THESIS / ESSAY REGULATIONS

Some graduate programs require a thesis, essay, or creative project. Students are encouraged to work closely with their advisors on the formatting of their papers and should contact the Office of Graduate Studies with questions not covered by the appropriate style manual or the following instructions.  Please be sure to allow adequate time to meet the required submission deadlines.

The Plan A thesis must show capacity for original research. The thesis may bring new facts to light; may organize and critically evaluate available information; or may evaluate critically a technique, method, or trend. In general, the thesis is a demonstration of research ability whose content shows originality, analytical skills, clarity of critical thought, and power of mature expression.

The Plan B essay is designed to show the student’s power of analysis, organization, and expression. Clarity of thought and power of mature expression are expected as in the thesis.

The Plan B creative project is designed to show the student’s ability to plan, develop, and carry out a project of significance. Application of theoretical principles and clarity of expression are expected in the project.

Deadlines:  The dates for filing outlines or initial draft copies are set by the student's advisor. The student should be notified of these well in advance. The date for the two final, completed documents is specified in the University calendar.  Please note: On the date specified for filing the final copies of the thesis, essay or creative project, one original and one copy, revised, accepted and signed, must be in the Office of Graduate Studies by 5:00 p.m.

Copies of thesis, essay, and creative project regulations are available in the Office of Graduate Studies, in department offices, or from the link below.

 Thesis, Essay and Creative Project Regulations (Word) (PDF)

How to put page numbers at the 1 inch margin (Word)

If you have any questions, please contact the Graduate Studies office at: 216.397.4284