This paper is intended to give graduate level special education students (and others) a structure to facilitate completion of a field study/thesis for a master's degree or a dissertation for the doctorate. First, a format for a dissertation/thesis proposal is suggested and guidelines are offered for development of the proposal. The importance of a thorough review of the relevant research is stressed in a discussion on types of sources, which also considers use of computers for literature searches, word processing, and data analysis. Criteria for evaluating a research study are listed. The paper also provides suggestions for selecting the dissertation/thesis topic, selecting an advisor and committee, setting up a budget, surviving the oral defense, and writing a journal article based on the dissertation or thesis. A list of additional tips and suggested organizational strategies stresses the importance of beginning the thesis work early and utilizing faculty and other students for support. An outline of a "mini" proposal is included. (Contains 24 references.) (DB)