To attain a doctoral degree, every Ph.D. student needs to navigate the dissertation-writing process. Writing from A to B: A Guide to Completing the Dissertation Phase of Doctoral Studies demystifies this process. The author, Dr. Keith Hjortshoj, has drawn upon his many years of experience with Cornell’s renowned John S. Knight Institute for Writing in the Disciplines to craft this invaluable manual, which provides clear and cogent insights to lead you through each phase.

Through the generosity of a grant from the Council of Graduate Schools, the Graduate School is delighted to make Writing from A to B: A Guide to Completing the Dissertation Phase of Doctoral Studies available. You will find this guide to be indispensable to each stage of your dissertation, from conceptualization to final revision. 

Download Writing from A to B (PDF). Members of the Cornell community may receive a hard copy by emailing Kelly Tillotson at (klt8@cornell.edu).

As you enter this important phase of your graduate education, remember that you have the support of your special committee, your field, and the Graduate School.  Cornell has many resources to assist our students in reaching their degree goals, and we urge you to communicate regularly with your advisors so that they can help you move forward and access whatever support services you may need to complete your Ph.D.

We wish you the very best for your dissertation work, and we look forward to the conferral of your doctoral degree.