Thesis Committee and Schedule

Thesis should be completed within one semester, which is normally the student’s final semester. If you do not complete the thesis in one semester but have finished all other requirements, then you should register for Maintenance of Matriculation for the second semester.

If you are unable to complete the thesis in two semesters, you must petition to complete your degree in another way or reapply to your graduate deputy to continue for one more semester. This latter option is only available in extraordinary circumstances and must be approved by the graduate deputy and your adviser. Below are two schedules, spring and fall, for completion of a masters thesis.

Spring Schedule

Proposals

Proposals submitted to the graduate chair by December 15 of the prior fall semester. The Thesis Committee will then select approved theses and assign them to advisers. Students who would like a particular adviser can indicate their name on the proposal.

First Chapter

The draft of the first chapter should be completed by February 15.

Main Chapters

The drafts of the main chapters should be completed by April 1.

Final Version

The final draft should be completed no later than two weeks before the submission deadline in order for the adviser to review it.

Submission

See the Bulletin for the final submission date, which is usually early May.

Fall Schedule

Proposals

Proposals submitted to the graduate chair by May 15 of the prior spring semester. The Thesis Committee will then select approved theses and assign them to advisers. Students can indicate their preferred adviser on the proposal.

First Chapter

The draft of the first chapter should be completed by September 15.

Main Chapters

The drafts of the main chapters should be completed by November 1.

Final Version

The final draft should be completed no later than two weeks before the submission deadline in order for the adviser to review it.

Submission

See the Bulletin for the final submission date, which is usually late December.