MA Thesis

If you are a full-time student, you will complete a thesis during your second year in the MA program.  Be sure to attend the Thesis Workshop offered by departmental faculty each fall semester to learn more about the thesis process and receive useful advice about how to begin and complete your research.

Step 1: Identify a thesis topic, draft a concept paper, and select a thesis committee (prior to enrolling in CRIM 799). You must submit MA Thesis Form 1 (including signatures from committee members) to the Director of Graduate Programs at least two weeks prior to the start of the semester of initial enrollment in CRIM 799.

Step 2: Enroll in CRIM 799: Thesis Credits. You must submit MA Thesis Form 2 to the Director of Graduate Programs at least two weeks prior to the start of the semester in which you first enroll in CRIM 799. You must have MA Thesis Form 1 on file (or submit along with this request) and must enroll in at least 3 credits of CRIM 799 in your first semester of enrollment. You will finalize your thesis proposal and complete the thesis while enrolled in CRIM 799.

• For subsequent semesters of CRIM 799 enrollment, students do not have to resubmit MA Thesis Form 2. Instead, students should email the Graduate Program Coordinator (and CC the Director of Graduate Programs) to request the registration code. Please be sure to include the name of your thesis chair and the number of credits in which you plan to enroll. These requests should still be sent at least two weeks prior to the start of the semester in which you plan to enroll in the CRIM 799 credits.

Step 3: Schedule a Thesis Defense. Once you have completed your thesis research and have received approval from your committee to move forward, you must schedule a thesis defense.  All members of the committee must be present at the defense. The Director of Graduate Programs and the Graduate Program Coordinator should be notified of the date, time and location of the thesis defense.