Thesis

For many students, the primary reason to pursue a thesis is to obtain an independent research and writing experience prior to entry into a doctoral program. For some, it is a means of acquiring greater depth of knowledge in a subject of interest, or preparation for employment in a specialized field.

Although reasons for writing a thesis vary, the purpose of the research is to discover new knowledge or enhance existing knowledge in the field of interest. A project that helps to solve a practical problem may also be acceptable. The thesis is a cumulative experience, which provides a record for student achievement in the program.

The technical and grammatical quality of a thesis is an index of the professional abilities of the student, the supervising professor, and committee members. Moreover, it is representative of the quality of graduate education of the University.

Student Responsibilities Related to Completing a Thesis:

• The thesis is not just another research project. The thesis should be undertaken with the knowledge that it requires a substantial investment of student time and finances. For more detailed information about pursuing the thesis option, review the Thesis Rules and Procedures document available from the Graduate Program Director.
• Only students with good writing and quantitative skills should undertake a thesis. While some writing skill enhancement can be expected during the process, the thesis is not a suitable means to develop writing competency.
• Psychology students who wish to write a thesis must meet the following requirements prior to enrollment in thesis coursework:
  1. The student must have met the requirements for candidacy.
  2. The student must have earned an average GPA of 3.5 or higher across Advanced Statistics (PS6385G) and Psychological Research (PS6381G).
  3. The student discusses appointment of a supervising professor and other committee members, thesis title, approval of the thesis topic, and abstract to ensure requirements will be met with his or her graduate program director.
  4. The student must present an abstract and brief proposal indicating the thesis research topic, proposed hypotheses and sample, and analysis plan

Based on the graduate program director�s recommendation, the student may gain approval to pursue the thesis. Students must successfully complete the thesis before graduation.