Thesis Approval

To get a thesis topic approved, you begin with a research idea that is acceptable to both you and the Chair of the ETCMA Department. There are several steps you need to follow.

Before You Begin

Before you can get a thesis topic approved, you must have already completed at least 30 hours of courses or expect to have completed that many hours by the end of the semester in which you are seeking approval.

Approval Procedure

To get a thesis topic approved

1. You must first satisfactorily complete IDC Advanced Research.
2. Before you expect to submit a thesis proposal, explore ideas with an interested IDC faculty member and develop a concept for research.

   Result: The professor will notify the IDC faculty of the proposed concept for research.

3. Based on the concept paper-and, perhaps, further exploration with the interested IDC professor-prepare a preliminary literature review supporting the concept for the research.
4. Give your preliminary literature review to the Chair of the ETCMA Department for review.

   Rule: You must turn in your literature review by the ninth week of the semester before you plan to begin research on your master's thesis.

   Result: The Chair of the ETCMA Department will review your literature review and inform you about any required changes.

5. Does the head of the ETCMA Department approve your literature review?

   If yes, the department Chair will assign you a thesis advisor. Continue to step 8.

   If no, revise your proposal according to the department Chair's suggestions. Return to step 4.

6. Meet with your thesis advisor to discuss your proposal.
7. Write a proposal that describes the research you will do.
   In the proposal, you must
   • describe the purpose and scope of the research
   • describe a literature review that results in a research project
   • describe the methods you will use for your research
   • discuss how your background or interests relate to your thesis topic
   • discuss potential obstacles that you may need to overcome
   • provide a preliminary bibliography of literary sources that you will use in your research
8. Does your thesis advisor approve your proposal?

   If yes, submit your proposal along with the approval form that you will receive to the ETCMA Department program assistant.
   Result: During regular registration, the department program assistant will register you for IDC 7803: Master's Thesis for the following semester.

   If no, revise your proposal according to your thesis advisor's suggestions. Return to step 7.

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