Master's Thesis Policies

Thesis Definition

A thesis is a process that results in an original composition that involves quality work and creativity. This may include definition of goals or research questions, a review of the existing literature or background information, collection of data or information to present as results, and/or a discussion of results and findings, and citations. The research and final document should be of appropriate scholarly quality, as judged by the thesis committee.

Thesis Preparation and Approval

Please see the Graduate Thesis/Dissertation Preparation and Approval Process Policy.

Final Thesis Examination and Supervisory Committee Approval

The format and procedures of the final examination in defense of the thesis are determined by the supervisory committee and its chair. The defense of the thesis is approved when a majority of the supervisory committee members recommends approval and signs the final evaluation/report forms and the supervisory committee chair submits them to the School of Graduate Studies (SGS).

Within 48 hours of the defense, the supervisory committee chair shall report the results of the final thesis examination in writing to the candidate and the SGS.

Students are required to submit their final thesis document to the SGS. (See the Graduate Thesis/Dissertation Preparation and Approval Policy for more information). The supervisory committee is required to complete the final thesis report forms, which the supervisory committee chair submits to the SGS by the deadlines indicated on the forms and/or posted on the SGS website. The SGS reports the final approval of the thesis to the Registrar.

Deposit of Approved Thesis with Libraries