Thesis Track

Your thesis may be based on research initially done in fulfillment of course requirements or on a completely new subject. The thesis represents a major research effort. Ranging between 75-100 pages, it should comprehensively review the scholarly literature on the subject treated and be consistent with a thesis format. You should begin thinking about potential thesis topics as soon as possible. You must schedule a meeting will the MA Program Director in your first semester to discuss your research interest and which faculty member has an expertise in that area, so to choose relevant coursework and be paired with the appropriate faculty member in PS 5398: Directed Reading and Research.

While enrolled in PS 5398: Directed Reading and Research, you will generate a thesis proposal that must be approved by the Graduate Faculty Writing Supervisor (GFWS) and a review panel. If the proposal is accepted, you will then enroll in PS 5399A: Thesis A where you will produce a full draft of your thesis.

In PS 5399B: Thesis B, in consultation with your thesis committee, you will revise the draft of your thesis.

PS 5399A: Thesis A is taken only once. PS 5199B: Thesis is only taken if the student does not complete their thesis in PS 5399B: Thesis B. It can be taken as many times as necessary to complete the thesis.

You must successfully complete an oral defense of your thesis. Students who fail the oral defense of their thesis will have the choice of transferring to the Non-Thesis Track degree option.

You must also submit your thesis to the Graduate College for approval. After approval, the thesis is to be released to Alkek Library, including for binding should you want a personal copy.