Finding Dissertations: Home

A dissertation or thesis is a work submitted in support of candidature for a doctorate or master’s degree, respectively, which presents the author's research and findings.

Many databases that contain dissertations and theses, especially full text, require a paid subscription or document purchase to get the complete item. Electronic versions of theses and dissertations are called ETDs which has made organizing and distributing the documents much easier.

Open Access dissertations and theses typically provide a technologically advanced medium for expressing the author’s ideas. By providing access to theses and dissertations primarily as electronic resources, everyone benefits. Open Access means more readers, more potential collaborators,  and ultimately more recognition for them and their institution. In short, Open Access dissertations and theses can  improve access to research for all.

In addition Open Access dissertations and theses can provide:

• More access to research.
• Research is available on campus.
• Research is accessible worldwide.
• Less expense to authors and libraries:
  • No paper costs
  • No copying costs
  • No physical shelf space
• Lower cataloging costs.
• Better presentation of research.
• Addition of multimedia files.
• More dynamic presentation of data.
• Hyperlinks.
• Programs and code.