Master's Thesis

If you have received approval from faculty to complete a master's thesis in lieu of COMPS or a culminating experience, please follow the steps below:

1. Ensure you have registered for thesis credits as required by your degree requirements. Students must be registered for at least one class at the time they defend their thesis. Students who have completed their coursework requirements, including thesis credits, should register for CAND 5940 Candidate to Degree. Please contact your academic advisor for guidance on registration.
2. Adhere to all deadlines and submit all required forms.
3. Follow the "Format Guide for Theses" found under "All Resources" on the Graduate Programs website.
4. Two weeks prior to defense, submit the Exam Request form to SEHD and use the student room request form to schedule a room for your defense.
5. After successfully defending your thesis, your committee will sign a form.
6. Submit your final thesis to ProQuest.

Additional information on the master's thesis is available in the Student Policy Handbook.

Master's Thesis Deadlines

See the Graduate Programs website for deadlines and forms.

• Deadlines: Students are responsible for following the above deadlines. If posted deadlines are missed, a student’s graduation may be postponed to the next term. Please touch base with your academic advisor immediately in the event that you miss a deadline.
• Registration: Students must be registered for at least one class at the time they defend their thesis. Students who have completed their coursework requirements, including thesis credits, should register for CAND 5940 Candidate to Degree. Please contact your academic advisor for guidance on registration.
• Commencement: Applying to graduate is separate from participating in the ceremony. Please visit the commencement website to register to participate in the ceremony. Master’s students must complete all degree requirements before they are able to participate in commencement. There is no summer commencement ceremony. Students completing their degree in the summer can choose to participate in the following Fall ceremony.