Thesis Preparation

Preparation of thesis

Begin to write parts of your thesis before you finish collecting all of your data. Literature reviews, theoretical developments, and methods sections can and should be written while you are doing your research rather than waiting to finish your experiments or statistical work. It also is a good idea to write about the results of experiments as the data are obtained. Even though it is likely that early drafts will need to undergo substantial revision later, you will find that it is much easier to make revisions than write first drafts months (or years) after you have done an experiment. In most cases, a thesis is the most complicated and lengthy document a student has had to prepare. Begin by preparing a detailed outline and start with relatively straightforward sections such as the description of experimental methods.

Theses vary greatly in style, length, and content, and advisers have varying preferences. It often is helpful to examine a few theses of students who preceded you within your research group to gain perspective on your adviser's preferences in writing style, format, and content. Advisers also have different ways of providing advice on writing theses and reviewing thesis drafts. It is to your advantage to discuss these matters with your adviser before you begin to prepare the thesis.

Students should expect to have to revise drafts of theses substantially in response to constructive criticism from their adviser. Do not be dismayed by vigorous criticism.

Although advisers often are willing (or even prefer) to review portions of theses rather than receiving a completed draft; the other readers on your committee should not be expected to do so. Readers should be presented with a finished and complete draft of the thesis. It should be proofread, paginated, and contain legible tables and figures. The latter do not need to be in final form, but you should recognize that readers are less likely to have major criticisms if your thesis is in good form. The Graduate School suggests that you allow one month for the readers to review your Ph.D. thesis. Thesis/dissertation formatting guidelines are available online.

Committee members must sign a Reviewers Report Form certifying that the thesis is ready for defense before the final exam can be scheduled.