The Embedded Dissertation: A Path to Success for Doctoral Students

Trevecca’s Doctor of Education in leadership degree (Ed.D.) has reimagined the dissertation process to help students complete their degree and achieve their educational goals more efficiently and effectively. Dr. Kristin Bledsoe, dean of the School of Leadership and Interdisciplinary Studies, alongside Dr. Ryan Longnecker and Dr. Jana Roberts, co-directors of the Ed.D. program, share their insights about the mechanics and impact of this change.

A Need-Driven Shift

Traditionally, doctoral students complete their coursework and then, as a separate initiative, dive into the daunting task of writing their dissertation. Since research at the doctorate level involves methods and databases that even graduate students may not be familiar with, a dissertation can be truly intimidating–and thus a major obstacle to completing a doctoral degree for some students. Bledsoe also noted that program leaders at Trevecca became aware that students were not receiving support in the most efficient way.

“We realized that the advising teams were being assigned too early, and students were missing out on the expert advice they needed at crucial stages of the dissertation process,” Bledsoe said.

This led to students completing their coursework but struggling to graduate with their dissertations finalized. About a year and a half ago, the leadership team met to develop solutions to address these issues.

“One of the biggest changes we made was changing the order of dissertation chapters and embedding chapter writing opportunities directly into some of our courses. This led to what we now call the embedded dissertation,” Bledsoe said.

As Longnecker added, “With the traditional doctoral structure, you do all your classes and then go out into the world and figure it out. You might get support or you might not. At Trevecca, we decided we’d rather walk the journey with you from day one.”

The Embedded Advantage

After defining the problem, collecting feedback, analyzing trends and conversing internally, Trevecca made the shift to an embedded dissertation. Under the new process, students receive the help they need at every stage, and the development of each dissertation chapter is blended into a specific course from the very beginning. Rather than waiting to complete an unbalanced and back-loaded final assignment, students are provided a clear structure and can manage the timeline for their project over the course of the full degree program.

“We start them off early with the tools they need to organize their research,” Bledsoe said. “By the time they’re working one-on-one with their advisor, they have a solid foundation, and it feels less overwhelming.”

The blend of coursework and instruction in research makes for a more fluid transition into more complex topics of their subject matter as well. Students can also start using new knowledge in their day-to-day lives and their careers as they see the ways research, expert opinions and statistics can positively impact their work in their field.

"The embedded dissertation allows students to apply what they’re learning today to their research tomorrow,” Roberts said. “By the time they reach advanced levels of research, they already have a solid foundation of understanding.”

Results in Completion Rates and Recognition

Since shifting to this embedded model, Trevecca has seen an improvement in both student completion rates and confidence. “Students are completing their dissertation chapters on time,” Bledsoe said. “They’re more prepared, they have more support, and it shows. Many are even completing entire chapters in the middle of their courses.”

More evidence of Trevecca’s dissertation success can be seen in the program’s membership with the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). A recent invitation to become part of CPED validated the new approach, which aligns well with the practitioner-focused nature of the Ed.D.

Looking Ahead

For prospective students, Bledsoe’s message is simple: “We’re not just teaching theory—we’re helping students apply it. They’re making real-world change, and that’s what makes the difference.”

Trevecca’s Ed.D. program has embraced a blueprint for doctoral success that gives students the tools and support they need to become leaders who can make an impact. As Longnecker said, “Writing a dissertation is hard work. If it wasn't, everyone would do it. But the key is following the process and making the sacrifices needed for success. At the end of the day, we’re not just making doctors. We’re shaping leaders who can go into any organization and make a difference. "

Trevecca’s Ph.D. in leadership, which is set to launch later this year, will also use the embedded dissertation model to ensure student success.