Summer Dissertation Fellows

Summer Dissertation Fellow Program Information

As of Summer 2024, the Summer Dissertation Fellow designation is offered to six doctoral students.  This program provides a reserved spot in the week-long intensive Dissertation Writing Lab, a $400 scholarship, and participation in a weekly writing support group throughout the summer.

To be considered, students must submit a letter of application and a letter of support from either their dissertation advisor or Graduate Program Director.  

Eligibility

Applications are invited from doctoral candidates who meet the following criteria:

• Will be actively writing during the summer months (past the stage of extended periods of research or data collection)
  • The research and written dissertation document are far enough along to benefit from the concentrated writing time offered in the fellowship, but not so near completion that support is unnecessary—and sufficiently advanced to allow a defense within 12 months.
• Already have or will have an approved proposal/prospectus by April 15.
• Able to commit to all program requirements (see below)

Program Requirements

Students who accept a position as a Summer Dissertation Fellow must commit to the following activities:

• Participate in the Graduate School’s week-long Dissertation Writing Lab (May 18-22, 2026)
• Commit to weekly meetings of a writing group with the other Fellows (can be virtual)
• Enroll for at least one dissertation hour

Application Process

Fill out the information requested in the link below.  You will receive an email from Grad_Awards@baylor.edu with an upload file request.  Upload your application letter, which should include the following information (this should all be uploaded as a single 2-3 page PDF document): 

• The title and topic of your dissertation
• A description of the dissertation and progress completed at the time of application
• A statement of the impact of your dissertation research in your field and on society
• A statement describing how this fellowship will advance your degree to completion/graduation.
  • Your work plan for completing the dissertation (e.g., timetable for completing each uncompleted chapter, proposed month for defense)
• Evidence for an approved proposal/prospectus (e.g., completed form, email from GPD)

Applicants should also request support from either their dissertation advisor or Graduate Program Director. When you fill out the online form, be prepared to include the email address of your recommender. Your recommender will receive a link to an online recommendation form. 

Applications for the 2027 Summer Dissertation Fellows program will open in early 2027.

A list of previous Summer Dissertation Fellows can be found here.