OFFICE OF GRADUATE STUDIES

 

ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW DO YOU FIND A THESIS TOPIC? A thesis topic may be:

• An idea that you have long wanted to work on.
• A subject raised in a course or by a teacher that you would like to know more about.
• A possible topic arrived at in discussion with the graduate deputy or potential thesis advisor.

WHEN DO YOU WRITE THE THESIS?

• Most of the work is usually done after completing course work.
• You may begin any time, but the effort will be limited while course work is ongoing.
• You may be able to use an essay written for a course as a starting point.

WHAT ARE THE FIRST STEPS TO TAKE?

• Find an advisor, who may be a teacher of a course you have taken or someone recommended by your graduate deputy.
• Consult with your advisor to shape the topic to a manageable size and to establish a timetable (estimate, goal, deadline) for completion.
• File an "Application for Filing Thesis Title" form with your Graduate Deputy.

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR STEPS IN RESEARCHING AND WRITING THE THESIS?

• Reading written sources related to your topic and taking notes on them.
• Carrying out the major research steps promised in the proposal.
• Creating a rough outline: statement of main thesis, sequence of chapters or materials in support of main thesis.
• Getting help from the Learning Center if necessary. · Submitting individual chapters to your advisor and revising on the basis of his or her comments.
• Refining the rough outline as chapters develop.
• Keeping your eye on the main thesis and cutting out extraneous material.
• As research continues, keeping focused on material needed to support the main thesis.
• Maintaining a bibliography or record of works cited.

WHAT ARE THE FINAL STEPS IN COMPLETING THE THESIS?

• Refining the outline and checking to be certain each chapter is focused.
• Writing a conclusion: either the logical outcome of evidence or a summary.
• Writing an introduction: statement of main thesis and plan of what is to follow; a guide for the reader.
• Checking to be certain that all sources are cited properly according to the style manual used by your department.
• Preparing two copies of the thesis for submission (see the Graduate Office's brochure on final preparation of the thesis).
• Getting your advisor to sign the "Approval of Thesis/Master Recital/M.F.A. Project."