This article is about thesis in the academic sense. For the American novel, see The Dissertation. For other uses, see Thesis (disambiguation).
University of Olomouc thesis from 1713 with motif of Ottoman Wars

A dissertation or thesis[1] is a document submitted in support of candidature for a degree or professional qualification presenting the author’s research and findings.[2] In some countries/universities, the word thesis or a cognate is used as part of a bachelor’s or master’s course, while dissertation is normally applied to a doctorate, whilst, in others, the reverse is true.

The term dissertation can at times be used to describe a treatise without relation to obtaining an academic degree. The term thesis is also used to refer to the central claim of an essay or similar work.