People pose for NU's first ever physical Doctoral Dissertation Boot Camp

NU Dissertation Boot Camps

Overview

In August 2016, we held our first ever physical, intensive doctoral dissertation boot camp for doctoral candidates in the dissertation sequence at our Service Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. While we are proud to deliver our programs online without the requirement to travel, we recognized the value in face-to-face interactions.

NU Dissertation Boot Camp consists of two and a half days of intense, critical thinking training, development of successful, doctoral acumen, support for research study alignment and feasibility, modeling the use of research methods, and providing students the tools necessary to complete their dissertation. NU faculty work alongside students individually and in cohorts to help answer questions, explain program and dissertation processes and expectations, and help students gain the confidence and drive necessary to complete their doctoral journey. We paid special attention to building on the foundation students already had, with a goal in mind to leave the boot camp with the skills and knowledge necessary to complete a timely, scholarly, and publishable dissertation study. Sessions are led by experienced NU Faculty. Students are able to develop cohort relationships with their peers and interact in both formal and informal sessions with faculty and students.

Event Schedule

Atlanta Dissertation
Boot Camp

February 25-27, 2024

Atlanta, GA

Closed

New Orleans Dissertation
Boot Camp

June 2-4, 2024

New Orleans, LA

Closed

San Antonio Dissertation
Boot Camp

July 28-30, 2024

San Antonio, TX

Closed

San Diego Dissertation
Boot Camp

October 27-29, 2024

San Diego, CA

Peer Navigator Network Dissertation Bootcamp Scholarship

National University (“NU”) is proud to offer the Peer Navigator Network Dissertation Bootcamp Scholarship. This scholarship provides up to twenty (20) NU doctoral students with a one-time stipend of $1,000 to assist with flight expenses for attending the Dissertation Bootcamp in San Diego, CA, from October 26-30, 2024. In addition, the University will cover the cost of the Dissertation Bootcamp and accommodations at a hotel selected by NU, with a total value of approximately $3,000. To be considered, students must submit their scholarship application by September 15, 2024. To access the application, please log in using your student email address when prompted. If you have any questions regarding this scholarship, please email pnn@nu.edu.

View Complete Terms and Conditions.

dissertation boot camp participants

Eligibility

All current NU students in an NU doctoral program.

Costs

Fees for the boot camps include exclusive access to current NU dissertation chair faculty from each school or department, one-to-one sessions with NU dissertation chair faculty, event supplies, dissertation resource guides, most meals and depending on the location the hotel arrangements.

Fees are calculated based on the number of participants, the time of year, and location. If you are interested in participating in a boot camp please send an email to NCUDissertationbootcamp@ncu.edu for more information.

At this time students are not able to use Title IV Financial Aid to cover the cost of attendance. However we have had employers cover the participation fee as a part of a professional development program. If your employer needs verification of your attendance, please email NCUDissertationbootcamp@ncu.edu

National University Doctoral Student Podcast

The DCP team has created a series of videos to help you navigate NU’s Dissertation Completion Pathway, these videos feature subject matter experts that share crucial information and cover a variety of topics to provide the guidance you are looking for.

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that distance based learning is essential for working professionals, but sometimes you just need that face-to-face interaction to help get you over the obstacles on your doctoral journey. Our mission is to engage diverse, global doctoral students in dissertation retreats with key faculty to support the needs of working professionals from around the world by providing a structured, intense, learning environment supporting student success for timely completion of dissertation study. By providing an optional face-to-face experience with faculty and peers with a specific focus on dissertation components, strategies, techniques, research and writing we offer students an alternative method to gain information you need to better understand the dissertation sequence.

We cater each boot camp to include sessions that are most relevant to the students who are attending. Weeks before the boot camp you will complete a survey that will let us know exactly the areas you need to focus on and we then take that feedback and build our sessions accordingly.

Generally the session topics are as follows:

  • COMPS, Prospective or Portfolio Prep
  • Managing distractions – getting re-motivated
  • Library, ASC & Available Resources
  • How to Avoid Common Pitfalls
  • Writing for your Dissertation
  • Dissertation Roadmap
  • Research methods alignment
  • Bringing the dissertation chapters together
  • Purpose, Problem Statement, and research questions/hypotheses
  • Chapter 1
  • Chapter 2
  • Chapter 3
  • Chapter 4
  • Chapter 5
  • IRB Application/Process
  • Research techniques – Quantitative
  • Research techniques – Qualitative
  • Defending your Dissertation
  • Publishing Strategies

No, this is a completely optional event for you to participate in if you are interested.

No, this is not considered as a part of the semester credit hours you receive in your courses for your program.

You do not need to attend a boot camp to complete a scholarly, publishable, or timely dissertation study. This event is not for everyone. If you are looking to connect with your peers and get some face time with faculty this is your chance!

Yes! We have Dissertation Boot Camp Ambassadors available for you to speak to.If you are a prospective student or would just like to speak one on one with a former boot camper you can email us at NUDissertationbootcamp@ncu.edu and ask to speak to a Boot Camp Ambassador. We will connect you with a student who is closely aligned with your program and study if possible.

Student Testimonials

Peer Navigator Network Dissertation Bootcamp Scholarship Terms and Conditions

National University (“NU”) is proud to offer the Peer Navigator Network Dissertation Bootcamp Scholarship. This scholarship provides up to twenty (20) NU doctoral students with a one-time stipend of $1,000 to assist with flight expenses for attending the Dissertation Bootcamp in San Diego, CA, from October 26-30, 2024. In addition, the University will cover the cost of the Dissertation Bootcamp and accommodations at a hotel selected by NU, with a total value of approximately $3,000. To be considered, students must submit their scholarship application by September 15, 2024.

Applicants for the scholarship who have completed the first dissertation sequence in their program may also be eligible to apply for the Dissertation Peer Navigator role, a part-time student employee position that provides direct support to other doctoral students. The role includes a four-week paid training in November 2024, with the expectation that those selected will begin in December 2024. To be considered for this position, you must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and have completed the first dissertation sequence. To apply, candidates must submit an updated resume and a letter of recommendation from their department chair. Preference will be given to applicants with at least one (1) year of professional experience in mentoring and facilitation. If interested, please upload your resume to the Peer Navigator Network Dissertation Boot Camp Scholarship Application and ensure that your department chair sends the letter of recommendation to PNN@nu.edu by September 15, 2024. A detailed job description will follow. If selected, you must comply with all University policies.

NU reserves the right to modify, revise, or update these Terms and Conditions from time to time, as necessary. Although NU may attempt to notify prospective and current applicants when such changes are made to these Terms and Conditions, applicants should periodically review the most up-to-date version found at https://nu-edu-develop2.go-vip.net/dissertation-boot-camps. NU may, in its sole discretion, change or discontinue this scholarship opportunity at any time. Applicants’ submissions serve as acknowledgment and acceptance to these Terms and Conditions, including any subsequent modifications, as stated.  Nothing in the Terms and Conditions shall be deemed to confer any third-party rights or benefits.

Eligibility

To be considered eligible for the Peer Navigator Network Dissertation Bootcamp Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be enrolled in a dissertation sequence program in the Sanford College of Education, JFK School of Psychology and Social Science, School of Business and Economics, School of Technology and Engineering, or School of Health Professions.
  • Submit the Peer Navigator Network Dissertation Bootcamp Scholarship application by September 15, 2024.
  • Meet all NU admissions requirements.
  • Complete a Free Application for Federal Students Aid (FAFSA) in advance of submitting their application.
  • Have a financial need as determined by the FAFSA and Peer Navigator Network Dissertation Bootcamp Scholarship application.
  • Once enrolled, a scholarship recipient must not receive or be eligible to receive a total of 100% or more tuition reimbursement from any source(s) including but not limited to: corporate reimbursement, preferred tuition rate, other scholarships and/or private scholarships, except for Veterans Administration GI benefits (excluding Chapter 33), Veterans Administration Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits, military tuition assistance and Title IV financial aid funding (“Financial Eligibility”). 
  • NU will verify applicants’ Financial Eligibility before confirming final awards.
  • Preference will be given to students with a strong academic history. 
  • Students who have previously completed courses at NU entering the same degree level must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 for bachelor’s programs and 3.0 for master’s or doctoral programs.
  • Scholarship recipients are required to participate in focus group sessions during the bootcamp, complete a post-bootcamp survey, and attend a follow-up interview.

Application

The application is available at https://forms.office.com/r/uTGfNR3DSk and must be submitted by September 15, 2024.  By applying to the Peer Navigator Network Dissertation Bootcamp Scholarship, an applicant: (i) agrees to be bound by these terms and conditions, as may be modified, revised, updated, or terminated by NU in its sole discretion, and (ii) represents and warrants that the information provided is accurate at the time of submission. 

Selection Process

  • Scholarship recipients will be selected by the NU scholarship selection committee, consisting of representatives from NU and according to the processes and procedures used in connection with the selection of scholarship recipients for all NU scholarships, which are updated from time to time. Non-faculty members may assist in the selection committee process on a case-by-case basis and in NU’s sole discretion. 
  • It is the applicant’s responsibility to submit a completed application along with all the supporting documentation, which must be received on or before September 15, 2024.  NU and the scholarship committee accept no responsibility for incomplete applications, applications not in proper form, lost applications, or any other submission in exception to the instructions.
  • The scholarship award will be based on the selection committee’s review of submitted application responses in the first instance, followed by confirmation of the selected applicant’s Financial Eligibility.  Current students applying will also have academic records reviewed in consideration.
  • Scholarship selection shall not be made regarding race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.
  • The decision of the scholarship selection committee is final and not subject to a review process.

Additional Scholarship Details and Releases

  • Any necessary determination, or clarification, as to the interpretation or to the application of a particular term shall be made by NU in its sole discretion. NU reserves the right in its sole discretion to terminate, suspend or make any changes or modifications to these Terms and Conditions of the Peer Navigator Network Dissertation Bootcamp Scholarship, including, but not limited to, the eligibility criteria, the selection process, the deadline dates, and the award.
  • By applying to the Peer Navigator Network Dissertation Bootcamp Scholarship, an applicant agrees:
    • To release, indemnify and hold harmless NU and its employees, officers, trustees, affiliates, agents, representatives, assigns, licensees, designees, and all persons acting under NU’s permission or authority (collectively, “NU Parties”), from any and all claims, liabilities, losses and damages of any kind arising in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, including without limitation court costs, attorneys’ fees, and any expenses and damages that may be incurred from (i) their application materials, which includes but is not limited to infringement upon or other violations of the copyright, trademark, privacy, reputational, publicity, or proprietary rights of any third party, defamation, rights of publicity or invasion of privacy, (ii) acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of the Peer Navigator Network Dissertation Bootcamp Scholarship award, participation in the application process and/or representations made by the applicant or recipient, and (iii) any activities related to the Dissertation Bootcamp, including but not limited to, air travel to and from San Diego, hotel accommodations, transportation between venues, attendance at the bootcamp, and the consumption of food and beverages. 
    • To grant NU a sole, worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free, irrevocable, sublicensable, transferable right to use, display, print, publish, reproduce, distribute, modify, transmit, create derivative works from, promote and provide access to your name, application materials, photograph, likeness, voice, prize information, statements and/or biographical information for publicity, promotional, and educational purposes, in any media now known or hereafter invented, without compensation or notification, except as prohibited by law.
    • To waive all moral rights in the application materials.
    • To waive all claims to any compensation by NU.
  • NU and its employees, officers, trustees, affiliates, agents, and representatives are not responsible for any typographical or other errors in the offer or administration of this scholarship, including, but not limited to, errors in any printing or posting of these Terms and Conditions, the selection and announcement of any winner, or the distribution of any Peer Navigator Network Dissertation Bootcamp Scholarship. NU may correct any such errors at its sole discretion.
  • NU makes no warranties of any kind, express or implied, with respect to the Peer Navigator Network Dissertation Bootcamp Scholarship. Acceptance, participation in and/or use of the Peer Navigator Network Dissertation Bootcamp Scholarship is at an applicant’s sole risk and NU is not responsible for any damages whatsoever including special, indirect, or consequential damages arising out of or in connection with the use and/or misuse of the Peer Navigator Network Dissertation Bootcamp Scholarship.
  • NU is not responsible for late, lost, misdirected, or unintelligible entries, including entries not received because of interrupted or unavailable network services, failed communications networks or equipment, computer hardware or software, or other errors or malfunctions, whether human, mechanical or electronic.
  • Should NU, in its sole discretion, determine that the Peer Navigator Network Dissertation Bootcamp Scholarship submission, selection, or any other process has been compromised by virus, bugs, tampering, disruptions, hackers, or other causes beyond its control, NU reserves the right to void suspect entries, disqualify applicants suspected to be involved, and/or terminate such selection or other process and choose the awardees in a fair and reasonable manner from among all eligible entries submitted prior to such termination. All decisions of NU are final.
  • Regardless of any action taken by NU pursuant to these Terms and Conditions, nothing shall prohibit NU from seeking any other lawful remedies to which NU may be entitled in the event any representations or releases made by the Scholarship applicant or recipient are false.
  • Award Use:
    • A $1,000 stipend will be credited to a recipient’s designated account on or about September 27, 2024 to assist with the payment of travel expenses to attend the Peer Navigator Network Dissertation Bootcamp. 
    • The remaining $3,000 scholarship will cover hotel accommodations and fees for the bootcamp that are directly coordinated by NU. 
    • No student will receive more than one Peer Navigator Network Dissertation Bootcamp Scholarship in a single year.
  • For applicants using Federal Financial Aid (FFA), the applicant understands that a scholarship award is financial assistance and counts toward the student’s cost of attendance. As such, the amount of FFA available to the student may be impacted. The Student Financial Services team will conduct a financial review of all scholarship winners and articulate any changes needed to the respective recipients.
  • Courses taken under the Scholarship may be recorded against the student’s calendar year 1098-T.