Thesis Process Timeline
Last Step: Does it seem strange to start with the last step? Read on.
- The Graduate Studies rule that matters most here is the one that requires the completed and committee-approved thesis to be turned in to their offices three weeks before the end of the semester in which you intend to graduate.
- That means your planning must begin with that deadline in mind.
- Be sure to get a copy of Graduate Studies thesis guidelines.
First Step: Now we can begin at the beginning. Why do you want to write a thesis? (Occurs during your first 12-15 hours)
- You have a “burning” question that you wish to answer.
- You enjoy the process of researching and writing and want to be able to work on a longer project than the typical class assignment.
- You enjoy challenging work.
- You plan to get a doctorate and you think this will improve your chances (not necessarily so).
Second Step: How do you get started? (Occurs during the semester preceding your planned graduation)
- Talk with your teachers about your reasons and your interests.
- Find one professor who will agree to direct your project. This requires a good deal of exploration because the Director must have expertise in the topic area and research methods required for the thesis and both the time and interest in working with you.
- Seek the director’s input as you look for the other two members of your Thesis Committee. Secure their agreement to serve.
Third Step: Now it is time to begin research from published sources and to complete preliminary writing.
- Work with your Director to put together your Prospectus, which includes the following:
- A rationale for your study
- A literature review (with complete bibliography) of your topic
- An outline of all remaining chapters (typically a total of 5)
- A timeline for completion of all chapters, defense of the thesis, revisions made, and thesis delivered to Graduate Studies by the deadline.
- Set a time for the Prospectus Meeting with your committee.
Fourth Step: Data gathering, interpretation, analysis phase. (Occurs during your final semester.)
- Data gathering will vary depending on what sort of research methods you use. Work with your Director to plan the process.
- Whether you “interpret” or not is likewise dependent on your research methods. Work with your Director on this element.
- Analysis of your data should yield conclusions and implications by now as well as suggestions for further research.
- Work with your Director and Committee members, who are likely all reading your draft chapters as you go along.
Fifth Step: Thesis Defense meeting
- Deliver your completed draft thesis to all members of your committee in plenty of time for them to have read it before the meeting. Work that detail out with the Director.
- Schedule your defense meeting. Ask that a room equipped with Power Point capability be reserved. Prepare your presentation carefully. Prepare for questions that will be asked by the committee.
- Revise as necessary.
Actual Last Step: Take the revised and approved thesis to Graduate Studies. Their reader may require additional edits, but not to worry. Just do them.