Thesis Guidelines & Specifications

A degree candidate must demonstrate ability to do independent research and competence in scholarly exposition by the preparation of a thesis on a topic related to the major subject. The thesis should represent a significant contribution to knowledge, be presented in a scholarly manner, reveal an ability on the part of the candidate to do independent research of high quality, and indicate considerable experience in using a variety of research techniques. In conformance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, students are hereby notified that their theses and other research work may be made publicly available through libraries and other means.

The thesis must meet the Graduate School’s format requirements. The Graduate School publishes the Thesis Guide and provides thesis writers workshops several times each semester. The Thesis Guide is available at the Thesis Office in 115 Kern at 865-5448.

The thesis is to be developed by the student with the supervision, support, and critique of the faculty adviser. The draft thesis is to be submitted first to the faculty adviser. The student and his/her adviser may agree to prior review of the thesis, either section-by-section or in its entirety or both. After the thesis has been approved by the faculty adviser, the student distributes a copy to each member of the advisory committee. This copy is to be complete in every respect including figures, tables, page numbers, and bibliography; the content and style should be correct and polished.