What Is the Role of a Dissertation Committee?

A dissertation committee guides and evaluates a student’s research. Members provide expertise, feedback and support throughout the process, ensuring the dissertation meets academic standards before approving it for defense and final submission.

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Read time 7 minutes

Nicole Sonnier

Published on Jul 22, 2025

Reaching the dissertation phase is a significant milestone in the pursuit of a doctoral degree. This rigorous, research-intensive process marks the final stretch and sets the stage for original contributions to your chosen field. While the tasks of writing and defending your dissertation may sometimes feel overwhelming, no doctoral student walks the path alone. One of the most valuable resources during this stage is the dissertation committee, a dedicated team of experts who help guide, challenge and support the learner’s progress.

Understanding the structure and function of this committee is essential. In this article, we will explore the purpose and responsibilities of the dissertation committee, the role of the dissertation chair and how learners can foster productive relationships with each member. With insight from Dr. Kenneth Sherman, Dissertation Program Chair at Grand Canyon University, we offer an understanding of how this academic partnership works and why it’s such a vital part of the doctoral experience.

What Is a Dissertation Committee?

In a doctoral program, the dissertation committee guides students through the final and most intensive phase of their academic journey. This team of scholarly professionals provides expertise, oversight and structured feedback to ensure the dissertation meets the educational and ethical standards of both the university and the broader academic community. At GCU, a dissertation committee typically consists of three to four members: the dissertation chair, a methodologist, a content expert and a research consultant.

Each member offers unique insights into the learner’s research project, creating a well-rounded and collaborative support system. The committee is formed early in the dissertation process — typically during the first course on dissertation research — and remains actively involved throughout the final oral defense. These members are instrumental in shaping the research foundation, refining the methodology, providing scholarly feedback and ensuring the learner remains on track.

Methodologist

The methodologist serves as an expert in research design, ensuring that the learner’s methodological approach aligns with the study’s purpose and adheres to university standards. This role includes reviewing methodological chapters and participating in proposal and defense calls. The methodologist upholds academic rigor and assists chairs in maintaining APA standards and academic integrity while fostering consistent communication.

Content Expert

The content expert brings in-depth knowledge of the learner’s subject area. The content expert believes that the literature review and theoretical framework are comprehensive and well-articulated. They also guide learners in interpreting their findings within the context of existing research, enhancing the dissertation’s contribution to the field.

Research Consultant

The research consultant assesses the feasibility and alignment of the research plan with academic standards. They work to ensure the study is practical and well-positioned to meet scholarly expectations.

Dr. Kenneth Sherman, Dissertation Program Chair at GCU, as well as a methodologist and researcher, emphasizes the importance of this academic support in the dissertation process.

“Having the dissertation committee on your side is the secret sauce. Having taught at a number of other universities, a key differentiator at Grand Canyon University is the extensive amount of support that is provided to our students.”

— Dr. Kenneth Sherman, Dissertation Program Chair at GCU

Each committee member brings a unique perspective to the research. Together, they form a collaborative structure that not only supports the learner but also protects the integrity and scholarly quality of the dissertation.

Understanding who these committee members are and how they collaborate is the first step in building a strong academic relationship that can lead to successful dissertation completion.

What Is a Dissertation Chair?

The dissertation chair is a pivotal figure in a doctoral student's academic experience, acting as both a mentor and a guide throughout the dissertation process. At GCU, the chair maintains the university’s commitment to educational excellence, Christian values and research integrity. The chair walks alongside learners as they navigate the complex stages of their dissertation, from topic development to final defense. In many ways, the chair serves as an anchor throughout this process.

Dr. Sherman works with students not only as an evaluator but also as a collaborator, sounding board and advocate. His mentorship is invaluable to a learner’s progress and confidence. From the earliest stages, the dissertation chair assists in shaping the research direction.

Whether students are narrowing down their topics or determining the appropriate research design, the chair provides timely and constructive feedback to ensure alignment with academic and ethical standards. Additionally, chairs support milestone planning, manage committee communications and guide students through essential checkpoints such as the proposal and defense stages. This relationship is not one-sided; at GCU, the most successful dissertation experiences occur when students establish a strong, collaborative relationship with their chair.

Open dialogue, mutual respect and a shared commitment to academic integrity foster an environment where learners can grow and thrive. Together, the dissertation chair and committee members form an academic partnership rooted in mentorship, integrity and purpose, which is a hallmark of the doctoral experience at Grand Canyon University.

Tips for Working Successfully With Your Dissertation Committee

Your dissertation chair and committee are more than academic evaluators — they are essential partners. Developing a strong, collaborative relationship with them can impact your confidence as you work to complete your doctoral degree. At GCU, effective planning and communication through the Doctoral Community Network^TM are fundamental to a productive dissertation experience.

Here are several key strategies to help you while working with your dissertation chair and committee:

Communicate Consistently and Professionally

Establish a regular communication schedule at the beginning of each course to ensure effective exchanges throughout the process. Whether using messages on GCU’s DC Network-based Lerner Dissertation page, emails or Zoom meetings, make sure your updates are clear and timely. Respect your chair and committee members' time by preparing specific questions and thoroughly addressing their feedback before submitting any revised work.

Be Open to Feedback and Willing to Revise

Your chair and committee members provide valuable insights and constructive criticism to strengthen your research. Embrace their feedback as an opportunity for growth and use it to refine your work to meet GCU's rigorous academic standards.

Set Realistic Timelines and Respect Deadlines

Your Individual Success Plan is a living document in your GCU classroom that helps keep your progress on track. Work closely with your chair to create a realistic schedule that includes planned deliverables, dissertation milestones and scheduled check-ins. Aim to adhere to this plan as closely as possible while remaining flexible to adjust when necessary.

Ask Questions and Seek Clarification

Don't hesitate to reach out when something is unclear. Whether you need help interpreting feedback, structuring your chapters or navigating submission protocols, your chair is there to guide you forward.

Understand Your Committee's Role as an Academic Partner

Your dissertation chair is not just reviewing your work; they are mentoring you through one of the most challenging phases of your academic career. Build trust, lean on their expertise and remember that they are invested in you. Dr. Sherman emphasizes the importance of staying engaged and connected, "Forming a dissertation online can be a very lonely experience if you don't take advantage of and become a member of a community. Take advantage of the extensive support available at GCU."

Make the Most of the Individual Success Plan (ISP)

Every dissertation course includes ISP assignments, which serve as a roadmap between you and your chair, outlining your objectives for the course. Your ISP should reflect the deliverables agreed upon with your chair, including scheduled meetings, and encompass all major course requirements.

When creating your ISP, consider the following:

The expected quality standards for your work
The roles of each committee member
Communication strategies between you and your chair
The time and resources available for writing, research and analysis
Rubric requirements and grading expectations
How your past progress informs your current plan

Use your ISP to schedule calls, chapter submissions and any additional documents you plan to upload. This shared understanding will help keep everyone aligned and focused on your success. A successful collaboration between a doctoral learner and their dissertation chair involves more than just academic guidance; it is rooted in a real-time partnership that fosters professional growth and development.

As Dr. Sherman explains, meaningful engagement includes “daily just-in-time support when needed, brainstorming, ideation — helping the learner not only progress through the program but also think about life after the dissertation journey.”

At GCU, dissertation chairs and committee members provide support throughout the various milestones of the dissertation process while also creating opportunities for publication, conference presentations and ongoing professional development. These conversations between chairs and learners can range from broad, big-picture discussions to detailed, micro-level guidance, depending on individuals' needs.

“All students are different,” Dr. Sherman notes. “Some require more attention, but all receive real-time collaboration and communication” with their committee. This back-and-forth connection transforms the challenging academic process into a truly collaborative experience.

Grand Canyon University Supports Your Doctoral Journey

Doctoral research doesn’t have to feel isolating. GCU offers a comprehensive support system, including faculty mentorship, weekly events and learning opportunities. The calendar is filled with options. "It's important to take advantage of this whole plethora of events,” says Dr. Sherman. Whether you attend a writing workshop, a methodology Q&A or a peer cohort session, these events keep you informed and inspired.

As Dr. Sherman points out, “The challenge is to make sure you integrate yourself into this community of learners, peers, cohorts and faculty there to support you.” By committing to open communication, planning and proactive engagement, your relationship with your dissertation chair and committee can become one of the most empowering aspects of your doctoral experience.

GCU offers extensive resources, including research databases, writing support and methodology guidance, all aimed at simplifying the dissertation process. Emphasizing ethical leadership and practical research application, GCU encourages students to choose impactful topics. Personalized mentorship from experienced dissertation chairs and committee members ensures tailored support for each learner's goals. At GCU, your doctoral journey is a collaborative and purpose-driven experience focused on lasting success.

Step Into Your Purpose With a Doctorate from GCU

Earning a doctoral degree is not just an academic goal - it is a transformative experience that challenges, equips and elevates you both personally and professionally. At GCU, your dissertation chair and committee serve as essential partners in this journey, providing the expertise, encouragement and structure you need. With a clear and supportive path, along with a community grounding in academic excellence and Christian values, GCU empowers you to grow as a scholar and a leader.

Are you ready to take the next step? Explore our doctoral degree programs and discover how Grand Canyon University can help you position yourself to potentially advance your career while living out your calling with purpose and impact.

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Nicole Sonnier

Digital Content Specialist,

Grand Canyon Education