Introduction

Acknowledgment section for a dissertation is where you express thanks to people who walked with you throughout your research journey. Professors, friends, peers, or even family members can be acknowledged because this part helps build a story around the dissertation.

In this article, you will learn:

✔ Why dissertation acknowledgments are necessary

✔ A comprehensive guide on how to write the acknowledgments

✔ Sample dissertation acknowledgments

✔ How to structure using different formats (APA, MLA, etc.)

Let’s get started on a professional acknowledgment section that captures your gratitude.

What comprises a Dissertation Acknowledgments Section?

The dissertation acknowledgment section is where you:

✔ Extend gratitude to individuals and organizations that assisted you in your research.

✔ Express recognition for monetary aid or scholarships that contributed to your work.

✔ Appreciate mentors, advisors, and peers for their help.

📌 Key features of Dissertation Acknowledgments:

✅ Optional section – Can be omitted, but strongly suggested.

✅ Personal but Professional Language – Display decorum and genuine emotion.

✅ Thanks for Significant Contributors – Professors, friends, family, or institutions.

✅ Short and Organized – Generally half a page to a full page.

Now, let’s review the outline of an acknowledgment section and its format in real life.

List of Steps to Write A Dissertation Acknowledgments

Follow these steps to write a well-structured acknowledgment section.

1. Commence with Acknowledgments Proper

Commence with formal acknowledgments, which include your supervisor, advisors and funding bodies.

📌 Example:

I would like to thank Professor John Smith, my supervisor, for his constant mentorship and assistance during the years of my research. His direction and faith in me have changed the course of this work dramatically.

2. Recognize Academic Mentors Acknowledge other faculty members, research fellows, or your peers who helped.

📌 Example:

I would like to thank Dr. Jane Doe and Dr. Michael Brown for their helpful comments and suggestions that led to the improvement of my work.

3. Appreciate Institutional & Financial Aid Support

If possible, cite the name of the educational institutions and bodies that provided research grants or financial aid.

📌 Example:

I remain grateful to the National Science Foundation for supporting this research through a grant.

4. Appreciate Personally

Appreciate family, friends, and anyone, irrespective of their degree of relation, who helped you emotionally or even logistically.

📌 Example:

I wish to appreciate my parents, Sarah and David, for their love and support towards me. Appreciation also goes to my friends Emily and Mark who supported me throughout.

5. Conclude With a Note

Conclude with a professional but warm statement.

📌 Example:

To my late grandmother Mary, I no longer have words to say and you no longer need them after your wisdom and unwavering encouragement has proudly carried me bravely through my life.

Dissertation Acknowledgments Example (Formal)

Here is a quite formal example which will suit academic dissertation templates.

Acknowledgments

I wish to thank my advisor, Professor John Smith, for his guidance and patience during the course of this research. His suggestions and feedback throughout the way made this dissertation what it is today.

I would also like to thank my colleagues from the Department of Sociology, particularly my instructor, Dr. Jane Doe, for the helpful comments. Special thanks are due to my research associates, Michael Brown and Lisa Green, for their support all along.

I gratefully acknowledge the funding provided by the National Science Foundation, which enabled this research.

Finally, I owe an immeasurable debt to my family and friends, who have constantly supported me and motivated me the most.

Dissertation Acknowledgments Example (Personal and Emotional)

For a straightforward example of an acknowledgment, look at this one:

Acknowledgements

Completing this dissertation has been one of the most difficult but rewarding practices in my life. I owe the deepest gratitude to Professor Jane Doe for her wisdom and encouragement throughout this project.

I’ll always be appreciative of my friends, Emily and David. Thank you for being there every step of the way to constantly push me through the hardest parts – even the very late-night conversations were engaging and helped a lot.

And finally, I want to show my highest appreciation to my parents and siblings. Their love and patience gave me a lot of strength.

This dissertation is dedicated to my grandfather Richard because he always encouraged me to do as well as I could.

Acknowledgment Citation Guidelines in a Dissertation

Every citation style has its unique rule for accepting the formatting related to acknowledgment.

APA 7 Format

✔ no heading needed (acknowledgments could be included in your preface).

✔ All text should be double spaced.

✔ First-person pronouns such as I or we are acceptable.

MLA Format

✔ Heading: Acknowledgments (center and bold).

✔ The text remains on the left side and double-spaced.

✔ Can be done in the first-person form.

Chicago Style

✔ Comes before the table of contents.

✔ Double-spaced with standard one-inch margins.

✔ Should maintain a formal and professional tone.

Best Practices for Writing Dissertation Acknowledgments

✅ Be Concise, Clear, and Specific – A reasonably short dissertation acknowledgment should be anywhere between 150 – 300 words.

✅ Be Formal But Personal – Blend sincerity with professionalism.

✅ Follow Institutional Policies – Verify whether your school has any prescribed rules.

✅ Edit for Clarity & Grammar – Look out for typos and inconsistencies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Dissertation Acknowledgments

🚫 Being Too Casual – Refrain from using too much humor or slang.

🚫 Prolonged Acknowledgments – Make them clear and brief.

🚫 Omitting Significant People – Acknowledge all who made an impact.

🚫 Forgetting About Established Guidelines – Make sure to adhere to APA, MLA, or Chicago.

Final Thought

The acknowledgements in a dissertation are intended for those who assisted the student, allowing for non-technical appreciation to be expressed.

Using the examples and tips provided, you can create a professional, yet personal, acknowledgment to enhance your dissertation.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Don’t forget advisors, mentors, and institutions

✔ Remember the family and friends

✔ Keep the formality with a personal touch

✔ Adhere to APA, MLA, or Chicago style guidelines

If you need more help with writing a dissertation, consult the related guides located below. 📚

FAQs

How lengthy should dissertation acknowledgments be?

Usually, they are 150-300 words translating to half a page up to one complete page.

Am I allowed to use first-person pronouns in dissertation acknowledgments?

Yes, use of “I” or “we” is permitted in the acknowledgments section.

Where is the acknowledgement section located in a dissertation?

The section is located prior to the abstract and table of contents.

Can I acknowledge my friends and family in the dissertation acknowledgments?

You are free to acknowledge friends and family, or even pets, provided they contributed to the journey.