Developing Dissertation Skills of Doctoral Students in an Internet-Based Distance Education Curriculum: A Case Study

Although preparing doctoral students for completing their dissertations is challenging in an on-campus program, it is even more difficult in an Internet-based distance education curriculum. This article examines the problems encountered and the solutions developed to address this requirement over a recent five-year period at Regent University. It discusses the process used for identifying the competencies needed for completing a doctoral dissertation and for planning how these competencies are taught within an Internet-based doctoral curriculum. The article includes a discussion of the lessons learned thus far, data on the progress of current doctoral candidates, and suggestions for further investigations.