NU Dissertation Boot Camp

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. Please note that the Dissertation Boot Camp starts on Sunday at 1 pm. The next session will start Monday morning immediately after breakfast at 8 am and will end each day at 6 pm.

Dissertation Boot Camp Scholarship

National University is proud to offer the 2026 NU Dissertation Boot Camp Scholarship. This offer will award students a $1,000 scholarship to be applied toward their Dissertation Boot Camp registration fee. All doctoral students who apply must submit an essay by October 15, 2026, to be eligible for this scholarship opportunity. Recipients will be notified within 3 days of submitting their registration.

ESSAY TOPIC

Tell us why attending a Dissertation Boot Camp will help you in your academic journey.

ESSAY SUBMISSION AND REQUIREMENTS

• To be considered, applicants must submit a 500- to 700-word essay (maximum two pages, double-spaced) by October 15, 2026.

• Applicants must submit their essay electronically during the registration process. You will be required to upload your essay to complete your registration.

• Essay must be original work. Quotations or attributions must be cited. 

• Only one essay may be submitted by an applicant.

• This scholarship can only be applied toward the San Diego Dissertation Boot Camp registration fee. Please email jrogers2@nu.edu your scholarship essay after you have registered.

*For more information, please click on the scholarship tab at the top of the page

Pricing

The registration fee for attending our Dissertation Boot Camp is $2,000. It is important to note that federal financial aid cannot be used to cover this fee. Please see below what is covered within the registration price:

  • Breakfast, snacks, and lunch for Monday and Tuesday are included in the participation fee.
  • The participation fee also includes the:
    • meeting space
    • technology/Wifi
    • session supplies
    • presentation materials
    • unprecedented access to NU dissertation faculty and staff.
  • No exceptions to the participation fee are allowed. No rebates, refunds, or billing credit adjustments will be made for late arrival, early departure or missed sessions.
  • For more details, please click on the policy and terms tab located at the top of the page.

Please note that all returning Boot Camp attendees will receive a 10% discount for attending.

What was your favorite part about your Dissertation Boot Camp experience?

"Working one-on-one with a professor from my specific school who is familiar with the dissertation process at NU. I also enjoyed meeting other students and hearing their experiences - it makes National as a university more real." - DBC Attendee, Virginia, 2019

Countdown to the Event

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Register By
October 25, 2026 12:00 PM