EDAD 8196 - Seminar in Educational Research: Dissertation Defense
Summer 2026 Syllabus, Section A02, CRN 30515,
Credit hours: 2
Course Meeting Times
Log in to view more
Instructor
Dr. Jane Beese
Professional Qualifications:
Ed.D. in Educational Administration; Professor
Professor
Email: jbeese@ysu.edu
Office: Virtual Office
Office Phone: 330.941.2236
Preferred Contact Method: Email (mornings)
Communication Expectations:
Communication in this course is individualized and primarily conducted between the student and the dissertation chair. Students are expected to maintain regular, proactive communication regarding progress, questions, and scheduling of dissertation-related activities.
All course-related communication must be conducted using the official YSU email account. Students are responsible for checking their YSU email regularly and will be held accountable for all communications sent to that account.
Email is the preferred method of communication. The instructor will typically respond to emails within 24–48 hours on weekdays. Emails sent on weekends or holidays may receive a response on the next business day.
Given the nature of dissertation work, timely communication is essential. Students are expected to respond promptly to feedback from their dissertation chair and committee and to incorporate revisions in a timely manner.
Feedback on submitted materials (e.g., dissertation drafts, defense preparation materials) will be provided within a reasonable timeframe, depending on the length and complexity of the submission. Students should plan accordingly and allow sufficient time for review prior to deadlines such as defense scheduling and final submission to the Graduate School.
Clear, professional, and consistent communication is essential for successful completion of the dissertation process.
How to Refer to me:
Dr. Beese
Log in to view more
Course Description
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optional | Surviving your dissertation: A comprehensive guide to content and process (4th ed) | Kjell E. Rudestam & Rae R. Newton | x9781452260976 |
| Required | Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.) | American Psychological Association | 143383216X |
| Optional | Dissertation resources, templates, formatting guides, and instructional materials provided through Blackboard and university resources | Various | NA |
Students will make extensive use of Youngstown State University dissertation resources, including the Dissertation and Thesis Guide, dissertation templates, Graduate School forms, and other materials available through Blackboard and university websites. Additional scholarly resources may be recommended by the dissertation chair based on the student's research topic.
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
Log in to view more
Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Week of | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/11 | Doctoral program resources, microsite, dissertation program guidelines | Professional Competence and Integrity | Discussion Board Dissertation Formatting Checklist |
| 5/18 | Doctoral program resources, microsite, dissertation program guidelines | Administrative Clearance and the Graduation Application | Discussion Board Verification of Graduation Application |
| 5/25 | Doctoral program resources, microsite, dissertation program guidelines | The Oral Defense — Scheduling and Presentation Strategy | Discussion Board Defense Scheduling and Presentation Deck |
| 6/1 | Doctoral program resources, microsite, dissertation program guidelines | The Public Declaration of the Defense | Discussion Board Defense Announcement Verification |
| 6/8 | Doctoral program resources, microsite, dissertation program guidelines | The Defense | Schedule Defense |
| 6/15 | Doctoral program resources, microsite, dissertation program guidelines | The Defense continued | Discussion Board |
| 6/22 | Doctoral program resources, microsite, dissertation program guidelines | The Defense continued | Chair Verification of Defense |
| 6/29 | Doctoral program resources, microsite, dissertation program guidelines | Graduate School Submission of Dissertation | Discussion Board |
| 7/6 | Doctoral program resources, microsite, dissertation program guidelines | Graduate School Submission of Dissertation continued | Submission Verification |
| 7/13 | Doctoral program resources, microsite, dissertation program guidelines | Final Revisions | Discussion Board |
| 7/20 | Doctoral program resources, microsite, dissertation program guidelines | Ohio LInk Submission | Ohio LINK Verification |
| 7/27 | Doctoral program handbook and dissertation program guidelines | Graduation Verification & Program Completion | Discussion Board |
| 8/3 | Doctoral program handbook and dissertation program guidelines | Graduation Verification & Program Completion Continued | Doctoral Exit Survey |
| 8/10 | State Licensure Resources | Licensure Completion | Discussion Board State Licensure Application |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.