Graduate Master's Thesis Policies

Policy Number: KC-ACA-3775
Date Issued: March 2012
Date Revised: Spring 2019
Last Modified: Feb 5, 2024
Effective Date: AY 19-20
Approved By: Graduate Council, SGS Dean, Provost
Sponsor(s): Provost
Responsible Office(s): Academic Program, School of Graduate Studies

Policy Statement

Thesis definition

A thesis is a process that results in an original composition that involves quality work and creativity. This may include definition of goals or research questions, a review of the existing literature or background information, collection of data or information to present as results, and/or a discussion of results and findings, and citations. The research and final document should be of appropriate scholarly quality, as judged by the thesis committee.

Thesis preparation and approval

Please see the Graduate Thesis/Dissertation Preparation and Approval Process Policy.

Final thesis examination and supervisory committee approval

The format and procedures of the final examination in defense of the thesis are determined by the supervisory committee and its chair. The defense of the thesis is approved when a majority of the supervisory committee members recommend approval and sign the Report of the Result of Final Master’s Thesis Examination form.

Within 48 hours of the defense, the supervisory committee chair shall report the results of the final thesis examination in writing to the candidate.

Programs are required to submit the Final Thesis Evaluation Forms to the School of Graduate Studies. Forms are available from the program director or academic unit. The School of Graduate Studies reports final approval of the thesis to the registrar.