Graduate‑level research can feel overwhelming, especially as you move deeper into your program and the scaffolding that once supported you begins to thin. Many students describe the later stages of research as isolating. Coursework ends, peers disperse, and accountability becomes harder to find. Another Degree mentors step into that gap with steady, strategic, and human support.

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Through Another Degree, you have access to mentors across all fields, including published scholars, tenured faculty, top grant and fellowship recipients, public scholars, professional researchers within and beyond academic settings, and former dissertation chairs and committee members with deep knowledge of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed‑methods research. They understand how research projects evolve, how committees think, and how to navigate the academic ecosystem with clarity and confidence. They offer guidance that centers your wellbeing, your goals, and your voice.

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Although we frame this service as research support, it is truly holistic support for graduate students. We believe research is a collaborative and iterative process, and we know your departmental mentors may not be able to singularly support you through your academic journey or understand your unique challenges. An Another Degree mentor can help you navigate personal, professional, and academic challenges, including support for neurodivergent students, non‑traditional students, and students from traditionally minoritized or underrepresented backgrounds. You receive a supplemental partner who understands the realities of graduate school and who helps you move forward with clarity and momentum.

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This service is designed for students working on:

• Master’s theses (MA, MS, MRes, MPhil)

• PhD dissertations

• Dissertation proposals (prospectus) 

• Literature reviews

• Research design and methodology

• Viva or oral defense preparation

• Capstone or honors research projects

• Academic journal articles 

• Adapting academic writing to other formats

Note: ​​We know in some academic systems, ‘thesis’ refers to the PhD capstone and ‘dissertation’ refers to undergraduate or master’s research. We support students around the world, across all systems and degree structures. 

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In all cases, you stay in control of your project. Your mentor will never write or edit your thesis or dissertation for you. Instead, they help you strengthen your own thinking, writing, and research skills with structure, insight, and practical strategies that help you make meaningful progress.

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How We Support Graduate Student Researchers 

Clarifying Your Research Direction

Many students begin with a broad interest but need help narrowing their focus or shaping a researchable question. Your mentor helps you:

• Refine your topic and research questions

• Identify gaps or opportunities in the literature

• Understand disciplinary expectations

• Build a realistic scope for your project

• Develop a clear plan for moving forward

This early clarity saves time and reduces stress later in the process.

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Proposal Development

A strong proposal sets the foundation for your entire project. Your mentor will help you:

• Structure your proposal

• Strengthen your rationale and significance

• Clarify your theoretical framework

• Refine your methodology

• Prepare for committee feedback and prospectus defense

• Build a timeline that fits your capacity

Your mentor provides guidance that helps you present a compelling, coherent plan to your committee.

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Research Design and Methodology Support

Students often need help choosing or refining methods. You'll receive support in:

• Understanding qualitative, quantitative, and mixed‑methods approaches

• Selecting appropriate methods for your research questions

• Planning data collection and analysis

• Navigating ethical considerations

• Preparing for IRB or ethics review

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Writing Support for Theses and Dissertations

Long‑form academic writing can feel isolating. Our mentors can help you: 

• Break writing into manageable steps

• Strengthen clarity, structure, and argumentation

• Improve flow and coherence across chapters

• Understand disciplinary writing conventions

• Maintain your voice while meeting academic expectations

• Build sustainable writing habits that work with your lifestyle

This support is collaborative and grounded in your goals, not prescriptive editing.

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Accountability and Project Management

Momentum is one of the hardest parts of graduate research. We help you:

• Recognize patterns and habits that work for you, and identify the ones that hold you back

• Set realistic goals

• Create weekly or monthly plans

• Build accountability structures

• Navigate setbacks or stalled progress

• Maintain balance and wellbeing during the process

This is where many students experience the difference between burnout and breakthrough.

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Additional Areas of Support

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Article and Conference Preparation

Many students want to publish or present their work but aren’t sure where to begin. We help you:

• Identify appropriate journals or conferences

• Draft, revise, and polish manuscripts

• Respond to peer-review feedback

• Prepare abstracts and proposals

• Build effective presentations and posters

• Practice talks and responding to questions and feedback

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Exam and Defense Readiness

Preparation for exams and defenses can feel intimidating. We help you:

• Practice presentations

• Anticipate committee questions

• Clarify your contribution and argument

• Build confidence in discussing your methods and findings

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Committee Communication

Navigating relationships with advisors and committees is a skill in itself. We help you:

• Strategize how to engage with advisors

• Respond to feedback effectively

• Advocate for your work and your needs

• Communicate with clarity and professionalism

This support helps you maintain healthy, productive relationships throughout your program.

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Grants and Fellowships

Funding can shape your research opportunities. We help you:

• Identify relevant grants and fellowships

• Strengthen your applications

• Clarify your project’s significance

• Prepare competitive materials

Your mentor helps you present your work in ways that resonate with reviewers.​

How it works and what to expect

• Coaching sessions are held online and tailored to your goals and stage in your program.

• You can view our mentor list and request a direct booking for an initial session at a time that works with your schedule - or complete the form on this page to request a mentor match.

• You may receive a notification if your mentor requests more information before your first meeting. This allows them to review your materials or learn more about your interests, experience, and goals.

• Unlike other coaching services that rely on upselling and commissions, there is no obligation to commit to multiple sessions. We recommend starting with one session. Afterward, you will be offered discounted package options if you would like continued support. You can also use session packages across multiple mentors to build a team with complementary strengths - such as research‑focused mentor plus a writing‑focused mentor. You can also combine graduate school coaching services with career mentorship sessions for academic and alt-ac pathways. One-on-one research coaching can also be combined with guidance on program admissions planning (e.g. MA to PhD) and Another Degree's professional academic editing services.  

• Users who purchase multiple session packages will receive access to a private online learning community moderated by Another Degree mentors. This space offers peer support, Q&A threads, writing accountability, and guidance between your one-on-one meetings

• Have other questions? Pull up the "let's chat" tool on this page, reach out via our contact form, or consult our frequently asked questions page. Learn more about what makes us different on our blog post: Why Choose Another Degree. 

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Your research matters. An Another Degree mentor can help you shape it, finish it, and share it with the world.

Complete the form on this page to request a mentor match!