NU Dissertation Boot Camps
The NU Dissertation Boot Camp provides the structured environment and accountability you need to break the cycle of writer’s block and isolation. Join a dedicated community of faculty and peers for a two-and-a-half-day, high-intensity session designed to help you complete your doctoral research.
Make Progress on Your Dissertation in Just a Few Days
Dissertation Boot Camp is a productivity-focused experience for doctoral students who want to accelerate their progress. In a supportive, faculty‑guided environment, you’ll spend your time learning about the research process, topic development and refinement, methodology, strengthening strategies in academic writing, and working with your doctoral committee, while also gaining the structure and momentum that are sometimes difficult to maintain on your own.
Who Should Attend?
The Boot Camp is designed exclusively for NU’s doctoral students in one‑to‑one programs. Whether you’re completing your foundation or research courses, finalizing your prospectus, or working on your proposal, it’s your opportunity to get the support you need for success.
It’s especially valuable if you are:
- Thinking about a topic or how to develop it into doctoral research
- Struggling to maintain consistent progress
- Revising after faculty feedback and feeling stuck
- Balancing research with work and life responsibilities
- Looking to strengthen your academic writing and library research skills
- Preparing for completion milestones
What You’ll Gain
NU’s Dissertation Boot Camp isn’t just lectures and theories. Instead, it’s a high-impact working session where you’ll have the opportunity to make progress on your doctoral research with direct access to faculty and peer support.
During Boot Camp, you will:
- Work directly on your doctoral research, whether it involves a dissertation, a dissertation-in-practice, or an applied project
- Receive real time guidance from experienced doctoral faculty and staff
- Build a clear, personalized action plan
- Strengthen your writing, organization, and research strategies
- Bring structure and clarity to complex research work
- Connect with peers who are also experiencing the doctoral journey
Most students leave with newly drafted sections, resolved research hurdles, and the techniques and tools needed to reach the finish line.
Real-time faculty guidance
Structured action plan
Organization and writing strategies
Peer feedback and support
How It Works
NU’s Dissertation Boot Camp is a multi‑day, immersive academic experience. Each day blends structured writing time with individualized guidance, collaborative support, and proven strategies and techniques for success.
Each day includes:
Understanding academic writing and research methodology
Development and alignment of key foundational components of doctoral research
Individualized faculty support
Strategy discussions and milestone planning
Small-group collaboration and relationship-building
Supporting Your Path to Doctoral Completion
Dissertation Boot Camp is one part of National University’s broader doctoral ecosystem designed to support the whole student. Students can also connect with:
- Academic Success Center tools and resources
- Writing and research support services
- Faculty mentoring
- Community of Peer Navigators
Upcoming Boot Camps
Los Angeles Dissertation Boot Camp
May 31 to June 2, 2026
Los Angeles, CA
New Orleans Dissertation Boot Camp
August 2-4, 2026
New Orleans, LA
Registration Coming Soon
Dissertation Boot Camp
October 25-27, 2026
TBD
Registration Coming Soon
Doctoral Podcasts
Xavier IrAal, EdD EdL
Dissertation Completion Pathway Student Graduate Testimonial
Michael Arrigoni, EdD Special Education
Doctoral Scholarship Recipient Testimonial
Mary Duggan, EdD General Education
Dissertation Completion Pathway Student Graduate Testimonial
Jacqueline Lewis, PhD E-Learning
Dissertation Boot Camp Doctoral Student Graduate Testimonial
Elsa Kortright-Torres, EdD EdL
Dissertation Completion Pathway Student Graduate Testimonial
Hear from Our Students
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to be near completion to attend?
No. Students attend at many different stages of the doctoral research process. The goal is forward progress — wherever you currently are.
What should I bring?
Bring your current draft materials, notes, and questions. The focus is working on your real dissertation, not hypothetical exercises.
How much time should I plan to commit?
Boot Camp is an intensive working session. Plan to dedicate the scheduled days fully to writing and collaboration for the best results.
Is there a cost?
Details are provided during registration. Students are encouraged to plan early so they can take advantage of available cost-saving opportunities when offered.
Will I receive feedback?
Yes. Faculty provide real-time guidance and direction while you actively work on your unique doctoral research.