degree planning 101 thesis & non-thesis programs dr. thomas tomasi associate dean of the...
TRANSCRIPT
DEGREE PLANNING 101 Thesis & Non-Thesis Programs
Dr. Thomas TomasiAssociate Dean of the Graduate College
Professor of Biology
Completing the Degree “on Schedule”
Full-time vs. part-time Nine (9) grad credits/semester (6 in summer)
Assistantship requirements Six (6) grad credits/semester (3 in summer)
Thesis vs. non-thesis project vs. neither
Masters vs. Doctoral degrees.
Typical Full-Time Time-Table First Semester
Classes (8-12 credits) (thesis) Write thesis proposal (thesis) Form thesis committee
Second Semester Classes (8-12 credits) (clinical hours?) Meet with advisor & complete “Degree Works” plan. (thesis) committee meeting to review proposal (thesis) learn techniques & start data collection (non-thesis) investigate faculty research (non-thesis) investigate summer internships
Degree Works &Advisor-Approved Program of Study
A “contract” for course completion. Requirements plus electives. Identify classes and semesters. Approved transfer credits Totals Changes Non-course degree requirements (research, comp exam, ???)
Second Graduate Program
Third Semester Classes (8-12 credits) (clinical hours?) (thesis) continue/complete data collection (thesis) update INTRO, METHODS, REFERENCES (thesis) committee meeting for updates (non-thesis) do research project
Fourth Semester Classes (6-12 credits) (clinical hours?) “Application for Graduation” form Comprehensive Exam (uniform or personalized) (thesis) Complete thesis
Typical Full-Time Time-Table (2)
Thesis Completion (final semester)(-14 weeks) stop collection data/information
(-14 weeks) statistics, graphs & tables (software?)
(-12 weeks) 1st assembled draft to advisor
(-10 weeks) 1st assembled draft back from advisor
(-9 weeks) 2nd draft to advisor
(-7 weeks) 2nd draft back to advisor
(-6 weeks) 3rd draft to committee
(-4 weeks) 3rd draft back from committee
(-3 weeks) “defendable draft” to committee
(-1 week) oral presentation and/or oral defense (if required)
Thesis Deadline for semester (late April, late Nov, mid-Julylate April, late Nov, mid-July)
QUESTIONS ??????
Research Project
Before the Research…
Pick a journal for publication (thesis) Read our Thesis Guide for formatting style (non-thesis) Discuss format with advisor/teacher Determine format of references (style guide?) Write a thesis proposal using these formats
Introduction (“chapter 1 & 2”?) Methods (“chapter 3”?) References (avoid referencing by number at this point)
Get approvals (if needed): Human Subjects, Vertebrate Animals Bio-safety
Thesis Guide & Template
http://graduate.missouristate.edu
Formatting details
Set up as an example of format
Lists style guides
Student Checklist
Template for first 10 pages are set up already
Some Things are Prescribed Format for initial pages, margins, ….. Placement of headings, figure captions, table
headings …….
Some Things are NOT Prescribed Sections or “chapters” of the thesis …. Method of reference citation…… For these, follow your style guide (or model journal)
Thesis Guide
Supplemental Instruction Pages
Thesis G
uide
Thesis T
emplate
Supplemental Instr
uction
After the Research…If writing a thesis: Re-read the Thesis Guide Update Introduction, Methods, & References Statistics, table, & graphs Write Results & Discussion Update the preliminary pages
Prepare PowerPoint presentation (if required by department)
Most Common Mistakes Page numbers
Mismatch with Table of Contents Wrong location
Margins Headings
placement & font used match the Table of Contents
Text citations & reference list Mismatch Inconsistent
Tables & Figures Signatures on preliminary pages
Politics of the 19th Century . . . . . . . Democrats
StrengthsProblems
RepublicansStrengthsProblems
IndependentsProblems
Economics of the 19th CenturyFederalStateLocalPersonal
Conclusions
References
Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
See a problem with this outline?
Thesis Approval Process Satisfy the chairperson and other members of your
committee; they sign! SafeAssign (in Blackboard)(plagiarism prevention) Review by the Graduate College
Review copy should be prepared to meet all guidelines Must be approved by thesis committee (signatures) Also submit digital copy of thesis Also submit “checklist” (journal article if needed)
Final Thesis Submission
Make final corrections as indicated by Graduate College – make ONLY these changes
Deadline ?? Make copies on “good paper” for binding Obtain all signatures on final copies Submit to Graduate College:
Copies $$$$ Digital file (upload on website along with basic info) Change Z-grade form
Grading of the Thesis Some programs use regular grading; others use
Pass/Not Pass.
Thesis grades are not assigned until the final product is complete. Since the enrollment often is over several semesters, a “Z” grade is assigned prior to completion.
Z-grade Removal Form
Obtain when picking up the review copy from Graduate College if Z grades are on your transcript
See your transcript and fill in form
Signature of advisor
Return to Graduate College with final copies of thesis for binding.
Make sure you advisor has completed & submitted the form
for completion of your “comprehensive exam”
(written + oral if both are used)
GEN 698 Active in Research Zero credit course; special permission form $75.00 For those students with only research requirement
to be completed
Gives the following: Access to library Opportunity to purchase a parking pass Access to computer services, including e-mail Access to Taylor Health Center services
Grade is a “P” or “N”
23nd Annual
Graduate Interdisciplinary
Forum
April 23, 2016
Responsible Conduct of Research
Fabrication of data Plagiarism Authorship of papers Retention of data & intellectual property Compliance with Federal Requirements
Human Participants Biosafety & Radiation Animal Use Export Control
Additional Grad College Workshops
Library Research: Wed, Sept 9 (4:00) (for international): Thurs, Sept 10 (4:00) Career Search: Tues, Oct 20 (4:00) Human Subjects: Wed, Nov 4 (4:00) Animal Care & Use: Thurs, Nov 5 (4:00)
QUESTIONS ??????