up last , once all your core chapters are complete. Otherwise, you’ll end up writing and rewriting this section multiple times (just wasting time). For a step by step guide on how to write a strong executive summary, check out this post .

Need a helping hand?

Table of contents

This section is straightforward. You’ll typically present your table of contents (TOC) first, followed by the two lists – figures and tables. I recommend that you use Microsoft Word’s automatic table of contents generator to generate your TOC. If you’re not familiar with this functionality, the video below explains it simply:

If you find that your table of contents is overly lengthy, consider removing one level of depth. Oftentimes, this can be done without detracting from the usefulness of the TOC.

Right, now that the “admin” sections are out of the way, its time to move on to your core chapters. These chapters are the heart of your dissertation and are where you’ll earn the marks. The first chapter is the introduction chapter – as you would expect, this is the time to introduce your research…

It’s important to understand that even though you’ve provided an overview of your research in your abstract, your introduction needs to be written as if the reader has not read that (remember, the abstract is essentially a standalone document). So, your introduction chapter needs to start from the very beginning, and should address the following questions:

• What will you be investigating (in plain-language, big picture-level)?
• Why is that worth investigating? How is it important to academia or business? How is it sufficiently original?
• What are your research aims and research question(s)? Note that the research questions can sometimes be presented at the end of the literature review (next chapter).
• What is the scope of your study? In other words, what will and won’t you cover ?
• How will you approach your research? In other words, what methodology will you adopt?
• How will you structure your dissertation? What are the core chapters and what will you do in each of them?

These are just the bare basic requirements for your intro chapter. Some universities will want additional bells and whistles in the intro chapter, so be sure to carefully read your brief or consult your research supervisor.

If done right, your introduction chapter will set a clear direction for the rest of your dissertation. Specifically, it will make it clear to the reader (and marker) exactly what you’ll be investigating, why that’s important, and how you’ll be going about the investigation. Conversely, if your introduction chapter leaves a first-time reader wondering what exactly you’ll be researching, you’ve still got some work to do.

Now that you’ve set a clear direction with your introduction chapter, the next step is the literature review . In this section, you will analyse the existing research (typically academic journal articles and high-quality industry publications), with a view to understanding the following questions:

• What does the literature currently say about the topic you’re investigating?
• Is the literature lacking or well established? Is it divided or in disagreement?
• How does your research fit into the bigger picture?
• How does your research contribute something original?
• How does the methodology of previous studies help you develop your own?

Depending on the nature of your study, you may also present a conceptual framework towards the end of your literature review, which you will then test in your actual research.

Again, some universities will want you to focus on some of these areas more than others, some will have additional or fewer requirements, and so on. Therefore, as always, its important to review your brief and/or discuss with your supervisor, so that you know exactly what’s expected of your literature review chapter.

Now that you’ve investigated the current state of knowledge in your literature review chapter and are familiar with the existing key theories, models and frameworks, its time to design your own research. Enter the methodology chapter – the most “science-ey” of the chapters…

In this chapter, you need to address two critical questions:

• Exactly HOW will you carry out your research (i.e. what is your intended research design)?
• Exactly WHY have you chosen to do things this way (i.e. how do you justify your design)?

Remember, the dissertation part of your degree is first and foremost about developing and demonstrating research skills . Therefore, the markers want to see that you know which methods to use, can clearly articulate why you’ve chosen then, and know how to deploy them effectively.

Importantly, this chapter requires detail – don’t hold back on the specifics. State exactly what you’ll be doing, with who, when, for how long, etc. Moreover, for every design choice you make, make sure you justify it.

In practice, you will likely end up coming back to this chapter once you’ve undertaken all your data collection and analysis, and revise it based on changes you made during the analysis phase. This is perfectly fine. Its natural for you to add an additional analysis technique, scrap an old one, etc based on where your data lead you. Of course, I’m talking about small changes here – not a fundamental switch from qualitative to quantitative, which will likely send your supervisor in a spin!

You’ve now collected your data and undertaken your analysis, whether qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods. In this chapter, you’ll present the raw results of your analysis . For example, in the case of a quant study, you’ll present the demographic data, descriptive statistics, inferential statistics , etc.

Typically, Chapter 4 is simply a presentation and description of the data, not a discussion of the meaning of the data. In other words, it’s descriptive, rather than analytical – the meaning is discussed in Chapter 5. However, some universities will want you to combine chapters 4 and 5, so that you both present and interpret the meaning of the data at the same time. Check with your institution what their preference is.

Now that you’ve presented the data analysis results, its time to interpret and analyse them. In other words, its time to discuss what they mean, especially in relation to your research question(s).

What you discuss here will depend largely on your chosen methodology. For example, if you’ve gone the quantitative route, you might discuss the relationships between variables . If you’ve gone the qualitative route, you might discuss key themes and the meanings thereof. It all depends on what your research design choices were.

Most importantly, you need to discuss your results in relation to your research questions and aims, as well as the existing literature. What do the results tell you about your research questions? Are they aligned with the existing research or at odds? If so, why might this be? Dig deep into your findings and explain what the findings suggest, in plain English.

The final chapter – you’ve made it! Now that you’ve discussed your interpretation of the results, its time to bring it back to the beginning with the conclusion chapter . In other words, its time to (attempt to) answer your original research question s (from way back in chapter 1). Clearly state what your conclusions are in terms of your research questions. This might feel a bit repetitive, as you would have touched on this in the previous chapter, but its important to bring the discussion full circle and explicitly state your answer(s) to the research question(s).

Next, you’ll typically discuss the implications of your findings? In other words, you’ve answered your research questions – but what does this mean for the real world (or even for academia)? What should now be done differently, given the new insight you’ve generated?

Lastly, you should discuss the limitations of your research, as well as what this means for future research in the area. No study is perfect, especially not a Masters-level. Discuss the shortcomings of your research. Perhaps your methodology was limited, perhaps your sample size was small or not representative, etc, etc. Don’t be afraid to critique your work – the markers want to see that you can identify the limitations of your work. This is a strength, not a weakness. Be brutal!

This marks the end of your core chapters – woohoo! From here on out, it’s pretty smooth sailing.

The reference list is straightforward. It should contain a list of all resources cited in your dissertation, in the required format, e.g. APA , Harvard, etc.

It’s essential that you use reference management software for your dissertation. Do NOT try handle your referencing manually – its far too error prone. On a reference list of multiple pages, you’re going to make mistake. To this end, I suggest considering either Mendeley or Zotero. Both are free and provide a very straightforward interface to ensure that your referencing is 100% on point. I’ve included a simple how-to video for the Mendeley software (my personal favourite) below:

Some universities may ask you to include a bibliography, as opposed to a reference list. These two things are not the same . A bibliography is similar to a reference list, except that it also includes resources which informed your thinking but were not directly cited in your dissertation. So, double-check your brief and make sure you use the right one.

The very last piece of the puzzle is the appendix or set of appendices. This is where you’ll include any supporting data and evidence. Importantly, supporting is the keyword here.

Your appendices should provide additional “nice to know”, depth-adding information, which is not critical to the core analysis. Appendices should not be used as a way to cut down word count (see this post which covers how to reduce word count ). In other words, don’t place content that is critical to the core analysis here, just to save word count. You will not earn marks on any content in the appendices, so don’t try to play the system!

Time to recap…

And there you have it – the traditional dissertation structure and layout, from A-Z. To recap, the core structure for a dissertation or thesis is (typically) as follows:

• Acknowledgments page

Most importantly, the core chapters should reflect the research process (asking, investigating and answering your research question). Moreover, the research question(s) should form the golden thread throughout your dissertation structure. Everything should revolve around the research questions, and as you’ve seen, they should form both the start point (i.e. introduction chapter) and the endpoint (i.e. conclusion chapter).

I hope this post has provided you with clarity about the traditional dissertation/thesis structure and layout. If you have any questions or comments, please leave a comment below, or feel free to get in touch with us. Also, be sure to check out the rest of the  Grad Coach Blog .

Psst... there’s more!

This post was based on one of our popular Research Bootcamps . If you're working on a research project, you'll definitely want to check this out ...

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36 Comments

many thanks i found it very useful

Glad to hear that, Arun. Good luck writing your dissertation.

Such clear practical logical advice. I very much needed to read this to keep me focused in stead of fretting.. Perfect now ready to start my research!

what about scientific fields like computer or engineering thesis what is the difference in the structure? thank you very much

Thanks so much this helped me a lot!

Very helpful and accessible. What I like most is how practical the advice is along with helpful tools/ links.

Thanks Ade!

Thank you so much sir.. It was really helpful..

You’re welcome!

Hi! How many words maximum should contain the abstract?

Thank you so much 😊 Find this at the right moment

You’re most welcome. Good luck with your dissertation.

best ever benefit i got on right time thank you

Many times Clarity and vision of destination of dissertation is what makes the difference between good ,average and great researchers the same way a great automobile driver is fast with clarity of address and Clear weather conditions .

I guess Great researcher = great ideas + knowledge + great and fast data collection and modeling + great writing + high clarity on all these

You have given immense clarity from start to end.

Morning. Where will I write the definitions of what I’m referring to in my report?

Thank you so much Derek, I was almost lost! Thanks a tonnnn! Have a great day!

Thanks ! so concise and valuable

This was very helpful. Clear and concise. I know exactly what to do now.

Thank you for allowing me to go through briefly. I hope to find time to continue.

Really useful to me. Thanks a thousand times

Very interesting! It will definitely set me and many more for success. highly recommended.

Thank you soo much sir, for the opportunity to express my skills

Usefull, thanks a lot. Really clear

Very nice and easy to understand. Thank you .

That was incredibly useful. Thanks Grad Coach Crew!

My stress level just dropped at least 15 points after watching this. Just starting my thesis for my grad program and I feel a lot more capable now! Thanks for such a clear and helpful video, Emma and the GradCoach team!

Do we need to mention the number of words the dissertation contains in the main document?

It depends on your university’s requirements, so it would be best to check with them 🙂

Such a helpful post to help me get started with structuring my masters dissertation, thank you!

Great video; I appreciate that helpful information

It is so necessary or avital course

This blog is very informative for my research. Thank you

Doctoral students are required to fill out the National Research Council’s Survey of Earned Doctorates

wow this is an amazing gain in my life

This is so good

How can i arrange my specific objectives in my dissertation?

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How to write an excellent thesis conclusion [with examples]

Restate the thesis

Review or reiterate key points of your work, explain why your work is relevant, a take-away for the reader, more resources on writing thesis conclusions, frequently asked questions about writing an excellent thesis conclusion, related articles.

At this point in your writing, you have most likely finished your introduction and the body of your thesis, dissertation, or research paper . While this is a reason to celebrate, you should not underestimate the importance of your conclusion. The conclusion is the last thing that your reader will see, so it should be memorable.

A good conclusion will review the key points of the thesis and explain to the reader why the information is relevant, applicable, or related to the world as a whole. Make sure to dedicate enough of your writing time to the conclusion and do not put it off until the very last minute.

This article provides an effective technique for writing a conclusion adapted from Erika Eby’s The College Student's Guide to Writing a Good Research Paper: 101 Easy Tips & Tricks to Make Your Work Stand Out .

While the thesis introduction starts out with broad statements about the topic, and then narrows it down to the thesis statement , a thesis conclusion does the same in the opposite order.

• Restate the thesis.
• Review or reiterate key points of your work.
• Explain why your work is relevant.
• Include a core take-away message for the reader.

Tip: Don’t just copy and paste your thesis into your conclusion. Restate it in different words.

The best way to start a conclusion is simply by restating the thesis statement. That does not mean just copying and pasting it from the introduction, but putting it into different words.

You will need to change the structure and wording of it to avoid sounding repetitive. Also, be firm in your conclusion just as you were in the introduction. Try to avoid sounding apologetic by using phrases like "This paper has tried to show..."

The conclusion should address all the same parts as the thesis while making it clear that the reader has reached the end. You are telling the reader that your research is finished and what your findings are.

I have argued throughout this work that the point of critical mass for biopolitical immunity occurred during the Romantic period because of that era's unique combination of post-revolutionary politics and innovations in smallpox prevention. In particular, I demonstrated that the French Revolution and the discovery of vaccination in the 1790s triggered a reconsideration of the relationship between bodies and the state.

Tip: Try to reiterate points from your introduction in your thesis conclusion.

The next step is to review the main points of the thesis as a whole. Look back at the body of of your project and make a note of the key ideas. You can reword these ideas the same way you reworded your thesis statement and then incorporate that into the conclusion.

You can also repeat striking quotations or statistics, but do not use more than two. As the conclusion represents your own closing thoughts on the topic , it should mainly consist of your own words.

In addition, conclusions can contain recommendations to the reader or relevant questions that further the thesis. You should ask yourself:

• What you would ideally like to see your readers do in reaction to your paper?
• Do you want them to take a certain action or investigate further?
• Is there a bigger issue that your paper wants to draw attention to?

Also, try to reference your introduction in your conclusion. You have already taken a first step by restating your thesis. Now, check whether there are other key words, phrases or ideas that are mentioned in your introduction that fit into your conclusion. Connecting the introduction to the conclusion in this way will help readers feel satisfied.

I explored how Mary Wollstonecraft, in both her fiction and political writings, envisions an ideal medico-political state, and how other writers like William Wordsworth and Mary Shelley increasingly imagined the body politic literally, as an incorporated political collective made up of bodies whose immunity to political and medical ills was essential to a healthy state.

Tip: Make sure to explain why your thesis is relevant to your field of research.

Although you can encourage readers to question their opinions and reflect on your topic, do not leave loose ends. You should provide a sense of resolution and make sure your conclusion wraps up your argument. Make sure you explain why your thesis is relevant to your field of research and how your research intervenes within, or substantially revises, existing scholarly debates.

This project challenged conventional ideas about the relationship among Romanticism, medicine, and politics by reading the unfolding of Romantic literature and biopolitical immunity as mutual, co-productive processes. In doing so, this thesis revises the ways in which biopolitics has been theorized by insisting on the inherent connections between Romantic literature and the forms of biopower that characterize early modernity.

Tip: If you began your thesis with an anecdote or historical example, you may want to return to that in your conclusion.

End your conclusion with something memorable, such as:

• a call to action
• a recommendation
• a gesture towards future research
• a brief explanation of how the problem or idea you covered remains relevant

Ultimately, you want readers to feel more informed, or ready to act, as they read your conclusion.

Yet, the Romantic period is only the beginning of modern thought on immunity and biopolitics. Victorian writers, doctors, and politicians upheld the Romantic idea that a "healthy state" was a literal condition that could be achieved by combining politics and medicine, but augmented that idea through legislation and widespread public health measures. While many nineteenth-century efforts to improve citizens' health were successful, the fight against disease ultimately changed course in the twentieth century as global immunological threats such as SARS occupied public consciousness. Indeed, as subsequent public health events make apparent, biopolitical immunity persists as a viable concept for thinking about the relationship between medicine and politics in modernity.

Need more advice? Read our 5 additional tips on how to write a good thesis conclusion.

The conclusion is the last thing that your reader will see, so it should be memorable. To write a great thesis conclusion you should:

The basic content of a conclusion is to review the main points from the paper. This part represents your own closing thoughts on the topic. It should mainly consist of the outcome of the research in your own words.

The length of the conclusion will depend on the length of the whole thesis. Usually, a conclusion should be around 5-7% of the overall word count.

End your conclusion with something memorable, such as a question, warning, or call to action. Depending on the topic, you can also end with a recommendation.

In Open Access: Theses and Dissertations you can find thousands of completed works. Take a look at any of the theses or dissertations for real-life examples of conclusions that were already approved.

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How to Structure a Thesis: A Complete Guide

Writing a thesis can be an overwhelming task for many college and graduate students. Managing all the elements associated with a thesis while ensuring that the quality is not compromised can be challenging. However, what is even more strenuous is deciding on a thesis's layout. "How to structure a thesis" is a question that several final-year students struggle to answer. And understandably so, as all colleges and universities have their guidelines for drafting a thesis. However, there is an immutable structure that's common for every thesis. In this brief guide, we will take a look at this structure and analyze each of its components.

This guide discusses how to structure a thesis effectively. To give you an opportunity to practice proofreading, we have left a few spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors in the text. See if you can spot them! If you spot the errors correctly, you will be entitled to a 10% discount.  

A thesis or dissertation is a long academic document that a master's or doctoral candidate writes to obtain a relevant academic degree. Hence, writing a quality thesis is crucial for college and university students. A good thesis demonstrates a student's academic prowess in their field of study as well as helps hone their analytical and research skills. Writing a thesis can be an overwhelming task for many college and graduate students. Managing all the elements associated with a thesis while ensuring that the quality is not compromised can be challenging. However, what is even more strenuous is deciding on a thesis's layout.

"How to structure a thesis" is a question that several final-year students struggle to answer. And understandably so, as all colleges and universities have their guidelines for drafting a thesis. However, there is an immutable structure that's common for every thesis. In this brief guide, we will take a look at this structure and analyze each of its components. If you are also struggling to initiate the writing process for your thesis, follow this guide and get over your writer’s block.

How to Structure a Thesis: Examining the Constituents of a Thesis Structure

Here we have a list of all major sections that a thesis structure generally comprises. The entire thesis structure is segregated into 3 sections, with each section comprising its relevant subsections to facilitate greater legibility.

Front/Preliminary Matter of a Thesis Structure

1. abstract.

An abstract is a concise summary of an entire thesis and consists of the condensation of your entire thesis. A good abstract  is precise, concise (usually not more than 250 words) and emphasizes the importance of the document. When writing an abstract, make sure you explicitly mention the crux of your thesis. Also, avoid reiterating what you have mentioned in the title of your document.

Body of a Thesis Structure

2. introduction/preface.

The introduction chapter of your thesis outlines its core arguments, hypotheses, and results. It is longer than the abstract and contains adequate background information on your topic of interest. Furthermore, it establishes the relevance of your thesis by highlighting its contribution to the knowledge base of its topic. Writing a gripping introduction helps the readers understand the context of your thesis. According to USNSW Sydney, the introduction of a thesis should have the following stages:

State the general topic and give some background

Provide a review of the literature related to the thesis subject

Define the terms and scope of the thesis topic

Outline the existing situation

Evaluate the current situation and identify the gap in the literature

Identify the importance of the proposed research

State the main research questions

State the purpose of the study and/or research objectives

State the study hypotheses

Outline the order of information in the thesis

Outline the methodology.

3. Literature review

The literature review chapter sets the premise of your thesis. It examines and evaluates the research works that’s been conducted so far on your thesis topic and passively highlights the contributions of your thesis.

A literature review is a survey of academic sources on a specific subject, providing an overview of current knowledge, allowing you to discuss relevant theories, methods, and gaps in the existing research. Writing a literature review contains finding relevant publications, critically analyzing the sources, and explaining your findings in the literature. A well-written literature review doesn’t only summarize sources, it also aims to analyze, synthesize, and critically evaluate to give a clear picture of the state of knowledge on the topic.

To write an impeccable literature review, consult a plethora of sources and mention the canon related to your thesis topic. Also, put forward your review in a logical, chronological, and structured manner to better outline the knowledge gaps in your field of study and how your thesis will fill them.

The following simple and straightforward tips can act as the exhaustive rubric and offer meaningful insight to prospective authors on how to formulate a flawless literature review:

Step 1. Probe similar works for a well-structured literature review

Step 2. Analyze, not just synthesize: Authors should provide a detailed critique of the subject

Step 3. Organize your literature review systematically

Step 4. Establish the purview: Authors should specify the scope of the literature review

Step 5. Abstain from plagiarism

Step 6 . Be mindful of the language

4. Methodology

As the name suggests, the methodology section of a thesis consists of all methods and procedures you have used in your thesis. A well-written methodology accentuates the plausibility of your research methods. In addition, it enables your readers to understand why you chose specific methods and how they are justified for your research.

To garner more credibility, you can include the pitfalls and difficulties associated with your choice of research methods. The methodology section is an unavoidable part of a thesis or a research paper. Considering errors in the methodology section enervates the entire thesis.

Follow the steps below to write a perfect methodology for a thesis: 

a. Give an outline of the research design

b. Don’t forget to define the philosophy behind the research

c. Mention the research approach

d. Introduce the research methods

e. Note the following points to highlight in the methodology. No matter what methodology you have chosen, you have to focus on the following points:

Explain sampling strategy.

Clearly state the procedure of the research paper.

Mention how you collect the data. (Data collection)

Explain how data are analyzed for your research. (Data analysis). Suppose you have written in qualitative strategy like thematic analysis, mention the researcher you have followed.

Mention the validity of the data and result.

Discuss all ethical aspects of your research paper.

f. Avail professional proofreading and editing services

g. Most important tips to compose an impactful methodology for a dissertation

Don’t drift from your objective and the purpose of your dissertation.

Explore scholarly research papers and their methodology sections to have a better idea.

Plan a proper writing structure.

Understand your audience and target group.

Don’t make mistakes in citing relevant sources. You may use  APA  and  MLA citation

Refer to all the hurdles you have experienced while writing your dissertation.

Make sure to rectify grammatical and punctuation errors.

Ensure that the section is readable and doesn’t consist of long and complex sentences. Long sentences can hamper the tone of the methodology.

This section comprises the outcomes of your research work. It includes all the observations you made and the answers to all your hypotheses in the thesis. When writing the “results” chapter, include only factual data and format it to be distinguishable. Use tables, graphs, subheadings, and generic comments for the results. The aim is to enable your readers to discern the result of your research.

6. Discussion

The discussion chapter of your thesis should begin with a brief summarization of the outcome of your research work. It should explain how your results address your hypotheses and highlight any repetitions in your observations. You can also add comments on how you want the readers to interpret your results and about your agreements and disagreements with the available research work in your field. 

Writing a flawless thesis requires much more than only subject matter expertise. It requires expertise, experience, and in-depth thinking, along with sharp intelligence. Though most students add a discussion chapter in their thesis or dissertation, many of them end up messing up the essay or missing out on the central issues.

A discussion chapter in a thesis is a place where you have the chance to delving into the analysis, importance, and relevance of your research. This section focuses on explaining and analyzing what you have researched, presenting how it is associated with the existing literature. It is also a place for argument supporting your entire discussion.

We often find that people seek thesis writing help from experienced editing and proofreading services to prepare a flawless discussion chapter. However, the following helpful tips can help you design a perfect master's or Ph.D.. thesis with an excellent discussion chapter: 

Understand the objective of your thesis

Determine a clear structure

Usage of grammar and tense

Refer to hypotheses and literature review

Evaluate your results and compare them with existing studies

Understand the limitation of your research

Don’t be afraid to be unique

Don’t forget to avail a professional thesis editing and proofreading service 

Click here to review the details of the aforementioned tips. 

The following 5 questions might be helpful to write a sound discussion section: 

How well do you understand the objective of your study? 

What message is conveyed by your results? 

How do your findings compare to findings in literature? 

Why should your findings matter? 

In what light should your findings be viewed?

7. Conclusion

The final section of your document consists of a precise answer to your hypothesis. In addition, the “conclusion” chapter of your thesis should stress the achievement of the aims of your thesis. You should also include certain limitations of your research to convey the fact that there is still scope for further research in your field. 

The end matter of a thesis structure

The components of this section include an acknowledgment, a bibliography, and (occasionally) an appendix. 

Parting words

The first step to writing a thesis is to chalk out its layout. Doing so not only helps you deal with the writing process one step at a time but also enables you to better attend to each component of a thesis structure.

Also, before you follow this thesis structure, make sure to check with your university for “how to structure a thesis” guidelines. If the guidelines offered by your institution deviate slightly from what’s mentioned in this guide, then make sure to prioritize the former.

If you need us to make your thesis shine, contact us unhesitatingly!

Best Edit & Proof expert editors and proofreaders focus on offering papers with proper tone, content, and style of  academic writing,  and also provide an upscale  editing and proofreading service  for you. If you consider our pieces of advice, you will witness a notable increase in the chance for your research manuscript to be accepted by the publishers. We work together as an academic writing style guide by bestowing subject-area editing and proofreading around several categorized writing styles. With the group of our expert editors, you will always find us all set to help you identify the tone and style that your manuscript needs to get a nod from the publishers.

English formatting service for theses and dissertations

You can also avail of our assistance if you are looking for editors who can format your manuscript, or just check on the  particular styles  for the formatting task as per the guidelines provided to you, e.g.,  APA,  MLA, or Chicago/Turabian styles. Best Edit & Proof editors and proofreaders provide all sorts of academic writing help, including editing and proofreading services, using our user-friendly website, and a streamlined ordering process.

Get a free quote for editing and proofreading now!

Visit our  order page  if you want our subject-area editors or language experts to work on your manuscript to improve its tone and style and give it a perfect academic tone and style through proper editing and proofreading. The process of submitting a paper is very easy and quick. Click here to find out how it  works.

Our pricing is based on the type of service you avail of here, be it editing or proofreading. We charge on the basis of the word count of your manuscript that you submit for editing and proofreading and the turnaround time it takes to get it done. If you want to get an instant price quote for your project, copy and paste your document or enter your word count into our  pricing calculator.

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The American Psychological Association (APA) introduced the 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual in October 2019. This edition replaced the previous one, the 6th edition of the manual. Since then, several things have changed. The latest edition also updated the formatting of digital object identifiers (DOI) in APA Style. This article addresses when to include DOIs and uniform resource locators (URLs) in APA Style references.

You have been working hard on your research paper and want to write an excellent dissertation/thesis. You have researched all the materials, and your data are perfect— all you need to do is put them together in a dissertation or thesis. But how do you manage that? While working on the research is not easy, it’s structuring a dissertation or thesis that the main issue lies with. Therefore, if you are struggling with structuring your dissertation or thesis, this article may be of help.

We may have qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods in dissertations. This blog will elaborate on quantitative dissertations, qualitative dissertations, and mixed methods dissertations by addressing their similarities and differences.

You discuss and explore your results' prominence, meaning, and relevance in the discussion chapter. Therefore, you should concentrate on what you have found and explain and assess how your findings relate to your literature review and research questions.

Project Work and Bachelor Theses

The general aim is to come up with a solution for the assignment provided by your client. You are usually more in the role of a consultant than of a researcher. Accordingly, the structure varies from the research paper and can differ from assignment to assignment. Nevertheless, we would like to provide you with a generic structure that might give you some ideas about how to structure your work. If you feel insecure about the structure, please ask your supervising lecturer.

The scientific principles that should be observed are listed below the structure.

Cover Page (add the word “Confidential” if necessary) Declaration of authenticity (Acknowledgements) Management Summary Table of Contents

• Initial situation
• Goals, objectives, and research question(s)
• Structure of the paper
• Latest facts, best practices, previous research, definitions, and key theories – identify those relevant to your project
• Description, explanation, and justification of the methods used
• What data were collected/are analyzed (e.g., an overview of the sample)
• Outline the analysis and evaluation parameters (e.g., How were the data analyzed? How were the results interpreted/evaluated?)
• Context (legal, social, technological, and so on),
• Competitors
• The company itself
• Requirements and needs,
• … and more depending on the assignment
• Discussion : Connects the results of this analysis with theoretical foundations, complementary/contradictory findings, derivation of recommendations for action
• Evaluation of different options and recommendation
• Development of i.e., software
• 4.2 Overall conclusion and limitations
• 4.3 Next steps

Reference list List of Tables and Figures (Appendix)

Scientific principals in the Project Work and Bachelor Thesis

The thesis shall be conducted in accordance with scientific principles. Within the context of the Project Work and Bachelor Thesis, such scientific principles include:

• Researching the relevant literature and incorporating the latest facts, best practices, theories and/or models related to the topic

• Accurately referencing sources in full

• Providing traceability for conclusions reached; the solutions proposed shall be based on ascertainable facts and reasoning

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How do I write a good bachelor thesis quickly?

The official variant of the bachelor’s thesis: It is an examination in the form of a text on a specific topic. You are to collect and evaluate previous knowledge on the topic then gain new insight using so-called scientific techniques and methods.

The bachelor’s thesis is the final project of the Bachelor's program. You should prove that you can work and write scientifically. It’s a unique work because both the topic and the grade are written DIRECTLY and in the wording on the certificate. Thus, the bachelor’s thesis is the ONLY independent achievement of your entire studies that can be recognized by outsiders.

A top grade looks fantastic on the certificate!

That was the official description of the thesis...

The truth about the bachelor’s thesis (unofficial version):

• The bachelor’s thesis is a tough nut to crack.
• It is the ultimate barrier between you and your dream job or dream master’s degree.
• The work shows you mercilessly what you can and cannot do.
• You're alone with it.
• No one understands you or your problems.
• You feel more overwhelmed than you’ve ever been before in your entire life.
• You read so many good articles that you feel very small and incompetent.
• In addition, there is also the feeling of deteriorating good sentences from other texts. This feels completely meaningless.
• Friends are constantly advising you not to worry so much and just write something down.
• You are struggling with motivation, suffering from procrastination, receiving hardly any feedback and wishing this was all over as soon as possible.

In the end you are not even proud of your bachelor’s thesis. You can't rid yourself of the feeling that you have simply copied everything and hardly created anything by yourself. The many obviously copied passages in textbooks of other authors can puzzle you as well. Their apparent inability (or laziness?) makes you doubt the whole project even more. You lost your faith in the honesty of science long ago...

But there are ways and means not only to get through the project, but to complete your bachelor’s thesis fast and efficiently so you receive top marks!

What is the best approach to the bachelor’s thesis?

As a rule, 8-12 weeks are allowed for the bachelor’s thesis. However, an extension is usually necessary. In the end there is almost always stress, night shifts and dissatisfaction with the result of days and nights worked.

But you can plan your bachelor’s thesis like a project by dividing the work into 7 milestones and 30 sprints. The most important stages of the bachelor’s thesis are:

Milestone 1: The topic and suitable sources have been found.

Milestone 2: The outline and a proposal or introduction is written

Milestone 3: The theory chapter is finished.

Milestone 4: The chapter on the state of research is complete.

Milestone 5: The analysis and the results chapter are finished.

Milestone 6: The entire text is finished.

Milestone 7: The work is printed and submitted.

The grade of the thesis depends on:

• The quality of the content,
• Outline of the work,
• Formalities and language.
• The requirements are clear. Think carefully about what you need to do to receive the highest mark.

What are the hardest problems when it comes to writing the bachelor’s thesis:

• Finding the topic at the beginning,
• Finding enough suitable sources,
• Quoting sources correctly,
• Obtaining a functioning outline,
• Creating a real personal contribution instead of just writing it off,
• Formulating and writing scientifically,
• Resisting the temptation of copy&paste of sources from the Internet,
• Having a storyline in the text,
• Producing a text free of errors,
• and all within a tight schedule…

In addition, there are about 30 to 40 other challenges such as formatting, preparing presentations, citing obscure sources, setting up consultations, gathering data, finding survey participants, and so on and so forth. The right methods and Aristolo's thesis guide will help you overcome all of these problems.

Methods play an important role in the bachelor’s thesis.

Methods are all kinds of approaches, concepts, tools or aids with which knowledge can be gained. Most of the methods are not trained at the university. But now you need them. The following methods are important:

• Methods for researching books and articles,
• Evaluation of sources,
• Formalizing and modeling,
• Questioning techniques for interviews and surveys,
• Evaluation of interviews,
• Data analysis,
• Writing techniques.

There are endless explanations for these methods on the Internet, but they require some time to get used to them.

What role do supervisors play in the bachelor’s thesis and what do they expect?

Supervisors are available for consultations. They accept your topic or help individually with the topic search. They often also evaluate your work. But in most cases, the supervisor is an assistant and the professor ultimately evaluates the bachelor’s thesis.

Supervisors expect two things above all: disciplined adherence to the rules of academic research and writing in addition to the student’s personal intellectual achievement. What they do not like are certain sayings.

The tiresome topic of Internet sources

Hardly anything is as frowned upon in a bachelor’s thesis as internet sources: Why is that? Because copy and paste has made it easy to build a text from bits and pieces from the Internet.

But there are very different types of Internet sources, and they're not all bad. Some can be used appropriately, which will allow you to make faster progress. In particular, Wikipedia offers many advantages for the thesis.

What aids will help me with the bachelor’s thesis?

There are numerous aids, helpers and assistance programs. But some of these sources are no helpful at all because they are frauds such as ghostwriting. By the way, it is not the ghostwriter who is the cheater, but the one who submits a foreign text as his or her own text. That's why ghostwriters have no inhibitions about actively advertising...

Beware of plagiarism!

The biggest risk of a bachelor’s thesis is plagiarism, copying without sufficient indication of the source or even completely without indication of the source. This violation will be severely punished. One should be happy if he/she is allowed to write the work again, if at all. However, the worst case is that you can't receive your degree...

The issue of plagiarism is widely discussed. However, hardly anyone knows how to spot plagiarism, how it can be recognized and how to avoid plagiarism in your own text. Unfortunately, anti-counterfeiting techniques are not on the curriculum...

I don't feel like it anymore...

Of course motivation is extremely important to the progression of your bachelor’s thesis. To be motivated, you need to create small successes in the bachelor’s thesis again and again. Complete work packages along the master plan and you'll feel better. That's how you will have "intermediate wins". Such easily measurable successes inspire the bachelor’s thesis:

• Written pages,
• Read pages,
• Procured sources,
• Topic is registered,
• Outline is ready,
• Outline is adopted,
• Introduction is written,
• Chapters are written,
• Dates with experts are agreed upon,
• Data is collected,
• Personal contribution is written,
• Conclusion is written and much more.

Unfortunately, motivation always goes down the drain when you need it most... This is when the work packages from the master plan help!

So, to sum up:

You need a plan, the right methods, motivation, tips and techniques against problems, tools against the time wasters and one goal: to do the work quickly and well. Aristolo's thesis guide will help you finish your bachelor’s thesis in 31 days and receive a top grade. Good luck writing your text!

Silvio and the Aristolo Team

PS: Check out the Thesis-ABC and the Thesis Guide for writing a bachelor thesis in 31 days.

Universität Bonn

Guideline for the Bachelor’s thesis

Important Information about registering, writing and submitting your Bachelor’s thesis

Time of registration

Registration for the Bachelor’s thesis is possible as soon as 108 credit points have been achieved. As a rule, this should be the case during the fifth semester. The completion of the BA thesis is usually recommended for the sixth semester (submission by 30 September or 31 March, if the standard period of study must be adhered to and if, for example, a Master’s programme immediately follows).

Registration and topic

Please agree on a topic with your supervisor, who usually also acts as the first examiner, before registering your Bachelor’s thesis. As a rule, you must write it in your   major ; a topic from your minor is only possible if there is a connection in terms of content and/or methodology.

In the dual-subject Bachelor’s programme , the thesis can be registered in either of the subjects. An interdisciplinary topic in both subjects is possible if supervision by one examiner per subject is guaranteed.

The topic is agreed either in a personal meeting between the candidate and the examiners as part of a course/meeting or by exchanging emails with the first and second examiner. The topic specified in the email from the first examiner is binding and must be transferred to the registration form.

Please submit the completed “Registration for Bachelor’s Thesis” form, signed and dated by you and your supervisor ("Supervisor; First Reviewer; Examiner") and the second examiner, immediately by mail (or as a scan via the contact form) to the Examination Office.

The binding notification of the topic, including the setting of a submission deadline, is then sent in writing by the Examinations Office. The submission deadline is calculated from the date the topic is issued, based on the date of the first reviewer’s signature. You should therefore also endeavour to obtain the signature of the second examiner at the same time and submit the registration form to the Examination Office immediately after finalising the topic. 

If the topic was agreed by exchanging emails with the first and second supervisor, please forward the email from the first supervisor together with the email from the second supervisor and the scanned registration form (completed and signed by all parties) to the Examination Office via the contact form.

The binding notification of the topic, including the setting of a submission deadline, is then made in writing by the Examinations Office. The topic is therefore formally set by the examination Office (Examination Office, Maximilianstraße 22, 53111 Bonn) following registration.

The submission deadline is calculated from the date the topic is issued based on the date of the first reviewer's signature. You should therefore also endeavour to obtain the signature of the second assessor at the same time and submit the application to the Examinations Office immediately after agreeing on the topic. 

Important note : Please note that the examination regulations only recognise the term “topic”, not “title”. The topic of the thesis is therefore synonymous with the title of the thesis. The specific topic that you have indicated on the registration form and agreed with the reviewers is placed on the cover sheet and in the declaration of independence. Please refer to the separate point below under the heading ‘Changing the topic’ for the possibility of changing the topic at a later date.

You can download the registration form here: Registration form .

Examiners / Supervisors

In principle, all lecturers in your subject may act as examiners/supervisors for a Bachelor’s thesis. Please note that one of the two examiners must be employed with at least 50% at the University of Bonn. Both examiners must have at least the academic degree "Magister Artium (M.A.)" or "Master of Arts (M.A.)". Please also note that there is no legal entitlement to a specific examiner.

Writing period

A maximum period of three months from the issueing of the topic (date of signature of the first reviewer) is allowed for the writing of the provided topic & thesis. Upon justified request, the Examination Office may, in agreement with the examiner, grant an extension of up to six weeks for the submission of the Bachelor’s thesis. An extension of more than six weeks is not possible, even in cases of illness (in these cases it is only possible to withdraw from the registered examination, cf. the section “Withdrawal”).

Change of topic

It is possible to slightly change the focus of the original topic upon written request to the Examination Office, provided that your supervisor supports the request and documents this with his/her signature. Please note that a complete change or reorientation of the topic requires a withdrawal in accordance with the regulations.

There is a one-off opportunity to return the topic no later than one month after being notified of it by the Examination Office and to document this formally with a written request to withdraw from the Bachelor’s thesis registration. In this case, the topic is deemed not to have been issued; there is therefore no failed attempt. Please note that it is not possible to withdraw after this deadline. As an exception, this is only permitted after the deadline if there are valid reasons (in particular inability to take the examination due to illness). In both cases, the thesis must be re-registered later; the newly issued topic must differ significantly in content from the originally issued topic.

Scope and requirements

The text part of the Bachelor’s thesis should contain at least 70,000 characters including spaces and notes (or 35 A4 pages) and may not exceed 120,000 characters including spaces and notes (or 60 A4 pages). The content and form of the thesis must meet the standards of academic work at “Bachelor of Arts” or “Bachelor of Science” level. You should therefore enquire about the specific requirements with your academic advisor. Please also note that the regulation of registration becoming possible after achieving  108 credit points means that you can prepare the Bachelor’s thesis during your studies (as opposed to at the very end of them) thoroughly with the necessary research and readings before registering the thesis during your fifth semester.

Cover sheet / title page

To ensure that all the necessary information appears on the cover page of the Bachelor's thesis, please follow this template:  Sample cover page (DOCX).

Until further notice, Bachelor’s theses must still be submitted digitally AND by mail (three bound copies, see below). The content of the digital version and the written copies must be identical! CD-ROMs and USB sticks no longer need to be attached. As usual, the Examination Office will take care of forwarding the thesis to the first examiner and the second examiner. Once submitted, a Bachelor’s thesis cannot be withdrawn!

The thesis must be accompanied by a written declaration ("declaration of independence") in which you affirm that you have written the thesis independently, have not used any sources and aids other than those specified, have marked quotations and have submitted identical digital and written copies. Please note that the use of AI (applications such as ChatGPT) in the preparation of written work is prohibited! It is an unauthorised aid unless its use has been expressly permitted by the examiners. In cases of doubt, the Examination Office may request a sworn declaration.

Please attach the following declaration with date and original signature (not digital) as the last page of your thesis (Download Declaration of Independence here) :

“I hereby affirm that the Bachelor’s thesis entitled “...” was written by myself and without any unauthorised assistance, that it has not been submitted for examination at any other university, that it has not been published in whole or in part, and that the content of the text file of the digital version is identical to the written versions submitted. I have indicated in each individual case those parts of the thesis - including charts, maps, illustrations, etc. - which are taken from other works in terms of wording or meaning.”

This declaration must be submitted together with the other parts of the thesis, such as the cover sheet, the bibliographies and any appendices, firmly attached to the rest of the thesis (no loose sheets!).

1. digital submission:

Please send the digital version as a text file (Word document or PDF) from your University of Bonn e-mail address to the Examinations Office of the Faculty of Humanities or use the contact form. The hand-signed declaration of independence must be inserted as a scanned document into the Bachelor`’s thesis as the last page. This file of your Bachelor’s thesis will be forwarded to the respective two examiners by the Examinations Office; submission deadlines are met upon receipt of the electronically sent form at the Examinations Office. As we have already received the document in electronic form from you by e-mail/contact form, you no longer need to send us a CD-ROM or USB stick with the thesis by post until further notice.

2. submission by mail:

Your thesis must be submitted to us in triplicate by mail. Please submit each of these copies in bound form (adhesive, spiral or hardcover binding is the norm). Please also note that the indexes and appendices as well as the cover sheet and the self-signed declaration of independence are part of the thesis and must therefore be firmly bound. The paper version must be submitted by post no later than one week after the submission of the digital version.

Please send the three copies to the following address:

University of Bonn Faculty of Philosophy Bachelor/Master Examination Board Am Hof 1 53113 Bonn

Exceeding the submission deadline

If you exceed the deadline for submission, the Bachelor’s thesis must be assessed as "insufficient" (5.0). If necessary, please submit an application for an extension in good time before the deadline (at least three weeks before the deadline).

A failed Bachelor’s thesis can be repeated once . Failed attempts in the same subject at other universities will be recognised. In these cases, the topic can be chosen from another subject area. If the second Bachelor’s thesis is also assessed as "insufficient", the Bachelor's exam has been failed conclusively.

De-registration

In general, you must remain enrolled even after submitting your Bachelor’s thesis or another final exam in your degree programme in accordance with § 63 Para. 1, 2nd half-sentence HG; the examination procedure is only completed when it has been determined whether it was successful or unsuccessful. Students who have not re-registered, e.g. in order to save the associated fees, although they are not expected to know their examination result at the end of the previous semester are therefore taking a risk, especially as their uni-ID will be switched off and they will no longer have access to BASIS and their transcripts.

If you have not passed your last examin(s) and have therefore unfortunately not achieved your degree after all, you must re-enrol in order to re-sit your exams. If you have already missed the set re-registration deadline at this point, late re-registration at the Registrar's Office in accordance with Section 16 of the Enrolment Regulations can only take place later if the missed deadline is excused in writing for an important reason and proof of this is provided. You cannot register for the last outstanding exam before you are re-enrolled. It may also be the case that you can no longer be enrolled in your old examination regulations, but must continue your studies in accordance with the new examination regulations then in use, which may be followed by a time-consuming credit transfer procedure and possibly the loss of credits already earned.

However, if you have properly re-registered, you are entitled to a partial refund of the fees as soon as you have passed the final exam. You can find more information here . 

Underlying provisions

The regulations for the Bachelor’s thesis can be found in the following provisions, depending on which examination regulations you are studying under:

• §§ 18 und 19 der Prüfungsordnung für die Bachelorstudiengänge vom 5. August 2013 in ihrer aktuellen Fassung (BPO 2013)
• §§ 21 und 22 der Prüfungsordnung für die Bachelorstudiengänge und die konsekutiven Masterstudiengänge vom 17. August 2018 in ihrer aktuellen Fassung (BMPO 2018)
• §§ 20 und 21 der Prüfungsordnung für den Bachelorstudiengang „Psychologie“ und den konsekutiven Masterstudiengang „Psychologie“ vom 17. August 2018 in ihrer aktuellen Fassung (Psychologie-BMPO 2018)
• §§ 20 und 21 der Prüfungsordnung für den Bachelorstudiengang „Psychologie“ und den konsekutiven Masterstudiengang „Psychologie“ vom 28. August 2020 in ihrer aktuellen Fassung (Psychologie-BMPO 2020)  

You can find our telephone numbers and office hours on the "Contact & Advice" . You would like to contact us via this website? Please use the contact form!

Thesis Writing and Filing

The following guidelines are only for master’s students. If you are pursuing a doctoral degree, please see the Dissertation Filing Guide .

Filing your master’s thesis at the Graduate Division is one of the final steps leading to the award of your graduate degree. Your manuscript is a scholarly presentation of the results of the research you conducted. UC Berkeley upholds the tradition that you have an obligation to make your research available to other scholars. This is done when the Graduate Division submits your manuscript to the University Library.

Your faculty committee supervises the intellectual content of your manuscript and your committee chair will guide you on the arrangement within the text and reference sections of your manuscript. Consult with your committee chair early in the preparation of your manuscript.

The specifications in the following pages were developed in consultation with University Library. These standards assure uniformity in the degree candidates’ manuscripts to be archived in the University Library, and ensure as well the widest possible dissemination of student-authored knowledge.

Research Protocols

Eligibility, fall and spring semesters, summer filing, formatting your manuscript, special page formats, organizing your manuscript, procedure for filing your thesis, permission to include previously published or co-authored material, inclusion of publishable papers or article-length essays, withholding your thesis, changes to a thesis after filing, diploma, transcript, and certificate of completion, certificate of completion, common mistakes, mixed media guidelines, definitions and standards, electronic formats and risk categories, frequently asked questions.

If your research activities involve human or animal subjects, you must follow the guidelines and obtain an approved protocol  before you begin your research.   Learn more on our website   or contact the Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects ( http://cphs.berkeley.edu/  or 642-7461) or the Animal Care and Use Committee ( http://www.acuc.berkeley.edu/  or 642-8855).

In addition to the considerations explained below, your Expected Graduation Term (EGT) must match the term for which you intend to file. EGT can be updated at any time using an eForm available in CalCentral.

To be eligible to file for your degree, you must be registered or on approved Filing Fee status for the semester in which you file. We encourage you to file your thesis as early in the semester as you can and to come in person to our office to submit your supporting documents. If you cannot come to our office, it is helpful if you have a friend bring your documents. The deadline to file your thesis in its final form is the last day of the semester for your degree to be awarded as of that semester.

Filing during the summer has a slightly different set of eligibility requirements. If you were fully registered during the immediately preceding Spring semester, and have not used Filing Fee already, you may file your thesis during the summer with no additional cost or application required. This option is available for both Plan I master’s degree students filing a thesis and Plan II students completing a capstone. Summer is defined as the period from the day after the Spring semester ends (mid-May) until the last day of the Summer Sessions (mid-August).

International students completing degree in the Summer must consult Berkeley International Office before finalizing plans, as in some cases lack of Summer enrollment could impact visa status or post-completion employment.

If you have already used Filing Fee previously, or were not registered the preceding Spring semester, you will need to register in 1.0 unit in Summer Sessions in order to file.

Theses filed during the summer will result in a summer degree conferral.

You must be advanced to candidacy, and in good standing (not lapsed), in order to file.

All manuscripts must be submitted electronically in a traditional PDF format.

• Page Size : The standard for a document’s page size is 8.5 x 11 inches. If compelling reasons exist to use a larger page size, you must contact the Graduate Division for prior approval.
• Basic manuscript text must  be a non-italic type font and at a size of 12-point or larger. Whatever typeface and size you choose for the basic text, use it consistently throughout your entire manuscript. For footnotes, figures, captions, tables, charts, and graphs, a font size of 8-point or larger is to be used.
• You may include color in your thesis, but your basic manuscript text must be black.
• For quotations, words in a foreign language, occasional emphasis, book titles, captions, and footnotes, you may use italics. A font different from that used for your basic manuscript may be used for appendices, charts, drawings, graphs, and tables.
• Pagination:   Your manuscript is composed of preliminary pages and the main body of text and references. Page numbers must be positioned either in the upper right corner, lower right corner, or the bottom center and must be at least ¾ of an inch from the edges. The placement of the page numbers in your document must be consistent throughout.

Be Careful!   If you have any pages that are rotated to a landscape orientation, the page numbers still need to be in a consistent position throughout the document (as if it were printed and bound).

• Do not count or number the title page or the copyright page. All other pages must have numbers. DO NOT SKIP PAGE ” 1 “.
• The remaining preliminary pages may include a table of contents, a dedication, a list of figures, tables, symbols, illustrations, or photographs, a preface, your introduction, acknowledgments, and curriculum vitae. You must number these preliminary pages using   lower case Roman numerals  beginning with the number “i” and continue in sequence to the end of the preliminary pages (i, ii, iii, iv, v, etc.).
• An abstract is optional, but if you chose to include one, your abstract must have  Arabic numeral  page numbers. Start numbering your abstract with the number “1” and continue in sequence (1, 2, 3, etc.)
• The main body of your text and your references also use Arabic numerals. Start the numbering of the main body with the number “1” and continue in sequence (1, 2, 3, etc.), numbering consecutively throughout the rest of the text, including illustrative materials, bibliography, and appendices.

Yes! The first page of your abstract and the first page of your main text both start with ‘1’

• Margins:   For the manuscript material, including headers, footers, tables, illustrations, and photographs, all margins must be at least 1 inch from the edges of the paper. Page numbers must be ¾ of an inch from the edge.
• Spacing:  Your manuscript must be single-spaced throughout, including the abstract, dedication, acknowledgments, and introduction.
• Tables, charts, and graphs   may be presented horizontally or vertically and must fit within the required margins. Labels or symbols are preferred rather than colors for identifying lines on a graph.

You may choose to reduce the size of a page to fit within the required margins, but be sure that the resulting page is clear and legible.

• Guidelines for Mixed Media:   please see Appendix B for details.

Certain pages need to be formatted in a very specific way. Links are included here for examples of these pages.

Do not deviate from the wording and spacing in the examples, except for details applicable to you (e.g. name, major, committee, etc.)

• As noted in the above section on pagination, the abstract is optional but if included must be numbered  separately  with arabic numerals starting with ‘1’
• IMPORTANT: A physical signature page should no longer be included with your thesis. Approvals by your committee members will be provided electronically using an eForm.
• The title page does not contain page numbers.
• Do not bold any text on your title page.
• The yellow bubbles in the sample are included for explanatory purposes only. Do not include them in your submission.
• If you are receiving a joint degree, it must be listed on your title page ( Click here for sample with joint degree )

The proper organization and page order for your manuscript is as follows:

• Copyright page or a blank page
• Dedication page
• Table of contents
• List of figures, list of tables, list of symbols
• Preface or introduction
• Acknowledgements
• Curriculum Vitae
• References or Bibliography

After you have written your thesis, formatted it correctly, assembled the pages into the correct organization, and obtained verbal approval from all members of your committee, you are ready to file it with UC Berkeley’s Graduate Division.

Step 1:  Convert your thesis to a standard PDF file.

Step 2: Log into your CalCentral account. Under Student Resources in your Dashboard find Submit a Form and choose Final Signature Submission .

Step 3:  Complete the eForm in its entirety and hit submit once all  required documents are submitted:

• Attach the PDF of your thesis and
• Attach a copy of the approval letter for your study protocol from the Committee for Protection of Human Subjects, or the Animal Care and Use Committee if your research involved human or animal subjects. 

(Step 4): Congratulations you’re done! The traditional lollipop will be mailed to you following the end of the semester. Please be sure to update your mailing addresses (especially the diploma mailing address).

Important Notes: 

• DO NOT SUBMIT A DRAFT. Once your thesis has been submitted, you will not be allowed to make changes. Be sure that it is in its final form!
• Check your email regularly. Should revisions be necessary the eForm will be “recycled” to you and you will be notified via email. To resubmit your thesis, go back to Student Resources in your CalCentral account find Manage Your Forms and select Update Pending Forms . Here you can search for your submitted Final Signature form and make necessary updates and/or attach your revised thesis.
• After your thesis has been approved by Graduate Division, it will be routed to the listed committee members for electronic approval. Once all members have provided approval you will be notified.
• The review of your thesis may take up to four business days.

Important note for students in a Concurrent Degree Program (e.g. Landscape Architecture & City Planning):

• If you are filing a thesis to satisfy both master’s degrees, do not submit two eForms. Please select one plan only on the eForm and the Graduate Division will update your record accordingly.

If you plan use of your own previously published and/or co-authored material in your manuscript, your committee chair must attest that the resulting thesis represents an original contribution of ideas to the field, even if previously published co – authored articles are included, and that major contributors of those articles have been informed.

Previously published material must be incorporated into a larger argument that binds together the whole thesis. The common thread linking various parts of the research, represented by individual papers incorporated in the thesis, must be made explicit, and you must join the papers into a coherent unit. You are required to prepare introductory, transitional, and concluding sections. Previously published material must be acknowledged appropriately, as established for your discipline or as requested in the original publication agreement (e.g. through a note in acknowledgments, a footnote, or the like).

If co-authored material is to be incorporated (whether published or unpublished), all major contributors should be informed of the inclusion in addition to being appropriately credited in the thesis according to the norms of the field.

If you are incorporating co-authored material in your thesis, it is your responsibility to inform major contributors. This documentation need not be submitted to the Graduate Division. The eform used by your committee chair to sign off on your thesis will automatically include text indicating that by signing off they attest to the appropriateness and approval for inclusion of previously published and/or co-authored materials. No addition information or text needs to be added.

Publishable papers and article-length essays arising from your research project are acceptable only if you incorporate that text into a larger argument that binds together the whole dissertation or thesis. Include introductory, transitional, and concluding sections with the papers or essays.

Occasionally, there are unusual circumstances in which you prefer that your thesis not be published immediately.  Such circumstances may include the disclosure of patentable rights in the work before a patent can be granted, similar disclosures detrimental to the rights of the author, or disclosures of facts about persons or institutions before professional ethics would permit.

The Dean of the Graduate Division may permit the thesis to be held without shelving for a specified and limited period of time beyond the default, under substantiated circumstances of the kind indicated and with the endorsement of and an explanatory letter from the chair of the thesis committee.  If you need to request that your manuscript be withheld, please consult with the chair of your committee, and have him or her submit a letter requesting this well before you file for your degree. The memo should be addressed to the cognizant Associate Dean, in care of Graduate Services: Degrees, 318 Sproul Hall.

Changes are normally not allowed after a manuscript has been filed.  In exceptional circumstances, changes may be requested by having the chair of your thesis committee submit a memo to the cognizant Associate Dean, in care of Graduate Services: Degrees, 318 Sproul Hall.  The memo must describe in detail the specific changes requested and must justify the reason for the request.  If the request is approved, the changes must be made prior to the official awarding of the degree.  Once your degree has been awarded, you may not make changes to the manuscript.

After your thesis is accepted by Graduate Services: Degrees, it is held here until the official awarding of the degree by the Academic Senate has occurred.  This occurs approximately two months after the end of the term.  After the degree has officially been awarded, the manuscripts are shipped to the University Library.

Posting the Degree to Your Transcript

Your degree will be posted to your transcript approximately 3 months after the conferral date of your degree.  You can order a transcript from the Office of the Registrar (https://registrar.berkeley.edu/academic-records/transcripts-diplomas/).

Diploma Your diploma will be available from the Office of the Registrar approximately 4 months after the conferral date of your degree.  For more information on obtaining your diploma, visit the Registrar’s website .  You can obtain your diploma in person at the Office of the Registrar, 120 Sproul Hall, or submit a form to have it mailed to you. Unclaimed diplomas are retained for a period of five (5) years only, after which they are destroyed.

If you require evidence that you have completed your degree requirements prior to the degree being posted to your transcript, request a “ Certificate of Degree Completion “.

Please note that we will not issue a Certificate of Completion after the degree has been posted to your transcript.

• The most common mistake is following a fellow (or previous) student’s example. Read the current guidelines carefully!
• An incorrect committee — the committee listed on your title page must match your currently approved committee. If you have made any changes to your committee since Advancement to Candidacy, you must request an official change from the Graduate Division. Consult your departmental adviser for details.
• Do not use a different name than that which appears in the system (i.e. the name on your transcript and Cal Central Profile). Students are allowed to use a Lived Name, which can be updated by self-service in CalCentral.
• Page numbers — Read the section on pagination carefully. Many students do not paginate their document correctly.
• Page rotation — some pages may be rotated to a landscape orientation. However, page numbers must appear in the same place throughout the document (as if it were bound like a book).
• Do not include the signature/approval page in your electronic thesis. Signatures will be provided electronically using the eForm.
• Do not include previous degrees on your title page.

In May, 2005, the Graduate Council established new guidelines for the inclusion of mixed media content in theses.  It was considered crucial that the guidelines allow theses s to remain as accessible as possible and for the longest period possible while balancing the extraordinary academic potential of these new technologies.

The thesis has three components: a core thesis, essential supporting material, and non-essential supplementary material.

Core Thesis.   The core thesis must be a self-contained, narrative description of the argument, methods, and evidence used in the thesis project.  Despite the ability to present evidence more directly and with greater sophistication using mixed media, the core thesis must provide an accessible textual description of the whole project.

The core thesis must stand alone and be printable on paper, meeting the formatting requirements described in this document. The electronic version of the thesis must be provided in the most stable and universal format available—currently Portable Document Format (PDF) for textual materials. These files may also include embedded visual images in TIFF (.tif) or JPEG (.jpg) format.

Essential Supporting Material.   Essential supporting material is defined as mixed media content that cannot be integrated into the core thesis, i.e., material that cannot be adequately expressed as text.  Your faculty committee is responsible for deciding whether this material is essential to the thesis.  Essential supporting material does  not  include the actual project data.  Supporting material is essential if it is necessary for the actual argument of the thesis, and cannot be integrated into a traditional textual narrative.

Essential supporting material  must  be submitted in the most stable and least risky format consistent with its representation (see below), so as to allow the widest accessibility and greatest chance of preservation into the future.

Non-essential Supplementary Material.   Supplementary material includes any supporting content that is useful for understanding the thesis, but is not essential to the argument. This might include, for example, electronic files of the works analyzed in the thesis (films, musical works, etc.) or additional support for the argument (simulations, samples of experimental situations, etc.).

Supplementary material is to be submitted in the most stable and most accessible format, depending on the relative importance of the material (see below). Clearly label the CD, DVD, audiotape, or videotape with your name, major, thesis title, and information on the contents. Only one copy is required to be filed with your thesis.  A second copy should be left with your department.

Note . ProQuest and the Library will require any necessary 3rd party software licenses and reprint permission letters for any copyrighted materials included in these electronic files.

The following is a list of file formats in descending order of stability and accessibility. This list is provisional, and will be updated as technologies change. Faculty and students should refer to the Graduate Division website for current information on formats and risk categories.

Category A:

• TIFF (.tif) image files
• WAV (.wav) audio files

Category B:

• JPEG, JPEG 2000 (.jpg) image files
• GIF (.gif) image files

Category C:

• device independent audio files (e.g., AIFF, MIDI, SND, MP3, WMA, QTA)
• note-based digital music composition files (e.g., XMA, SMF, RMID)

Category D:

• other device independent video formats (e.g., QuickTime, AVI, WMV)
• encoded animations (e.g., FLA or SWF Macromedia Flash, SVG)

For detailed guidelines on the use of these media, please refer to the Library of Congress website for digital formats at  http://www.digitalpreservation.gov/formats/index.shtml .

Q1: Can I file my thesis during the summer?

A1: Yes. There are 2 ways to file during the summer:

1)     If you have never used Filing Fee before AND you were registered during the immediately preceding spring semester, you can file your thesis during the summer with no further application or payment required. Simply submit your thesis as usual and the Graduate Division staff will confirm your eligibility. If you are an international student, you must consult the Berkeley International Office for guidance as this option may have visa implications for you.

2)     If you weren’t registered in spring, you can register for at least 1.0 unit through Berkeley Summer Sessions.

Q2: If I chose that option, does it matter which session I register in during the summer session?

A2: No. You can register for any of the sessions (at least 1.0 unit). The deadline will always be the last day of the last session.

Q3: If I file during the summer, will I receive a summer degree?

A3: Yes. If you file before the last day of summer session, you will receive an August degree. If you file during the summer, remember to write “Summer” on your title page!

Q1: I’ve seen other theses from former students that were / that had  __________, should I follow that format?

A1: No. The formatting guidelines can be changed from time to time, so you should always consult the most current guidelines available on our website.

Q2: I want to make sure that my thesis follows the formatting rules. What’s the best way to do this?

A2: If you’ve read and followed the current guidelines available on our website, there shouldn’t be any problems. You are also always welcome to bring sample pages into the Graduate Degrees Office at 318 Sproul Hall to have a staff member look over your manuscript.

Q3:  Does my signature page need to be printed on some special paper?

A3: Signatures are now an eForm process. A physical signature page is no longer required.

Q1: I’m away from Berkeley. Is there any way to file my thesis remotely?

A1: Yes! The whole process is done remotely.

Q2: Can I have a friend file my thesis for me?

A2: No. You will need to CalNet authenticate in order to file.

Q3: What’s a Receipt of Filing? Do I need one?

A3: The Receipt of Filing is an official document that we produce that certifies that you have successfully filed your thesis on the specified day and that, if all other requirements are met, the date of the degree conferral.

Some students may need the receipt in order to prove to an outside agency that they have officially filed their thesis. Many students simply keep the receipt as a memento. Picking up your receipt is not required.

Q4: What’s the difference between a Receipt of Filing and a Certificate of Completion?

A4: A Receipt of Filing is automatically produced for all students upon successful filing of their thesis. However, it only certifies that the thesis has been accepted. The Certificate of Degree Completion  must be requested. It will state that all requirements  have   been met and notes the date that the degree will be conferred. This is a useful document for students who file early in the semester and need some verification of their degree in advance of its conferral (note: degrees are only conferred twice each year).

Q5: How to I know if I’m eligible for a Certificate of Completion?

A5: In order to be eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion, you must:

1) Successfully file your thesis

2) Have a completed (satisfied) Academic Progress Report. Your department can assist you with this if you have questions.

3) Pay all of your registration fees. If you have a balance on your account, we may be unable to provide a Certificate of Completion.

Q6: I’m supposed to submit my approval letter for research with human subjects or vertebrate animals, but it turns out my research didn’t use this after all. What should I do?

A6: If you’re research protocol has changed since you advanced to candidacy for your degree, you’ll need to ask you thesis chair to write a letter to the Graduate Division explaining the change. It would be best to submit this in advance of filing.

Q7: My thesis uses copyrighted or previously published material. How to I get approval?

A7: The policy on this has recently changed. There is no need to for specific approval to be requested.

Q9: I found a typo in my thesis that has already been accepted! What do I do?

A9: Once a thesis has been submitted and accepted, no further changes will be permitted. Proofread your document carefully. Do not submit a draft. In extreme circumstances, your thesis chair may write a letter to the Graduate Division requesting additional changes to be made.

Q10: Oh no! A serious emergency has caused me to miss the filing deadline! What do I do? Are extensions ever granted?

A10: In general, no. In exceptional circumstances, the Head Graduate Advisor for your program may write to the Graduate Division requesting an extension. Requests of this type are considered on a case by case basis and, if granted, may allow you to file after the deadline. However, even if such an exception is granted you will receive the degree for the subsequent term. Your first step is to consult with your department if an emergency arises.

• For Businesses

Bachelor Theses

The central concept behind the thesis is choosing a specific and practical problem and solving it with the knowledge the student has acquired during their studies.

Theses that have reached grades 90% or higher will be published here in regular intervals. By special requests of some students, their theses will be withheld for a certain time period (5 years max.) and will be published after that. 

Acceptance of AI by hospitality professionals - Mauritio Maria Ernst Lux ( abstract ) ( full text )

Understanding Consumer Behavior of Purchase Intention on OTT Streaming Services Against Digital Piracy - Claudia Mak ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Veganism on Destination Choice - Anna Schuhmann ( abstract ) ( full text )

Climate Change Impact on the US Real Estate Market; with Particular Examination of the Sea Level Rise - Christian Kadletz ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Influence of Music Festivals on Young Adult’s Mental Well-Being - Alexia Wilmink ( abstract ) ( full text )

Influence of Meat Alternatives Usages on Customer Hotel Choice - Haram Kim ( abstract ) ( full text )

Food Waste in the Hospitality Industry: How food waste mitigation affects customer’s intention to visit - Cheuk Hay Harry Chan ( abstract ) ( full text )

How Should a Metaverse be Designed to Attract Consumers Going for a Virtual Vacation? - Tianhao Xu ( abstract ) ( full text )

Website Service Quality Investigation of a Medium Sized Tour Operator in the case of Senior Travelers - Julia Moser ( abstract ) ( full text )

Emotionally-Induced Digital Music Streaming Behaviors: A Look into the Emotional Drivers of Consumer Decision-Making in Song Selection - Ian Brandenburg ( abstract ) ( full text )

TikTok and Virality: Exploring emotional triggers through trending content as a branding marketing tool - Nina Gogl ( abstract ) ( full text )

Dark Tourism: Understanding the Attraction to Death A Case Study on the Paris Catacombs - Leo Weis ( abstract ) ( full text )

Comparison Between the Marketing Strategies of Luxury Fashion and Luxury Hospitality Industry in Hong Kong - Leung Ka Seem, Vanessa ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of COVID-19 on Travelers’ Destination Choice in Austria - Sabrina Kind ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Theory of Organizational Socialization and its Effect on Voluntary Employee Turnover: A critical incidents approach - Franziska Reichl ( abstract ) ( full text )

Influences of Night Shifts on Employee’s Mental Health in Hospitality - Abeer Juma ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Identification of Key ‘Green Industry’ Standards to Formulate a Catalogue for the International Hotel Industry - Fabian Flohr ( abstract ) ( full text )

Shaping the Guest Experience: How Personalized Services Improve Customer Satisfaction in Luxury Hotels and Create a Competitive Advantage - Carlotta Böhme ( abstract ) ( full text )

Employer Branding as a Tool to Facilitate Employee Retention - Richard Kummrov ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Country-of-Origin Effect in Airline Branding and its Impact on Booking Intentions - Julien David Behringer ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Role of Immerse Technology in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry - Donika Viqa ( abstract ) ( full text )

Sustainable Practices of Viennese City-centre and Outskirts Hotels - Beatrice Martinolli D’Arcy ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Influencer Marketing on Destination Choice - Florence Scholtes ( abstract ) ( full text )

How Can Business Process Automation Prepare Hotels to Increase Productivity in A Growing Digital World? - Felix Ferdinand Fuhrken ( abstract ) ( full text )

Observing the Significance of Digital Transformations in Post-Pandemic Hospitality - Samuel Theodore Humphrey Daniels ( abstract ) ( full text )

Tripadvisor's Influence on Customers' Booking Intentions in 5 Star Hotels - Alina Katharina Wehner ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Perceived Sustainability on Blockchain Adoption in the Hospitality Industry - Margarita Drozdova ( abstract ) ( full text )

Investigating the Drivers of Hotel Preferences Toward Minimalist Hotels - Sau Ching Chung ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Influence of Organizational Structures on Talent Development And Retention - Kay Gustav Dieckmann ( abstract ) ( full text )

How Different Aspects of Social Media Review Influence Staycation in Hong Kong - Luk Hei Yu, Rachel ( abstract ) ( full text )

Redifining the Idea of Luxory in the Hospitality Industry - Nora Grattoni ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Change of Customer Behavior and its Impact on Hotel Sustainability Management - Boya Zhang ( abstract ) ( full text )

Social Media Marketing and Gastronomic Tourism: the case of luxury restaurants in Italy - Giovanni Chizzolini ( abstract ) ( full text )

Assessing the Optimal Implementation of Artificial Intelligence Within the Hotel Industry for Generation Y - Jennifer Flöck ( abstract ) ( full text )

An Ecological-Economic Analysis of Allotment Gardens in Vienna from a Degrowth Perspective - Marie Greiner ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Challenges and Benefits of Implementing Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality in the Hotel Industry - Anna Elisabeth Thelen ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Different Leadership Styles on Employees’ Motivation and Workplace Satisfaction in the Financial Sector - Melanie Lechner ( abstract ) ( full text )

The influence of sustainable event management practices on consumers’ word-of-mouth and visit intention in the music event industry - Rada Assenova Kopreva ( abstract ) ( full text )

Are Attractions the Main Influencing Factor for Motivating Tourists to Travel to Dubai? - Donny de Wijs ( abstract ) ( full text )

Motivations and Intentions for Engaging in Dark Tourism - Isabel Jarl ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Role of Different Brand Collaborations on Influencers’ Trustworthiness in the Tourism Industry - Nina Rössler ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Gender Diversity in Leadership Positions in Asian Countries - Yan Wing Ng ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Long-Term Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Aviation Industry - Melánia Hudáková ( abstract ) ( full text )

Travel for Physical and Mental Health Improvement: Discovering the new concept of prescriptive health tourism - Nina Müller ( abstract ) ( full text )

Generational Differences in Using Social Media for Destination Choice - Lara Schischlik ( abstract ) ( full text )

Business Process Redesign in the Context of Quality Improvement Practices: Process modeling for the future state of a business process in the F&B department of a five-star hotel in Vienna - Soroush Golchini ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Shift in Significance of Hotel Choice and Satisfaction Attributes during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Respect of Changes made in the Hotel Industry  - Andre Schimanov ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Contribution of Influencers to Hotel Consumers' Decision-Making - Ka Wai Cartier Mok ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Role of Artificial Influencers in Tourism Marketing - Lara Schaffler ( abstract ) ( full text )

Social Media as a Promotional Strategy for Boutique Hotels - Felix Sung Chiu Ngui ( abstract ) ( full text )

How Movies influence the Destination Choice of Travellers - Sandra Smoliner ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Role of Travelling for Well-Being in Life Satisfaction - Darina Pashkovska ( abstract ) ( full text )

Identification of Motivation Strategies in Order to reduce Turnover in the Hospitality Industry - Markus Andre ( abstract ) ( full text )

Visiting Death and Life: tourists' motivation for engaging in dark tourism - Kathrin Gauß ( abstract ) ( full text )

Understanding the Impact of the #MeToo Movement on Leadership and Corporate Culture, with Regards to Female Inclusion and Value of Voices - Sara Praeceptor ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Perceived Talent Management Practice on Turnover Intention of Hotel Employee s - Tsz Ki Yau ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Main Drivers of Employee Retention: the case of Viennese luxury hotels - Jennifer Yanyu Hu ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Abolition of the Roaming Charges and its Effects on Tourist's Experience - Nadine Feigl ( abstract ) ( full text )

How popular culture influences Asia tourism trends within 10 years (especially in China and Korea)? - Wing Lam Venus Chow ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Role of Venture Capital in the Travel and Tourism Industry - Jan Alexander Jedlinski ( full text )

Motivational Differences among Millennial Participants and Non-Participants of Guided Coach Tours - Raphaela Böck ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of the “Salzburg Festival” on Salzburg’s Tourism Based on the Three Pillars of Sustainability - Francesca Baratta-Dragono ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Phenomenon of Dental Tourism: The Case Study of Hungary - Anna Margit Gergely ( abstract ) ( full text )

Environmental and socio-cultural impacts of small-scale open-air festivals - Anthi Koumoutsea ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of the Film Industry on Tourism - Andrea Zurdo Vara ( abstract ) ( full text )

Host Perceptions of Sociocultural Impacts of Tourism. The case of London, UK - Nina Jankovic ( full text )

Residents' Perspective on Overtourism in Vienna - Lara Maria Schmuck ( full text )

The Influence of Irregular Shifts on Stress Levels and the Human Psyche - Theresa Messerer ( full text )

Strategies to Cope with Climate Change in the Alpine Tourism Industry: The case of Zell am See-Kaprun - Lisa Unterganschnigg ( abstract ) ( full text )

Drivers of World War II Tourism: What motivations and factors attract tourists to WW2 sites - Karl Friedrich Thaler ( full text )

A Comparison Between Different Destination Image Measurement Constructs - Aboud Shahad ( abstract ) ( full text )

Eco-tourism for Youths in Austria - Katharina Strand ( full text )

Finding Women's Happiness in Hospitality: case study on how women feel at the beginning of their careers - Ruxandra Mihaela Baba ( full text )

Fighting Turnover: What do Viennese 5* hotels have to say about this? - Mengyuan Geng ( abstract ) ( full text )

To what extent do cultural differences diversify Tourism & Travel behavior and motivations? - Yannicka Thomas ( abstract ) ( full text )

Psychological Influences of Organizational Culture on Young Employees at Upscale Hotels - Kathatina Rakic ( abstract ) ( full text )

Impacts of Mass Tourism and Communication on the Image of a Destination: The Case of Barcelona - Paulin Heinrich ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impacts of Terrorism on Tourism in the EU - Alexander Meindl ( abstract ) ( full text )

Chatbots as an Approach for a Faster Enquiry Handling Process in the Service Industry - Alina Weissensteiner ( abstract ) ( full text )

Understanding the Influence of Movie Production on DMO Strategies: the Case of "Game of Thrones" series in European Destinations - Johanna Schlenk ( abstract ) ( full text )

Development of Eco-Tourism in Third World Countries - Anastasiia Zraichikova ( full text )

Hotel Review Platform Comparison: A case study of the 25hours Hotel at MuseumsQuartier in Vienna - Sophie Paiker ( abstract ) ( full text )

Key Value Drivers for Sustainable Restaurant Business Models  – Robert Suga ( abstract ) ( full text )

Evaluation of Personnel’s Brand Involvement in a Private University Setting: The case of MODUL University Vienna – Katharina Reichmann ( abstract ) ( full text )

`Greenwashing`: deceptive Business Claims of Ecological-Friendly Marketing Strategies of Different Airlines in the Star Alliance Group – Hannah Kermer ( abstract ) ( full text )

Generation Y travelers' Hotel Consideration: The impact of travel mode and reference room price – Louisa von Oertzen ( abstract ) ( full text )

Employed Technological Trends for Enhancing the Tourist Experience in Vienna: A benchmark approach - Isabella Postl ( abstract ) ( full text )

Vienna Calling, Vienna Controlling: Crowd Management Dealing with Visitor Growth – Yasmin Taga ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Motivations of Airbnb Hosts and the Effects on their Lives - Ludmila Tibulschi ( abstract ) ( full text )

Comparison of Forecasting Methods for Stock Prices of Consumer Electronics Market - Selin Üzelgecici ( abstract ) ( full text )

Analyzing the Potential for Developing Luxury Tourism in Bulgaria - Katrin Malcheva ( abstract ) ( full text )

An Exploratory Analysis of the Barriers to Implementation of the Revenue Management in Upscale Hotel Restaurants in Vienna - Iryna Andrukh ( full text )

Training and Security in the Aviation Industry - Ines Prinz ( full text )

Examining the Interplay of Socio- and Economic Factors on the Financial Effects of Student Loans in Europe - David Kilian ( abstract ) ( full text )

The role of sound in audiovisual advertisements in prompting anger and its effects on brand image and purchase intention - Kathrin Zeller ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Contribution of Instagram to the Popularity and Promotion of Music Artists - Anna Lashmanova ( abstract ) ( full text )

Consumers’ Perception of Greenwashing in the Food Industry - Anna Maria Erhardt ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Development of Sustainable Construction in the European Union: Exploring Benefits and Challenges - Gregor Aichbichler ( abstract ) ( full text )

Workplace Motivators in Millennials and Generation Z: An Austrian and South African Perspective - Linda Vallant ( abstract ) ( full text )

An Investigation into Email Marketing Success: What Drives Recipient Engagement? - Raghda Albattal ( abstract ) ( full text )

Factors that Impact European Tourists’ Choices on Mode of Transportation - Kristi Miha ( abstract ) ( full text )

Implications of Hyperinflation on Economic Activities: The example of the Former Yugoslavia - Nevena Panić ( abstract ) ( full text )

End Consumers’ Perceptions of Blockchain-Enabled Traceability Systems in the Food Industry - Nikol Xheli ( abstract ) ( full text )

Exploring Innovative Financing Strategies for Illicit Flows: A Study of Current Trends and Implications - Younis Allosh ( abstract ) ( full te xt )

The Integration of Contemporary African Art into Western Auction Houses - Lena Frank ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Growing Relevance of Social Media Marketing and Augmented Reality in the Premium Residential Real Estate Market - Clara Sophie Pabinger ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Development of the Viennese Wirtshaus through the Commercialization of Veganism - Nikola Konstantin Stupar ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Contribution of New Technologies in Increasing Persuasion of Social Media Marketing - Jiafen Zhan ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Emergence of Alternative Workspaces in Redefining the Future of Work: A Qualitative Study - Angelika Leiler ( abstract ) ( full text )

Connection of Innovative Strategies and Technologies with the Interests of Different Stakeholders: A Case Study of Ukrainian Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Main Sectors - Roksolana Hrodzitska ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Implications of Universal Basic Income for Higher Education in Austria - Sandro E. Mangold ( abstract ) ( full text )

Social Media and its effects on adolescents’ mental health - Neza Susnik ( abstract ) ( full text )

Agile Project Management Methods and Techniques and their Influence on Start-ups - Viktor Georgiev ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Music on Athletes’ Motivation - Petra Dragičević ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Contribution of Instagram to Increasing Customer Engagement of Austrian-based Food and Beverage Startups - Victoria Klein ( abstract ) ( full text )

Effects of Influencer Marketing in the Cryptocurrency Sector - Matteo Bertoletti ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Development of Employer Branding in the hotel industry through new media - Lea Weichselbaumer ( abstract ) ( full text )

Netflix's Machine Learning: The correlation between film selection based on tailored thumbnails and genre preference - Emily Viola Brunner ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Transformational Leadership and Organizational Culture on CSR - Ariana Vorobeva ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Non-Fungible Tokens on Collectors and Artists - Paul Laurenz Kapl ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Socioeconomic Impacts of COVID-19 on the Manufacturing Industry in Vietnam - Carl Becker ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Role of Intermediaries in the Energy Transition Process of Companies in Vienna. The Example of klimaaktiv  - Klara Losert ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Effects of Customer Feedback on the Intrinsic Motivation of Employees within the Restaurant Industry - Tristan Ganahl ( abstract ) ( full text )

Co-Branding between Luxury and Mass Brands: its influence on consumers’ purchase intention - Eszter Schmidt ( abstract ) ( full text )

Examining the Factors that affect Housing Affordability in London - Beatrice Maier ( abstract ) ( full text )

Industrial Policy Options for a Post-Pandemic Global Economy - Anastasiia Solomakha ( abstract ) ( full text )

Passenger Intentions Toward the Use of Self-Service Technologies in the Air Transport Industry - Noel Demko ( abstract ) ( full text )

Examining Ethiopia’s Socioeconomic Development since 2010: An Examination of Development Strategies - Charlotte Haskamp ( abstract ) ( full text )

Examining the Consequences of Social Media Use on People’s Wellbeing - Szabolcs Olah ( abstract ) ( full text )

Data Analysis and Prediction with Medical Data and the Resulting Opportunities for Companies in the Medical Industry On the basis of an example analysis - Paul Zeileis ( abstract ) ( full text )

Exploring Innovative Financing Strategies for Illicit Flows: A Study of Current Trends and Implications - Younis Allosh ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Micro Influencer Marketing on Brand Image - Charlize Diehl ( abstract ) ( full text )

Consumers' Responses to Various Corporate Strategies aiming to cope with Ethical Failures in Companies - Lucia Klepetková ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Contribution of Generational Diversity to Employee’s Work Satisfaction - Stefanie Repnik ( abstract ) ( full text )

Gender Barrier: A Qualitative Approach to Gender Issues Present in Social and Work Environments - Seyed Amirhesam Pishnamazi ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Influencer Marketing on Brand Image and Brand’s Trustworthiness in the Fashion Industry - Valeriya Savyak ( abstract ) ( full text )

Can Digital Currencies Serve as an Everyday Means of Payment in Commerce? - Alexander Pink ( abstract ) ( full text )

Evolution of Cryptocurrency: Changes in the Use and Consumers’ Demands for Digital Transactions - Sahil Raza ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Covid-19 on Sponsor Agreements in Football in the Balkan Region - Milos Milojevic ( abstract ) ( full text )

Factors Influencing GenZ´s Intention to Purchase an Electric Vehicle - Fabio L. Santana Stork ( abstract ) ( full text )

Differences In Expectations And Demands on Leadership Between Students And Full-Time Employees - Moritz Schweitzer ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Relevance of Destination Placements in Movies for Tourism in Slovenia - Sara Siftar ( abstract ) ( full text )

To What Extent Do Health And Environmental Attitudes Influence The Purchase Behaviour Of Organic Food - Maximilian Knauer ( abstract ) ( full text )

What is the Role of Customer Centricity in Traditional Banks? - Ivan Ananiev ( abstract ) ( full text )

Different Leadership Styles and Their Impact on Generation Z's Employee Motivation - Katarina Nikolic ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Use Of Foreign Language On Product Packaging - Chih-Chi Luo ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) on Investment Choices in the Art Market - Laurids Walkensteiner ( abstract ) ( full text )

How the Floor Plan Layout of a Casino can Improve Customer Relations and Revenue for the Central and Eastern European Market - Nico Weissengruber ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Hotel Supply Chains in Vienna - Lukas Kriegler ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Contribution of Transformational Leadership in Developing Intrinsic Motivation and Creativity of Employees - Eleonore Rupprecht ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Financial Effects of Sustainable Strategies in the Austrian Construction Industry - Felix Rametsteiner ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Development of Augmented Reality in the Retail Sector during the Covid-19 Pandemic - Milena Deenichina ( abstract ) ( full text )

Drivers of Investment Intention in Cryptocurrencies: Before and during COVID-19 - Mona Rotim ( abstract ) ( full text )

Factors Contributing to Brand Alliances Success - Gabriela Damyanova ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Influence of Health and Taste Claims in Consumer Perception of Food Products and Purchasing Intentions - Lauren Kelly ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Product Placements on Brand Attitude - Katharina Vilimsky ( abstract ) ( full text )

To What Extent do Health and Environmental Attitudes Influence the Purchase Behaviour of Organic Food - Maximilian Knauer ( abstract ) ( full text )

Gen Z’s Capacity for Leadership - William Burelli ( abstract ) ( full text )

Factors That Contribute to E-Loyalty in an Online Furniture Retailing Business - Nikolaus Huainigg ( abstract ) ( full text )

Which Budgets are Needed to Successfully Compete in the First and Second Professional Football Level in Austria? Is it Realistic for First Vienna FC to Play at the Second or First Level in Austria ? - Floris van Zaanen ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Underrepresentation of Women in Austrian Leadership Positions - Viktoria Julia Heinzl ( abstract ) ( full text )

Hotel Clustering & Sustainability: A Comparative Case Study of European Eco-certified Clustered and Unclustered Hotels - Eleonora Peruzzi ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Blockchain Technology on Hotel Booking Systems - Michael Katschnig ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Influence of Entrepreneurial Innovation on the Economic Development of Bulgaria - Daniela Ilieva ( abstract ) ( full text )

TripAdvisor reviews vs. Instagram posts: influence on consumer restaurant choice from Viennese perception -   Isidora Radujkovic ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Integration of the Republic of Albania in the European Union Economy: the case of the banking system of Albania - Ardita Bendo ( abstract ) ( full text )

Online VS. Offline shopping, impact of Covid-19 on the digitalization process in Austria - Maximilian Matz ( abstract ) ( full text )

Vertically Integrated Companies in Luxembourg: A case study on the organic grocery market - Rick Walentiny ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Influence of Emotional Customer Reviews on Perceived Usefulness, Credibility, and Booking Intention - Violetta Mucha ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Viennese Luxury Hotel Industry - Maximilian Strobl ( abstract ) ( full text )

Long-Term Effect of COVID-19 Outbreak on Consumer Behavior and Online Retail in the United Kingdom - Fedor Volchkov ( abstract ) ( full text )

Factors Consumers Consider When Purchasing Eyeglasses - Julian Tallier ( abstract ) ( full tex t )

Profiling Some Central and Eastern European Craft Beer Breweries through their Branding Strategies - Albert Andras ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Effects of Artificial Intelligence in the Future Economy - In Hong Kim ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Social Media Marketing on Customers´ Purchasing Intention in the Cosmetics Industry - Laura Höfer ( abstract ) ( full text )

Traditional VS. Virtual Banks in Ukraine: is there a pendulum swing happening impart due to COVID-19 - Maxim Zemtsov ( abstract ) ( full text )

A Research Study of how Equal Employment Opportunities are Practiced in Azerbaijan: A comparison look at local and international companies - Rashid Sadikhov ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Success Factors in Social Media Marketing in Start-Ups and Small and Medium Enterprises - Eva Johanna Vipavc ( abstract ) ( full text )

COVID-19 Country Comparison - The economic impact of the crisis management in Austria and Sweden - Roxelane Schön ( abstract ) ( full text )

The effects of the Covid-19 crisis on climate change mitigation and adaptation measures: The case study of Tyrolian holiday hotels - Julia Pulai ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Applicability of Austrian Support Measures during the COVID-19 crisis for Viennese Cafés - Linda Korak ( abstract ) ( full text )

Economic development in Slovakia during five cabinet ministers from 1998 until the present and its influence on SMEs - Soňa Cecília Hrivňáková ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Effect of Virtual Showrooms on The Watch Purchasing Process - Michaela Riedl & Kolja Heimberger ( abstract ) ( full text )

A Comparison of Consumers’ Perceptions of Sustainable Supply Chains Between the Luxury and the Fast Fashion Industry - Laura Ivaci ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Influence of Eco-Labels and their Diagnosticity on Credibility Perceptions, Consumer Trust and Visit Intentions in the Fashion Industry - Bertram Ponocny ( abstract ) ( full text )

A comparison between businesses and the general public when it comes to tax evasion and government fiscal policies. The case study of Albania  - Lorena Agalliu ( abstract ) ( full text )

Changing Cryptocurrency Perceptions: An Experimental Study - Evgenii Gorbunov ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Phenomenon of Consumer’s Showrooming behavior and what drives it  - Karapet Baghdasaryan ( full text )

The Role Of CSR with relation to Global Warming and its effects on Consumer Purchasing Behaviour in the fashion industry - Craig Leslie Pereira ( full text )

The Influence of Tradition on Consumer Behavior - Milica Jojic ( abstract ) ( full text )

Economic Development vs Debt Trap: Is China's involvement in East Africa's economy a front to take over the region for strategic purposes? A case study of Tanzania - Hamed Al Habsi ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Future Outlook regarding the Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on Consumers' Food Purchase Behavior: A Case Study of Satu Mare, Romania - Marck Serban Pereni ( abstract ) ( full text )

Examining the Potential Benefits of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan on the Socioeconomic Systems of the Republic of Bulgaria - Sofia Rossen Jeliazkova ( abstract ) ( full text )

Successful Team Management in the Means of Increasing Team Performance and the Work Environment - Luis Eßmann ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Sustainability on SMEs and Company Valuation Methods to Measure Sustainable Development in SMEs - Paulina Rath ( abstract ) ( full text )

Social Perceptions of Women Executives at Work - Keisi Koni ( abstract ) ( full text )

What are Challenges Women face in the Workplace, especially in the Law Industry in France? - Chloé Staufer-Wierl ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Influence of the Role of Social Media on Generation Z's Choice to visit "Instagrammable Destinations" - Sebastian Janke ( abstract ) ( full text )

In what Way do Instagram Influencers impact the Promotion of Music Festivals among Millennials? - Josephine Nittel ( abstract ) ( full text )

What Start-Up Persona leads to Venture Capital Investment and why? - Denis Morozov ( full text )

The Role of Trust in Influencer Marketing when promoting two competing Brands - Anna Lechner ( abstract ) ( full text )

The NIS Law - a milestone for security standards - Larissa Reichl ( full text )

The Short Term and Medium Term Implications of the Brexit on the British Economy and its Industries - Isabelle Christin Sorf ( full text )

An Assessment of Trust in Blockchains and Bitcoin in Financial Applications - Hannah Nicole Griesmayr ( full text ) 

Investigating the Motivation of visiting a Dark Tourism Site - Ling Fung Hung ( abstract ) ( full text )

Can Fashion Retailers operate in a more socially and environmentally responsible Way, and which are the feasable approaches? - Mak Ho Sze ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Effects of Film-induced Tourism on the city of Dubrovnik from the Residents' Perception - Marlon Anthony Don Schmidt ( full text )

How does Economic Development affect Quality of Life in China and Taiwan in the past 40 Years - Pin Fei Huang ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Potential in Blockchain in Improving SME's Performance in Times of Crisis: the case of Slovenia - Zan Span ( abstract ) ( full text )

Impact of employee CSF in job satisfaction among developed and developing countries. A case study of Austria and Morocco - Karanfila Popovic ( abstract ) ( full text )

Exploring the Most Mentioned Factors of Why eSports has Grown so much in the Years of 2015 till 2020 - Lorenz Hirsch ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Effect of the European Corporate Green Bonds on Environmental Pollution - Gregor Potisk ( abstract ) ( full text )

Managing Intercultural Teams - Kristina Chaplik ( abstract ) ( full text )

Risk and Return of different Hedge Fund Strategies during the Financial Crisis 2008 - Jakob Kronawetter ( abstract ) ( full text )

The impact of blockchain technology on the music industry from the artists' perspective - Maximilian Kumptner ( abstract ) (full text)

Investment in Human Capital, in regard to the Direct Physical Work Environment, and its Effect on Productivity - Tara Shirepazazari ( abstract ) ( full text )

E-Invoicing in The Austrian Retail Sector: How to Increase Consumer Willingness to Adopt the New Technology - Daniel Mittheis ( full text )

Online versus offline grocery shopping: a segmentation approach - Richard Hinkelmann ( abstract ) ( full text )

Words decide what we eat - How sensory descriptive attributes on restaurant menus influence our food choice - Leonie Rocek ( abstract ) ( full text )

How employee satisfaction influences the attitudes towards innovation between Thailand and Austria - Patrizia Spiess ( abstract ) ( full text )

Outlier Detection, Explanation and Prediction: The influence of events on TV ratings - Sarah Fuchs ( abstract ) ( full text )

LGBTQ+ In Your Area - Dominique Dietz ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Generational Diversity on Organizational Culture within the Hotel Industry - Katharina Simic ( abstract ) ( full text )

How do Companies Benefit from Sponsoring an Event - Ariane Haager ( abstract ) ( full text )

An Assessment of Trust in Blockchain-based Assets and Technologies - Grigory Shkrbich ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Influencer Marketing in the Fitness Industry on Consumer's Trust - Rebecca Baranow ( abstract ) ( full text )

Responsible Gambling and the Communication to Customers through Casino Websites - Alexander Ullmann ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Performance of Impact Investing – a market comparison - Maximilian Schmerold ( abstract ) ( full text )

Trade Liberalization, The 2008 Food Price Crisis and The Philippines and Bangladesh's Efforts in Improving Food Security - Usman Abubakar ( abstract ) ( full text )

Internal Communication and Leadership: the effects on teams’ performances - Marcel Fassl ( abstract ) ( full text )

What makes a great Leader in the Hospitality Industry: the role of gender - Lucia Harbuláková ( abstract ) ( full text )

Service Quality in the Albanian Banking Sector - Aldi Ruli ( full text )

Gender Gap: Female Leader’s Perceptions in the Case of Austria - Katrin Schula ( abstract ) ( full text )

Implicit Patterns of Thoughts in Management in the Theoretic Methodic Field of Cognitive Framing - a cognitive discourse analysis of in-depth interviews - Martina Gragger ( abstract ) ( full text )

A Consumer Perspective on Shared Mobility Concepts: the case of GoUrban Vienna - Felix Painsi ( abstract ) ( full text )

Impact of Digitization and Web Technologies on Supply Chain Integration in Aviation MRO - Ivana Ivosevic ( full text )

Apple's iPhones in the Customer's Eyes: which features are the most important and what will the future bring? - Orsolya Schmidt ( abstract ) ( full text )

Marketing Tactics used by Early Stage Startups, an analysis of the Viennese startup scene  - Catharina Chalupa ( abstract ) ( full text )

Consumer Behavior of Female Millennials in the Case of Louis Vuitton: implications for Luxory Brand Management Practices  - Kristina Artner ( abstract ) ( full text )

Car Sharing as a new Dimension of Transportation among Millennials - Istvan Tamas Bito ( abstract ) ( full text )

Opinion Mining and Sentiment Analysis using Rapidminer - Parishek Singh Chauhan ( abstract ) ( full text )

Customer Relationship Management: analyzing differences of complaint management processes and procedures within the hotel environment: an investigation of differences between hotelgroups, individually/privately/family-owned hotels and non-classified lifestyle hotels within the luxury industry - Victoria Finger ( abstract ) ( full text )

Organizational Culture: A Link to High Performance – Nina Kollárová ( abstract ) ( full text )

How Does Search Advertisement Position Influence Readers' Awareness, Consideration and Willingness to Pay? – Fabian Kostrhon ( abstract ) ( full text )

Perception of the Service in Airlines: a comparison of Generation X and Generation Y – Diana Palnychenko ( abstract ) ( full text )

Human Resource Management in the Music Industry: Chances and Risks of New Platforms such as “SynchronStage” - Andreas Karall ( full text )

Pet Care Industry: Business Overview and Opportunities - Serena Ng ( abstract ) ( full text )

Identifying Product Values in the Corporate Sphere and Instilling these Values in Employees - Hubertus Kiesling ( abstract ) ( full text )

To What Extent Does Your Job Influence Your Overall Happiness? - Annika Lange ( abstract ) ( full text )

Change in Cultural Behaviour within the European Union, due to Impact of terroristic Activities and the Syrian refugee crisis, Case Study: “Brexit” - Markus Neubrand ( full text )

The role of Social Media in the Tourism Industry in Austria (How does Austria implement the social media to attract tourists?) - Liana Sabanaeva ( abstract ) ( full text )

Positive economic impact of a Free Trade Zone in the Dominican Republic - Thomas Wagner ( abstract ) ( full text )

Additional Information

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FINAL THESIS.

You learn from us – we learn from you. The BMW Group offers you professional support in writing your Bachelor's or Master's thesis with practical relevance. In all areas of the BMW Group, you can show how you would like to shape the future in a sustainable way.

BACHELOR'S AND MASTER'S THESES.

Are you an enrolled student at a university and would like to write your thesis with a high level of practical relevance and delve deeply into a specific field of research? Start as a Bachelor or Master student. General conditions.

• The paid contract period for your final thesis depends on the processing time specified in the examination regulations of your university and the corresponding degree programme (Bachelor's or Master's).
• You do not have any prescribed working hours during the contract period. Your work serves the purpose of writing your thesis. Therefore, you can plan your working hours individually in consultation with your department.
• After completion, you are required to provide the BMW Group with a copy of your thesis.

DISCOVER OUR POSITIONS FOR FINAL THESIS PROJECTS.

What awaits you as a bachelor's or master's student..

ONLINE WELCOME DAY.

At the beginning of your assignment, you will be welcomed by an online welcome event. Here you will receive all important information and content about your assignment as well as exciting and current insights into future topics of the company. 

STUDENT INITIATIVE NAWI.

NAWI is a student-founded initiative of the BMW Group. NAWI offers exchange and networking opportunities and organises exciting events at our various German locations. This way, you can network right from the start.

OWN PROJECTS.

We place special emphasis on your professional and personal development. Therefore, you have the opportunity to take responsibility for your own exciting projects during your assignment. 

During your thesis at the BMW Group, you will be assigned a permanent supervisor. This person will help you with all your questions right from the start, give you regular feedback and support you in a strength-oriented manner.

LECTURE SERIES.

In order to know early on how you can continue with us after your thesis, we regularly offer presentations on our entry-level programmes. Current participants in our different talent programmes will inform you about the programmes and answer your questions.

REGULAR FEEDBACK.

It is very important for us to receive regular feedback from you, as this is the only way we can improve and offer optimal opportunities. You will also receive feedback from your supervisor to support your professional and personal development.

WHAT WE OFFER.

CHECK OUT OUR BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS.

Experiences of our bachelor and master students..

Discover more.

EVENTS FOR STUDENTS.

Entry and Scholarship Programmes.

Internship Opportunities for Students.

More From Forbes

10 high-paying states for a bachelor’s degree in 2024.

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The state you reside in has a major impact on your salary and career potential

Can location impact your salary?

A new study from Career.io proves more than ever that, at least for bachelor degree-holders, it certainly does.

If you're graduating this year—or have recently graduated—making money might be easier than you think, if you simply move to another state.

According to research, how much more a college graduate in the U.S. earns compared to their non-graduate counterparts, depends heavily on two factors: your skill set, and where you live. There are some states in which employers will pay significantly more than others, because of your degree.

The Career.io study dug into U.S. Census data and revealed the U.S. cities and states with the highest salary premiums for college graduates. Out of them all, California ranked the highest, with college graduates making on average 96% more than non-grads. And in the top cities for highest-paying jobs for those with a bachelor's degree, 40% of cities listed were based in The Golden State.

This is perhaps explainable due to California being the tech hub of America, because of its well-known Silicon Valley, which hosts Big Tech employers, who of course, pay significantly more than other companies and industries.

However, it's worth noting that many companies such as Google or turning away from degrees as an educational requirement, to skills-based hiring. This is why it is even more essential to focus on developing your soft skills and work ethic before graduating this summer, because these qualities are what employers are looking for and they will help you stand out as a candidate.

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New ios 18 ai security move changes the game for all iphone users, world war i tactics make a comeback as a ukrainian gunner in the back of a propeller plane shoots down a russian drone.

Some of these core, in-demand skills that you need to ensure you have, or are at least working towards, before you graduate, include:

• Communication skills
• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Time management
• Leadership skills
• AI (artificial intelligence) awareness/AI savvy

Now, let's take a look at the data uncovered from the study to see where you should consider making a move this year as you prepare to launch your career for the long-term:

• Massachusetts
• Connecticut

Digging into the data further uncovers some startling facts that can help inform your decision-making, particularly if you are in the process of selecting a state in which to study or work.

First, it's important to note that with high wages, comes higher costs of living. For example, the cost of living in California and New York is notoriously high, however you may be able to get around this if you secure a high-paying job.

California's highest paying bachelor's degrees include majors in business, finance, engineering, and computer science technology. Meanwhile, the Empire State boasts high-paying roles within the medical and healthcare industry, such as pediatric surgeon (average pay $415,000) or cardiologist (average pay $348,000), as well as Chief Executive Officer roles, so it only makes sense to pursue medical and business management fields of study if you wish to sustain yourself comfortably in New York.

New Jersey, on the other hand, claims the third spot in highest-paying state for bachelor's degree, with Zippia research revealing that the highest-paying jobs in the state are consultant and sales representative, finance services director, president/CEO, vice president, field operations, and chief medical officer.

While some of these roles may require a master's degree, nonetheless, majoring in business management, finance, or a medical degree can be your ticket to financial success in New Jersey.

Ultimately, location does have a major impact on your how much money you make, and your long-term career success. Choosing where to study, live, and work, is one of the most critical decisions you will make for your personal finances, and for your career.

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Product Design Thesis Showcase

Posted in: Announcements

We are thrilled to extend to you a special invitation to Montclair State University’s highly anticipated Product Design Thesis Showcase! This event promises to be an inspiring celebration of creativity, innovation, and the culmination of months of hard work by our talented product design students. Whether you’re an industry professional seeking fresh talent, a design enthusiast looking for inspiration, or simply curious about the future of product design, this event is sure to captivate and inspire you featuring groundbreaking concepts, captivating presentations, and an engaging interactive Q&A session.

For nearly two decades, our renowned Product Design program has been dedicated to shaping the next generation of industry leaders. We take immense pride in our graduates’ achievements, with many securing coveted positions at over 80 major companies across the US and abroad, including prestigious names like Movado Group, Under Armour, Nike, and more.

Our program’s success is rooted in a robust curriculum that emphasizes Design Thinking and User-centered Design. We’ve forged valuable partnerships with leading industry organizations such as IDSA and esteemed companies like Revo, Helen of Troy, and Movado Group, offering our students unparalleled opportunities to engage with professionals in real-world settings. However, our students’ accomplishments extend far beyond the classroom. They’ve demonstrated their prowess by clinching top honors in national competitions, including 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the National Traffic Safety Design Competition and 2nd place in the Under Armour design competition. Moreover, their commitment to community projects is commendable, having contributed their talents to initiatives like designing habitat rooms for the Montclair Animal Shelter and building a playground for the Montclair YMCA.

We cordially invite you to witness firsthand the remarkable talent and dedication of our senior Product Design students. Your presence will undoubtedly enhance this celebration of creativity and innovation.

• Product Design Senior Presentation
• May 6, 2024, 6:00 pm
• School of Communication and Media Presentation Hall

Beyond Pay: Unique Duke Employee Benefits for Unique Needs

With Personal Benefits Statements sent to staff and faculty in May, five colleagues share how their benefits have helped them as part of their total compensation

At times in in his life, Thomas Studnicky wasn’t covered by medical insurance. With every healthcare encounter coming with a potential expense, the need to get care for a problem was always weighed against how much it might cost.

In October of 2023, a year after joining Duke, Studnicky experienced abdominal pain bad enough to send him to the emergency room, but affording the care wasn’t something he was concerned about.

During his visit, Duke doctors discovered an issue that led to Studnicky, 27, having intestinal surgery a few months later. In total, the emergency room visit, two-night inpatient stay, specialist visit and surgery cost Studnicky $805 in co-pays.

“I think that says a lot about the commitment Duke has made to its people,” said Studnicky, a Residence Coordinator for Duke Student Affairs . “They care about us outside of work and that shows up in our most vulnerable times.”

In the past year, Duke paid about $3.6 billion in direct pay and spent $901 million on total benefits for its workforce. It contributed $249 million to retirement plans and spent $447 million on health care expenses for roughly 74,000 people covered by Duke’s plans, and each of those lives is unique.

In May, benefits-eligible Duke University and Duke University Health System staff and faculty will receive a personal benefits statement that provides an individualized view of their total compensation. With employee-specific information on the amount Duke contributes to their health insurance plan, life insurance and disability coverage, and retirement plans, the statement showcases how Duke’s investments go beyond gross pay.

“For us to remain an employer of choice, we have to make sure we meet the needs of our employees of all walks and all stages of life,” said Antwan Lofton, Vice President for Duke Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer. “Whether they are fresh out of college starting their career, or they are at a supervisor or director level or a tenured faculty, we have to have benefits that fit their lives.”

While the numbers that go into Duke’s benefits are large, each life touched by has its own individual story. We caught up with some Duke colleagues to hear how Duke’s benefits fit their unique needs.

A Bachelor’s Degree at Age 44

When Sabrina Jeter-Chambers graduated from high school, attending college was a goal, just not an attainable one at the time.

“I had a lot going on,” said Jeter-Chambers, now 51. “Life just happened.”

But life gave Jeter-Chambers, a Patient Account Associate in Duke Health’s Provider Enrollment Department, another chance, and in 2017, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Pfeiffer University with the help of Duke’s Employee Tuition Assistance Program . The benefit provides eligible employees with up to $5,250 per calendar year to pay for eligible classes from accredited institutions.

The online courses that Jeter-Chambers completed were challenging, but she said knowing that Duke, where she’s worked for 25 years, was investing in her journey gave her motivation. And now, with a deeper understanding of how healthcare systems work and what patients and providers face, Jeter-Chambers said she’s able to provide better service to the Duke Health colleagues who lean on her.

“I had a lot of fear about going to a four-year college,” Jeter-Chambers sad. “What if I fail? What if I don’t do well? That was always in the back of my mind. But as I got older, being at Duke as long as I have been, it was something I kept thinking about. And with the tuition assistance program, I just figured, why not? I can do this.”

A Place for New Parents

In January 2020, Emilie Dye returned from maternity leave and was immediately on the move.

At the time, Dye had an office in Few Quad and supervised a team that included staff and students working in the Bryan Center, meaning her days were filled with trips between the two buildings. As she was bolting around campus, she also had to find time to pump breastmilk roughly three times each day for her daughter, Joslyn.

That’s when she gained a special appreciation for the lactation pod in the Bryan Center. Installed in 2019, the pod is one of several spaces on campus set aside for breastfeeding mothers and part of the reason Duke has been singled out as a good place to work for women and parents .

With her three daily pumping sessions blocked off on her Outlook calendar, Dye would make regular visits to the quiet, private space with comfortable seating and adjustable lighting.

“It was nice because it was a quiet space,” said Dye, now Director of Strategic Student Engagement for Student Affairs. “It was a great place to decompress. It felt very Zen. You could do what you needed to do, eat a snack and just breathe. You felt like everything was going to be fine.”

Supporting Healthy Routines

Two years ago, when Jonathan Chen spoke with a manager at  Fuel Fitness gym about becoming a member, he was asked where he works. When he said Duke, the gym manager told him to check out the Duke Fitness Club , which is operated by LIVE FOR LIFE , Duke’s employee wellness program.

The club manages memberships to eligible area gyms for Duke faculty and staff, often at reduced rates and without long-term commitments. And the monthly gym memberships are paid through payroll deduction.

Through the Duke Fitness Club, Chen, a Pathologists’ Assistant in Duke University Hospital’s Surgical Pathology Lab, was able to get a discounted membership to Fuel Fitness for being a Duke employee.

Four days a week, Chen visits Fuel Fitness after work and does a weight training circuit he crafted with a personal trainer during one of the complimentary personal training sessions available to each gym member. He works his shoulders on Monday, biceps and back on Tuesday, chest and triceps on Wednesdays and he never skips working his legs on Thursdays.

“It’s such a stress-reliever,” Chen said. “Working in a fast-paced, high-volume laboratory like Surgical Pathology can be very stressful. So it’s nice to head to the gym after work, put on your headphones and just work out to decompress from the day.”

Catching Up on Savings

For much of her adult life, Lillian Rodermond , 43, was a stay-at-home mother to her two children. A few years ago, after several life changes, she rejoined the workforce, seeking financial security for herself.

While she found a few jobs she enjoyed, she wasn’t able to save much for retirement. It wasn’t until roughly two years ago, when she joined the staff of the Department of Cultural Anthropology, that she felt she was building a secure future.

“Once I got to Duke, I felt like I was able to begin making up for lost time,” said Rodermond, who moved into the role of the Business Manager for the Department of Romance Studies last year.

Rodermond now puts 15% of her paycheck into her 403(b) account with the Duke Faculty and Staff Retirement Plan . As part of the plan, Duke also contributes a certain amount each month.

“Everything is more expensive now, so you can always look at your paycheck and wish it was higher,” Rodermond said. “But when you see the stuff that’s not part of your paycheck, and you know that it’s going toward your retirement savings, which are creeping up higher and higher, you realize you’re earning more than you think.”

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