Thesis facts for kids

A thesis (say: THEE-sis) is like a big, important school project or paper. It's a special document you write to share your ideas and research. Often, students write a thesis to earn a college academic degree or a special qualification. It shows what you've learned and discovered through your own research. In college, a thesis is often the same as a dissertation. Sometimes, the word "thesis" can also mean the main idea or argument of an essay or other writing.

What is a Thesis?

A thesis is more than just a regular school report. It's a deep dive into a topic you've studied. You'll explore an idea, gather information, and then write about your findings. It's a chance to show off your knowledge and how you can think critically.

Different Kinds of Theses

There are different types of theses, depending on what you're studying and what level of education you're at.

Senior Thesis

A senior thesis is often written in your final year of college. The type of project can change a lot based on your major. For example:

• If you study English, you might write a short story or a long essay.
• If you study media, you might create a short film or a documentary.
• If you study science, you might do an experiment and write about the results.

Graduate Thesis

A graduate thesis (also called a graduate dissertation) is for students who are getting a master's degree or a doctorate (PhD). These are much longer and more detailed.

• You work closely with a professor who is an expert in your field.
• These papers are usually 50 to 100 pages long, or even more!
• In science, a graduate thesis is often based on a new experiment you designed and carried out.
• In subjects like history or literature, it's a very long and detailed version of a college paper, where you explore a topic in great depth.

History of the Thesis

The words "dissertation" and "thesis" used to mean slightly different things a long, long time ago at old universities.

• After a professor finished teaching a lesson, students would have a discussion or a debate.
• During this debate, students could pick a point and argue for or against it.
• The specific idea or position a student argued for was called the thesis.
• The long explanation and reasons they used to support their idea was called the dissertation.

So, the thesis was the main point, and the dissertation was the detailed argument that backed it up.

Where the Words Come From

The word "thesis" comes from the Greek word θέσις (thésis). This word means "position" or "something put forth." It refers to an intellectual idea or statement.

The word "dissertation" comes from the Latin word dissertātiō. This means "discussion" or "discourse," which is a formal talk or writing about a topic.

Images for kids

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  Doctoral ceremony at Leiden University in 1721.

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  Cover page of Søren Kierkegaard's university thesis from 1841.

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  The cover of the thesis by Claude Bernard for his medical doctorate in 1843.

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  Cover page of a licentiate dissertation in Sweden.