Dissertation Boot Camp
Dissertation Boot Camp is an annual program being launched at the Graduate School this winter. Post-qualifying PhD students can now apply to join other graduate students the week of Monday, January 12, for a program designed to help them make significant progress on their dissertations through a blend of focused writing time, goal setting, peer accountability, and structured programming.
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What is Dissertation Boot Camp?
Dissertation Boot Camp is a one-week program designed to help post-qualifying PhD students make significant progress on their dissertations through a blend of focused writing time, goal setting, peer accountability, and structured programming.
At the end of Dissertation Boot Camp, the intent is for students to end the week with significant progress made toward their dissertations and goals. Students completing a research thesis are welcome to apply, but will only be accepted if there is space available.
Dissertation Boot Camp will run from Monday, January 12, to Friday, January 16. Accepted students are expected to attend each day.
Who Can Apply to the Dissertation Boot Camp?
The Dissertation Boot Camp is designed to support post-qualifying PhD students in an effort to help them make significant progress on their dissertations. We do this through focused writing sessions, goal setting, peer accountability, and structured programming.
While the program is designed with post-qualifying PhD students in mind, students who are completing a thesis as part of their master’s degree are also welcome to apply. Space provided, we will do our best to include thesis students, but participation is not guaranteed.
Due to limited space and to ensure a positive experience for all attendees, students must first apply to Dissertation Boot Camp, and acceptance is not guaranteed.
Accepted students are expected to arrive on time each day and participate in all sessions, unless otherwise noted as optional.
What Does a Day at the Boot Camp Look Like?
Interested in attending Dissertation Boot Camp, but want to know more about how your day will actually be structured? Here is an idea of what you can expect!
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:45 – 9:00 AM | Arrive at the Graduate School House and sign in for the day |
| 9:00 – 9:15 AM | Group check-in and daily goal updates |
| 9:15 – 11:00 AM | Focused writing session |
| 11:00 – 11:10 AM | Coffee and snack break |
| 11:10 AM – 12:30 PM | Focused writing session |
| 12:30 – 1:30 PM | Lunch provided by the Graduate School |
| 1:30 – 5:00 PM | Participants will have the option to lock in for more focused writing time OR, when offered, attend a structured program specifically designed to support them academically, personally, and professionally. During the afternoon session, self-paced breaks are encouraged. |
| 5:00 PM | End |
| Note: | This schedule is tentative and designed to be a general window into what a typical day at Dissertation Boot Camp might look like. It is subject to change |
Application Timeline
Ready to apply? Fill out your application for Dissertation Boot Camp now. Please see the dates and times for submitting your application to the January 2026 Dissertation Boot Camp Application.
Deadline
Applications Due
Fri, Dec 5 at 7:00 PM
Notification
Students alerted
Wed, Dec 10 at 5:00 PM
First Day
Graduate School House
Mon, Jan 12, at 8:45 AM
Need Assistance? We’re Here to Help
Reach out to Assistant Dean Mitch Larson with any questions about Dissertation Boot Camp.