Thesis Research Proposal
It is expected that the student will consult with his or her major
advisor for guidance in defining the thesis. When a thesis area has
been agreed upon, the student must submit a thesis proposal to his or
her advisory committee. Once this proposal is approved, formal work on
the thesis can begin.
Normally, it is expected that the thesis topic will be selected and
approved as soon as possible, but before the end of the first complete
year of study (i.e., by the beginning of the third semester of
residence). Students are required to present a thesis proposal to
their committee and other interested faculty so that the scope of the
research project is clearly understood by all parties. The proposal
will consist of an oral presentation based upon a document distributed
to the committee in advance. The document should cover previous work
in the area, define the specific problem to be addressed and outline
the research plan.
