Thesis Information

The culminating experience for a student's graduate program is carefully spelled out by the California State Education Code, Title 5. Students may choose one culminating experience from the three, as determined by the particular program. Not all programs offer all three options.

Certain advisement tips apply equally to all forms of the culminating experience, and as such, deserve your special attention as graduate coordinator:

• Once enrolled in a particular culminating experience and having earned an RP (formerly SP) grade, students may not switch to an alternative. For example, a student who has received a semester/term RP grade for units in a thesis may not file a "Program Adjustment Request" (PAR) to change to a project. However, had this same student not yet enrolled for units or withdrawn from the university during the semester/term (thus receiving no RP grade), he or she could file a PAR to change the selection indicated on the approved "Petition of Advancement to Candidacy" form.
• The total number of units assigned for the thesis or the project may not exceed 6, or be less than 2.
• Advisers should counsel students that they are expected to be enrolled each semester while working on their project, examination, or thesis.
• Advisers should assure that the culminating experience selected by the student is appropriate to that student's particular program emphasis, career goals, and ability.
• It is imperative that programs and individual committee advisers set early dates for completion of the exam, thesis, or project. This will ensure sufficient time for completing the review, grading, and submission of master's degree clearance paperwork by the graduate coordinator to the Graduate Division by the posted deadline. Students are counting on the timely posting of their degrees! If the required, signed clearance forms have not been submitted by the deadlines listed, students' graduation dates may be delayed or postponed to the following semester or term.

Additionally, for both the thesis and project:

• Grades must be submitted on the "Master's Degree Clearance" form. This is the only acceptable method for submitting these grades; no other grade report is necessary or possible.
• It is important that faculty members meet regularly with the student each term that the student is enrolled, to analyze that student's progress toward completion of the thesis/project.

Note: A grade of "RP" is automatically printed on the roster unless faculty feel that progress toward the degree is not being made, in which case a grade of "I" may be assigned.

No academic distinction is made between a thesis and a project. Either one is acceptable as a means of fulfilling the requirements of the master's degree. Coordinators provide essential guidance and instructions on whether a student should enroll in 298 (project) or 299 (thesis).

THE THESIS

Catalog Definition

A thesis is the written product of the systematic study of a significant problem. It clearly identifies the problem, states the major assumptions, explains the significance of the undertaking, sets forth the sources for and methods of gathering information, analyzes the data, and offers a conclusion or recommendation. The finished product must evidence originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, clarity of purpose, and accurate and thorough documentation. Normally, an oral defense of the thesis will be required.

Critical and independent thinking should characterize every project. Mere description, cataloging, compilation, and other superficial procedures are not adequate.

Content Summary

• The thesis is a highly structured document resulting from original student research.
• The thesis investigates specific, well-defined questions or issues, frequently forming hypotheses to be tested.
• The thesis relates to an existing body of theoretical or empirical knowledge in the field.

Eligibility Criteria

A "Petition of Advancement to Candidacy" form must have been filed with the Division of Graduate Studies one semester previous to signing up for thesis units in the department.

Paperwork

• " Master's Thesis (299) Committee Assignment" form (TCA Form). To be filed with the Division of Graduate Studies before or at the time of the student's first registration for thesis units in the department. Signatures of all committee members, the graduate coordinator or department chair, and the college/school dean (if indicated) are required. For more information, see "Thesis Committee Policy and Procedures."
  • For a third or fourth committee member who are off-campus, a curriculum vitae or resume must be submitted with the TCA form to the Division of Graduate Studies.
  • For changes in committee chair, second, or third committee members, or in the thesis topic, a " Change in Master's Thesis Committee and/or Topic" form must be submitted to the Division of Graduate Studies.
• "Human/Animal Subjects Clearance" form, as applicable. To be submitted to the student's departmental Human/Animal Subjects Clearance committee. Research deemed potentially at risk must have approval from either the Committee on Protection of Human Subjects (CPS) or the Animal Care and Use Committee, as appropriate, before the student may begin the project.
• " Master's Degree Clearance" form. To be submitted to the Graduate Division by the posted deadline. The grade for thesis units is registered on this form by the thesis chair, on behalf of the committee, and given to the Graduate Coordinator for final processing.

Deadlines

• Final thesis draft: Approximately seven weeks before last day of classes. (Consult the Class Schedule, the University Catalog, or the Graduate Studies Web site for exact dates.)
• Publication copy: Date assigned by thesis consultant, after review of final draft.

Procedure

• Thesis committees are formed according to guidelines established by the Graduate Committee of the Academic Senate. The committee consists of three members; the chair and at least one other committee member are expected to appointed members of the department of the student's degree program. With requisite expertise, an individual who is not a member of the department faculty in the student's program may serve as a member, with approval of the department chair. (See approved and revised " Thesis Committee Policy and Procedures.")
• Thesis format must follow the university Guidelines for Thesis Preparation.
• Theses are submitted to the Dissertation/Thesis Office via email. By submitting their approval (Step 2), the committee signifies that the form and content of the thesis meet Title 5 regulations (see Catalog definition, above) as well as program standards.
• When approved for quality, format, and style, the thesis will sign off on the Thesis Committee Assignment form on behalf of the graduate dean. 
• In addition, in order for the thesis consultant to grant final thesis clearance, students are required to have submitted the following:
  • Permission to Publish Copyrighted Material form(s), as applicable
  • Digital publishing requirements for all programs (except MFA):
    • Complete ProQuest process 
    • Complete and submit form to Dissertation/Thesis Office: Non-exclusive Distribution License (for CSU Scholarworks) - this will be sent to you during the revision process
    • Note: the Dissertation/Thesis Office will provide guidance for the digital publishing process 
    • Permission to Publish Copyrighted Material form(s), as applicable
  • MFA/History/Education: Curriculum & Instruction/Kinesiology:
    • Receipt from University Cashier showing payment of fees for thesis binding
    • Receipt from University Copy Center showing payment of fees for printing
    • Note: The Print and Copy Center and the Dissertation/Thesis Office will handle all copying and processing, after fee payment
• In order for the graduate evaluator to register final thesis clearance for the degree, the final grade for the thesis must have been recorded on the " Master's Degree Clearance" form.

Advising Tips

• Set early internal program deadlines for committee review and approval of theses, to ensure that students meet university timelines for graduation.
• Thesis support is available from the Dissertation/Thesis Office in the Division of Graduate Studies. A thesis typist/formatter list is available upon request; group lectures may be arranged by calling the thesis consultant (278-2448).
• Thesis templates and resources can be accessed on the template webpage. 
• Thesis students are encouraged to visit the Graduate Student Success Center for writing, statistics, or template formatting support.