A PhD or doctoral dissertation proposal rubric serves as a structured evaluation tool to assess the quality and feasibility of a student’s research plan. The rubric ensures clarity; rigor; and academic standards are met while guiding students toward a successful dissertation. It evaluates key components such as the research problem; literature review; methodology; significance; and writing quality. By providing clear criteria; the rubric helps students understand expectations and refine their proposals effectively. The research problem section assesses whether the student clearly defines the gap in knowledge and justifies the study’s necessity. A well-articulated problem demonstrates the student’s ability to identify meaningful research questions. The literature review evaluates the depth and breadth of sources; ensuring the student engages critically with existing scholarship and positions their work within the academic conversation. A strong review highlights the student’s analytical skills and familiarity with the field. The methodology section examines the appropriateness and feasibility of the research design. Students must justify their chosen methods; data collection techniques; and analytical approaches; demonstrating methodological rigor. The significance criterion evaluates the potential impact of the research; ensuring it contributes to theory; practice; or policy. This encourages students to think about the broader implications of their work. Finally; the rubric assesses writing quality; including clarity; coherence; and adherence to academic conventions. Strong writing reflects the student’s ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. By using this rubric; faculty provide constructive feedback; fostering student growth and ensuring high-quality research. The structured evaluation process enhances educational outcomes by promoting critical thinking; scholarly rigor; and professional development.
