Thesis Proposal

THESIS PROPOSAL

Students must complete the Thesis Proposal by the end of the third year of graduate studies.  The Thesis Proposal is a written document including:

1. Introduction (putting the topic in the context of previous work in the literature and why the work is important and novel)

2. Defined thesis statement (hypothesis, goals and objectives of the work)

3. Description of results to date

4. Timeline of study with milestones

5. Description of how the student has contributed to the creation and/or direction of the project

DOCUMENT GUIDELINES

Submission Deadline: Two weeks before the Committee meeting

1. Introduction 

• Provide a concise overview of your Thesis topic, highlighting its significance and context within your field of study.

• Approx. 1 page in length

2. Structure and Content

For each chapter, include the following:

• Chapter Title

• Key Theories/Research Questions/Research Gaps: Outline the central theories and research questions/gaps each chapter of your thesis aims to address

• Key Findings: Summarize the anticipated findings or contributions of each chapter

• Suggested structure: 1 page per chapter, covering three (or more) research chapters in total

3. Gantt Chart

Create a visual timeline that includes:

• Data Collection: Specify timeframes for data collection for each chapter.

• Data Analysis: Outline the timeline for analyzing collected data.

• Writing Schedule: Indicate when you plan to draft each chapter/manuscript.

• Proposed Defense Date: Provide your intended defense timeframe.

4. Length and Formatting

• Recommended Total Length: 2000-2500 words (4-5 pages, single spaced).

• Figures: Include 2-3 relevant figures, ensuring they are appropriately sized and integrated into the text.

• References: References do not count towards the total word count

5. Attachments

Include published or submitted papers that will contribute to your thesis as separate PDF files. Connection of these papers to thesis chapters should be briefly explained in your chapter summaries. If a paper that you are attaching directly corresponds to a thesis chapter, your summary of it in the thesis proposal document can be very brief.

PRESENTATION GUIDELINES

Duration: 30-40 minutes

Suggested Organization

1. Background and Motivation: Briefly introduce your research area. Discuss the significance of your topic and what motivated your research.

2. Problem Statement/Research Questions/Hypothesis/Objectives: Clearly define the problem your research addresses. Present the key questions guiding your investigation. Outline your hypotheses and objectives.

3. Methodology and Analysis: Summarize your research design and approach. Outline the methods used for data collection. Briefly explain your analysis techniques and discuss how they support your findings.

4. Progress Update: Provide a brief overview of your current progress on the research. Highlight key insights from your research and their relevance to your research questions.

5. Expected Outcomes: Describe the anticipated contributions and implications of your research.

6. Future Timeline: Present a timeline for remaining work leading up to the defense, including key milestones.

The arrangement of various components in this section is at the discretion of the student and adviser.