Dissertation Topics

Choosing your dissertation topic is the most important decision of your graduate career. It defines the next 1-5 years of your life. A strong topic opens doors; a weak one leads to a dead end.

This guide is your central resource for “dissertation topics.” We provide topic lists and teach the process of developing a strong, original, and feasible research question.

Once you have your topic, the next step is the proposal. You can learn more at our guide to dissertation writing services.

What is a Dissertation Topic?

A dissertation topic is not just a “subject” (e.g., “World War II”). It is a focused, original, and arguable research question that identifies a specific gap in the current academic literature (e.g., “How did the shortage of rubber impact German tank logistics on the Eastern Front?”).

The 3 Pillars of a Strong Topic

Your committee will judge your topic on three criteria:

• Originality: Does this research contribute *new* knowledge? It cannot just summarize what others have said. It must fill a “research gap.”
• Feasibility: Can you realistically answer this question with the data, resources, and time you have?
• Significance: Does this question matter? Does it solve a problem, challenge a theory, or add an important piece to the academic conversation?

Topic vs. Research Question vs. Thesis

These terms are related but distinct:

• Topic (Broad): The general subject. (e.g., “Remote Work and Productivity”)
• Research Question (Narrow): The specific question you will answer. (e.g., “How does a mandatory hybrid work model impact a software company’s innovation?”)
• Thesis Statement (Your Answer): Your proposed answer, which you will defend. (e.g., “This dissertation argues that hybrid models increase iterative innovation but slow disruptive innovation…”).

How to Find Your Topic: 5 Steps

You don’t “find” a topic. You *develop* one. Use this 5-step process.

List the courses, theories, or problems you found most interesting in your coursework. You will be working on this for years; your passion is essential.

This is the most critical step. Read the 10-20 most important articles in your field. Find the “future research” or “limitations” section in each. This is where authors give you a map of the “research gaps.” For help, see our guide to literature reviews.

A topic is too broad if it can be a book. It is a good dissertation topic if it can be an article. Ask “how,” “why,” and “to what extent.”

• Broad: “The American Civil War”
• Narrow: “The role of railroads in the Vicksburg Campaign”
• Focused: “How Union control of the B&O Railroad impacted Confederate logistics in 1862”

This is the practical test. Ask: Can I get the data? Can I finish this in 1-2 years? Is the scope too big? A topic is useless if not feasible. For more, see this guide on research feasibility.

Turn your feasible topic into a clear, focused, and arguable question. This question will guide your entire dissertation.

Dissertation Topic Ideas by Field

Use these topic ideas as a starting point to find your own research gap.

Business & Management Topics

Nursing & Healthcare Topics

For DNP projects, see our nursing case study guide.

Education Topics (Ed.D.)

Psychology & Sociology Topics

For more, see our psychology research paper services.

STEM & Computer Science Topics

These projects often require complex data analysis. See our guide to STEM research papers.

Humanities (History, Literature) Topics

Find more ideas at our literature and poetry service page.

Topic Generation via Literature Review

Your topic must come from the literature. The literature review is not a summary; it is an argument that identifies a gap. A systematic literature review is a common method for finding a topic. This involves a rigorous search of databases to see what has been published, as explained in this guide from the NIH. Your goal is to find what hasn’t been said, which becomes your contribution.

Common Dissertation Topic Pitfalls

Avoid these common mistakes. As research on Ph.D. students shows, topic selection is a major source of stress and delay.