How to Turn Your Thesis into a Journal Article

Guest Author:
Azizul Haque
Assistant Professor, Yeungnam University.

Many students wish to turn their completed thesis into a journal article. This is an important step because while a thesis is usually written for an academic committee, a journal article provides the opportunity to reach the global community of researchers and scientists. A thesis is a comprehensive research paper that includes extensive discussion and analysis, but a journal article is comparatively shorter and written in a specific format. Therefore, the process of converting a thesis into a journal article can often be complex and time-consuming. However, it is achievable if approached correctly. By following some basic steps in this process, it is possible to write a successful journal article.

Characteristics of a Thesis

A thesis is typically a detailed academic document based on deep analysis and critique of many subjects. It has multiple chapters such as introduction, literature review, methods, results, discussion, etc. There is usually no word limit for a thesis, and it is reviewed by an academic committee. All information and analysis related to the research are included, with details like IRB approval, tools used, data collection methods, and more.

Characteristics of a Journal Article

On the other hand, a journal article is written in a concise and specific format, highlighting the main results and analysis of the research. It is designed to quickly reach scientists and researchers. Compared to a thesis, a journal article is short and must adhere to the specific journal’s structure and style. Generally, a journal article presents the key findings of the research and discusses how these results can impact current knowledge or research perspectives.

Steps to Turn a Thesis into a Journal Article:

1. Select the Right Journal:

The first step in writing an article from your thesis is selecting the right journal. Choose a journal that matches the purpose and scope of your research. It is crucial to follow the journal’s specific structure, selection process, and reference style. Additionally, understand factors such as acceptance rate, peer review process, impact factor, and subject-specific publishing guidelines.

2. Reduce the Length of Your Thesis:

A thesis contains detailed information, but a journal article should present only the core and essential elements in a concise manner. Extra details, explanations, and subtopics from the thesis are not necessary in the article. Therefore, select only the essential parts and omit the rest, so that the main aspects of the research are presented clearly and concisely.

3. Revise the Introduction Section:

The introduction of a thesis is usually lengthy; however, in a journal article, it should be short and precise. Summarize the purpose and main questions of the thesis, and briefly mention relevant previous research so that readers can understand the significance of the study. Also, clearly state how your research fills the existing gap in the current body of knowledge.

4. Focus on the Research Question:

If your thesis includes several research questions, your journal article should focus on a specific question or hypothesis. It is difficult to address all sub-questions from the thesis in an article. So, highlight the main question clearly so that readers understand the scope and approach of your research.

5. Keep the Methods Section Concise:

The Methods section in a thesis may contain a lot of detail, but in a journal article, it should be presented briefly. Choose the most relevant methods and materials but avoid unnecessary detail. Instead, succinctly describe the main information and methods used.

6. Present the Results:

In the Results section, only present the main and most important findings. While a thesis may include detailed results in tables or figures, a journal article should use the minimal number required and keep the presentation concise. Clearly showcase the key findings, mentioning other points only if necessary.

7. Ensure Clarity in the Discussion:

In the Discussion, explain only the main insights or significant points. Avoid re-discussing other results. Instead, discuss the importance of the findings, their relationship to previous research, study limitations, future research, and overall impact.

8. Limit the Number of References:

The number of references in a journal article is usually limited, so only cite relevant and recent references. A thesis may include old or excessive references, which should not be used in the article. Only mention research directly related to your study and prioritize recent reviews or primary research articles.

Writing a journal article from a thesis requires proper planning and patience. Core elements of the research should be presented concisely, clearly, and accurately.

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