Applications are OPEN for Summer 2026: taking place July 7-10! APPLY BELOW
The Dissertation House is a multi-day intensive writing experience with built-in support and encouragement through workshops, one-on-one coaching, and seminars. Led by expert professional development staff in the Graduate School, this opportunity allows graduate students to make significant progress on writing their proposal or dissertation, preparing for their defense, and communicating effectively with faculty.
Participants get direct assistance in a co-working environment during the four-day program, and also have the opportunity to receive continued one-on-one coaching with Dr. Robin Cresiski and Dr. Sunji Jangha during Dissertation House and the semesters following participation. It is also a chance to network and build a cohort with like-minded peers. Alumni of this top-rated program say many positive things about the difference this made in their confidence and the completion of their graduate work.
Why is it called Dissertation House?
The first “Dissertation House” session was held in 2003 in a large cabin as part of a West Virginia graduate student community-building retreat sponsored by PROMISE: Maryland’s AGEP, an NSF-supported initiative.
Dissertation House typically takes place three times a Year:
- In January (after Martin Luther King Day before the spring semester)
- In July (during the summer semester)
- In October (during the fall semester)
Spots are limited and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Announcements about dates can be found on our myUMBC page, and graduate students can apply below.
Over the years, the Dissertation House has moved on-campus and is supported through the UMBC Graduate School. It continues to be a very in-demand program that has helped many students finish their proposals and dissertations.