Dossier Style Dissertations

Practitioner-oriented dissertations are unique in their potential to address wicked problems through relevant and timely applications of empirical research that can facilitate rapid change. This account describes the dossier style dissertation, a newly re-imagined dissertation of Johns Hopkins University’s Doctor of Education program, with two options-an empirical deep dive and an applied project. Three graduates of the program illustrate their journeys with the dossier style dissertation-applied project, describe their work with research-practice partners and professional organizations, and highlight their growth as scholar-practitioners. Implications for practice and the merits of EdD program doctoral research options are discussed.