MA Thesis Guidelines

Timetable for writers of M.A. theses for May graduation

Most deadlines below (excluding those for submission of forms) are suggested dates, but they aim to leave ample time for all stages of research, writing, and revision, and both thesis-writer and committee will benefit if they model their schedule on this one. Non-May degree-seekers will adapt the schedule below to the appropriate time frame.

Preliminary arrangements and paperwork:

A student wishing to write a thesis should 1) discuss the topic with the Director of Graduate Studies, and 2) identify a potential thesis director (if it is someone other than the Director of Graduate Studies) and discuss the topic with him or her by the end of the student's first year. If the prospective thesis director is willing to direct, (s)he and the student will devise a plan for preparatory work over the summer. Another useful thing the student can do is look over the theses shelved in the Study Center to get an idea on how the finished product should look (in terms of structure, length, documentation, etc.).

The student will present a draft thesis proposal to the thesis director and the Director of Graduate Studies by September 15 of the second year. The proposal should lay out, in 2-3 pages, the topic and the student's plan for the organization and execution of the thesis. The author, director, and proposed title of the project should be clearly identified at the top of the document. The rest of the proposal will describe the topic, the rationale, the background the writer brings to the project, the proposed argument, the methodology and key questions, the proposed chapters (in outline or narrative form), and the significance of the thesis. A working bibliography, specifying primary and secondary materials, will be attached. As the student begins the research and writing process, the plan will no doubt evolve and change on some level; nevertheless, it is crucial to start with as clear and detailed a proposal as possible. The Director of Graduate Studies, in consultation with the thesis director, will promptly review and give feedback on this proposal.

With help from the thesis director as necessary, the student will identify and approach additional potential members of the thesis committee (totaling 3 members of the department or relevant outside departments). By October 1, the student should have acquired written confirmation (in an email or note) of these individuals' willingness to participate as second or third reader. These names will go on the Graduate School form (see below). Any subsequent changes in the personnel of the committee must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies and the Chair of the Department. The entire committee will need to be available for the oral defense of the thesis in April.

The student must submit the “Title, Scope, and Procedure” form (available from the Director of Graduate Studies) to the Graduate School by November 15. This form asks for a briefer description of the thesis than the proposal does, but it is better to craft the proposal before attempting to fill out the Graduate School form.

Writing and revising the thesis:

During the fall semester, the thesis director will direct the student to produce written pieces on a regular schedule. Researching and writing at this early stage is crucial to the development of the thesis idea and to the timely completion of a draft. The thesis director and student will determine what sort of written work (secondary literature reviews, analyses of individual pieces of evidence, sections of actual chapters, etc.) will constitute the best early forays into the study. Deadlines will be set at the thesis director's discretion, but it is advisable to set a first deadline of October 31 for one drafted chapter or the equivalent of 25% of the thesis, and December 15 as a deadline for a second drafted chapter or the equivalent of another 25% of the thesis. These drafts need be submitted to the thesis director alone; but the student should keep the other members of the committee informed on the progress of the thesis and give them the opportunity to see drafts. The thesis director and any other reader(s) who see this early work will provide feedback promptly.

The student should submit a third chapter or another 25% of the thesis to the thesis director and any other readers who request it by January 15, or the first day of Spring Semester. The thesis director will continue to provide feedback on submitted work. At this time, the student should propose a defense date during the first half of April and obtain the entire committee's confirmation of their availability.

The student should have submitted drafts of all major components of the thesis to the thesis director by February 15. The thesis director should give feedback on the whole thesis during the first half of March (other readers who have read portions may give feedback now too). At this time, the student and thesis director will come to a consensus regarding the status of the document, and devise a plan for revision. The student will then work on revisions, incorporating reader feedback, and create the ancillary sections of the thesis (Table of Contents, Figures [if relevant] and a List of Figures, and complete list of Works Cited).

The student will turn in a final complete draft, including ancillary sections, to the thesis director by March 31or a nearby date to be determined by the student and thesis director. This draft should incorporate recommended revisions. All readers will now read the thesis and prepare feedback and questions to be presented at the oral defense.

Defense, final revisions, and filing:

The student should work with the committee and the department administrator to schedule the two-hour defense and reserve an appropriate room. The thesis director will advise the student on how to prepare for the defense.

Following the defense, the committee may accept the thesis as presented; ask for minor revisions; or ask for major revisions, re-circulation of the document, and a repeat defense. 

The student is responsible for finalizing and depositing the thesis document (see the Graduate School's Master's Thesis Guide). For May graduation, the thesis must be filed at the Graduate School by the first Monday in May.