FAQ
How do I 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 topic arrived at in discussion with the graduate deputy or prospective thesis adviser; or
- a subject that arises from conversations with fellow students.
When do I 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 during your course work. 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 adviser — a teacher of a course you have taken or someone recommended by your graduate deputy.
- Consult with your adviser to shape the topic to a manageable size and to establish a timetable 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?
- Read and take notes on written sources related to your topic.
- Carry out the major research steps promised in the proposal.
- Create a rough outline — a statement of your main thesis and a sequence of chapters or materials in support of it.
- Ask for help from the Learning Center if necessary.
- Submit individual chapters to your adviser and revise them on the basis of his or her comments.
- Refine the rough outline as chapters develop.
- Keep your focus on the main thesis and on material needed to support it. Eliminate extraneous material (you can always hold it for another project).
- Maintain a bibliography or record of works cited.
What are the final steps in completing the thesis?
- Obtain a copy of "Instructions for Preparing and Filing the Master's Thesis" from your department or the Office of the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research.
- Refine the outline and check carefully that each chapter is focused.
- Write an introduction — a statement of your main thesis and a plan of what will follow. In other words, write a guide for the reader.
- Write a conclusion — the logical outcome of evidence or a summary.
- Check that all sources are cited properly according to the style manual used by your department.
- Prepare a title/cover page following the model below.
- Write a brief (200-word) abstract in English of the thesis for the Graduate Division and include it on the page following the title page.
- Prepare two copies of the thesis for submission.
- Ask your adviser to sign the "Approval of Thesis/Master's Recital/M.F.A. Project" form (see above).
