How do I find completed dissertations on my program specialization?

You can search in one of the dissertation databases, using terms related to your specialization. It can be difficult to find dissertations or project studies for a program.

• You can't limit by a field of specialization in the database because every university offers different specializations.
• Many dissertations or project studies do not mention the program specialization. In this case, you will not know for sure whether a completed capstone is for that program or not.
• Read through the results in the search. If the capstone does not mention a program, you will need to determine if the capstone would fit your program requirements. Look at the topic and how the capstone was put together.
• If you get no results using program information for your search terms, you will need to focus on your topic, and whether you are working on a dissertation or capstone.
• You can submit your program name as an author-supplied keyword when submitting your completed dissertations to ProQuest. This can help to find capstones for a program.

This is an example of a program search:

1. On the Library homepage click on Publications.
2. Click on the button Dissertations & Theses.
3. Click the Dissertations & Theses at Walden University link.
   You may be prompted to log in with your myWalden Portal user name and password.
   
   Note: You should now be on the Advanced Search page with more than one search box.  If you only have one search box on your screen, click on the Advanced Search link. 
    
4. In the first search box, put the program name in quotes:
   
   "curriculum instruction and assessment" OR "curriculum instruction & assessment"
    
5. To the right of the search box, change the drop-down option from Anywhere except full text - NOFT to Anywhere.
6. Click search

You will need to look at each result to try to determine if it is from the program, or if it would fit requirements for the program.

More Information:

• How do I find dissertations on a topic?
• How do I find completed Ph.D. dissertations for specific degree programs?
• How do I find Walden PhD dissertations?
• How do I find Walden EdD (Doctor of Education) studies?
• Database Search Skills Guide

Do you have other Library questions?  Ask a Librarian!