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Three Article Dissertation Format

For EPPL PhD students

Format and Requirements

Although the format of the three-article dissertation is different, the expectations for a final and approved dissertation remain the same. Additionally, the format should align with the most current APA guidelines. The following outline provides a guide for developing the three-article dissertation:

Format for a Three-Article Dissertation

Front Matter, as in a traditional dissertation format, to include:

  • Cover page
  • Copyright page (if applicable)
  • Dedication (optional)
  • Acknowledgements (Optional)
  • Abstract (synthesizing three articles and work as a whole)
  • Table of Contents
  • List of Tables (if applicable) 
  • List of Figures (if applicable)
Traditional Chapter 1, to include (if applicable):
  • Introduction to overarching topic
  • Theoretical framework and its application to the topic
  • Executive summary of the three studies
  • Statement of the problem
  • Definition of terms

Chapter/Article 1, to include:
  • Subsections of article (Introduction, Review of Literature, Method, Findings, Conclusion)
  • Reference List
  • Appendices (if applicable)
Chapter/Article 2, to include:
  • Subsections of article (Introduction, Review of Literature, Method, Findings,
    Conclusion)
  • Reference List
  • Appendices (if applicable)
  •  Chapter/Article 3, to include:
  • Subsections of article (Introduction, Review of Literature, Method, Findings,
    Conclusion)
  • Reference List
  • Appendices (if applicable)
Traditional Chapter 5, to include (if applicable):
  • Summary of key findings
  • Discussion/Implications – Integration of key findings from the three articles
  • Implications for future research to include informing one’s own future research agenda and recommendations for others
Back Matter, to include:
  •  References for chapters 1 and 5
  • Appendices
  • Vita