Difference Between Dissertation And Thesis
The words dissertation and thesis are often used interchangeably. But they are not the same. A student seeking a masters degree works on a thesis and one seeking a Ph.D. works on a dissertation. In other words, a thesis is submitted at the end of one's masters degree and dissertation is submitted at the end of a Ph.D.
In a dissertation, one has to collect matter from different reference materials and includes one's opinions and arguments on it. In a thesis, you have to conduct your own research. When writing a thesis, you have to include your own original hypothesis about the research that you have conducted. In a dissertation you have to infer new conclusions on the information you have evaluated and synthesized. A thesis analysis is added to the existing information whereas a dissertation is an analysis of existing literature.
However, in the U.S., you submit a dissertation if you are doing a Ph.D. while you write a thesis if you have enrolled in a masters program. On the other hand, in the U.K., a thesis is prepared for applying for an M.Phil, Ph.D. or doctorate degree while dissertation is written if you are enrolled in a masters program.