The Possibility and Necessity of Publishing Your Dissertation

Deciding whether to publish your dissertation can be a complex matter, with several factors at play. This article will explore the options and considerations involved in publishing, or not publishing, your dissertation. We'll discuss the nuances of what "publishing" means in academic circles and whether it is absolutely necessary for the successful completion of your degree.

What Does Publishing Your Dissertation Entail?

The term 'publish' can vary significantly from one educational institution to another. Some universities may consider placing copies in their library as sufficient for the publication process. Others might see abstracts included in abstract publishers as a form of publication. Additionally, many institutions store electronic copies in repositories, which has been the primary distribution method for years. This process is closely related to services like ProQuest, where dissertations are often made available online.

There are also specialized academic publishers that print research monographs on demand, though they typically don't see high sales volumes. Such monographs may cater to a niche audience, achieving only a few dozen sales. Generally, however, most dissertations are not published as regular publications like monographs due to their narrow subject matter or potential obsolescence with subsequent research findings.

Is Publishing Your Dissertation Necessary?

While some institutions accept the deposit of copies in the library or submission to a repository as sufficient 'publication,' others view it as a must for the successful completion of the degree. It's important to check with your institution's policies to understand their requirements.

For comprehensive dissertations, publishing specific papers beforehand is often a requirement. However, for cumulative dissertations, where all research is compiled into one comprehensive piece, this may not be necessary. Monographs, on the other hand, can still be popular in certain academic disciplines, often without the need for prior publication.

Embargoes and Publishing Flexibility

Another consideration is the possibility of publishing an embargoed dissertation. Universities often maintain a copy of your dissertation according to their policies. If you wish to publish, you can still remove the embargo from ProQuest at any time. This flexibility allows you to decide when and where to publish your work, without jeopardizing your degree.

Personal Experiences and Incentives

Some individuals see a dissertation as an opportunity to publish and advance their career. For instance, some might write a licentiate thesis, which is a half-way doctoral thesis, and then proceed to write another thesis in a different field. Their goal is often to turn this thesis into a textbook, which can have long-term educational benefits. In such cases, the incentive might be more about the impact rather than the financial reward, which for books can be quite meager.

Others might write books for the sole purpose of providing a textbook, such as one on mathematical optimization, which continues to be used in classrooms for nearly two decades. This type of work can significantly influence the academic community, even if the financial return is not substantial.

Conclusion

In summary, the possibility and necessity of publishing your dissertation depend on various factors, including institutional policies, the nature of your research, and your career goals. Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision about your dissertation's future. Whether you choose to publish, embargo, or maintain your dissertation, the key is to align your actions with your long-term academic and professional aspirations.