A dissertation is an academic document which is prepared for a post-graduate level degree from a reputed university. Typically a dissertation is a compilation of theories, research, experiments, conclusions and/or discourses which are based on a single topic related to a particular field of study. Once a dissertation is completed and accredited by the examiners, the student will transform into a foremost expert in their field of study with respect to the topic.

Dissertations are a mandatory requirement in order to achieve an advanced level degree, usually a Masters or doctorate degree; although a dissertation is commonly known as a thesis in case of a doctorate degree. You may consider dissertations to be much longer than essays, and even small paperback books dealing in a particular subject. Students also have certain other requirements apart from a dissertation such as coursework, research, written & oral examinations, and possibly internships. All of these need to be fulfilled by students before they can earn their degree. Generally speaking, all of these requirements lead to gaining further knowledge in order to prepare a dissertation.

Dissertations are to be submitted during the final stages of the degree program, as that is the appropriate time when a student is nearing his or her most prized degree. The final requirement in nearly all degree programs to graduate includes a dissertation defense and submission of the dissertation to the university’s dissertation committee. Once the dissertation is completed & submitted, the dissertation committee, which comprises of a major adviser, two or three other department members and an outside committee member, examines and approves it. It is required that all committee members approve the dissertation and sign it off; otherwise the student is unable to graduate.

Dissertations are usually not read by general public till it has been released by the dissertation committee. Prior to this, only the committee members may have access to the dissertation. It is hoped that the findings in the dissertation will have the potential to advance their particular field of study for new students to receive more information. However, this is not a requirement for the dissertation or for graduation. Dissertations are retained by the university where they are received and placed in the university's library where there is a separate section dedicated to their student’s dissertations. These dissertation copies are readily available to other students to use for study and even for referencing in their own dissertation project in the future.