All theses must be prepared according to both departmental format requirements (available in departmental graduate offices) and University format requirements as described in A Manual for the Preparation of Graduate Theses. In addition to stating the University format requirements established by the Graduate School, this manual delineates regulations concerning the use of copyrighted material in a thesis. Copyrighted computer software programs may not be used without permission and their use must be acknowledged.
University format requirements include: 1) paper requirement; 2) typeface and quality; 3) spacing; 4) margins; 5) page numbering; 6) title page; and 7) abstract. The staff in the Thesis/Dissertation Office examines the University format requirements at the time the thesis is deposited.
Departmental format requirements cover such matters as how figures are prepared and numbered; style of references; placement of notes; headings; chapter headings, etc. Departments have chosen either to adopt format requirements that will help students learn the stylistic requirements extant in their own field or to adopt the "Purdue Format" as detailed in A Manual for the Preparation of Graduate Theses. All matters of manuscript style not covered by the University format requirements are addressed in the departmental requirements. If there is overlap between departmental style specifications and University format requirements, the University requirements must be satisfied. The departmental format requirements are checked in the department either by an individual(s) who has been designated as thesis format advisor or by the chair of the student's examining committee, whichever method has been filed with the Graduate School. Departments must keep the Graduate School informed of any change in the method of format checking and the current names of thesis format advisors, all of which is information filed for reference in the Thesis/Dissertation Office.
A first draft of the thesis should be in the hands of the major professor at least six weeks before the end of the session in which conferral of the degree is expected.
A typed copy of the thesis and three duplicate copies must be submitted to the major professor at least three weeks before the end of the session in which the degree is to be conferred. The thesis must bear the written approval of the professor who has directed the research before it is submitted to the final examining committee. Each member of the examining committee must receive a copy of the thesis at least two weeks before the date of the final oral examination.
After the examining committee meets, the student should prepare a final copy of the thesis or dissertation. That copy, called the "deposit" copy, should incorporate all editorial changes and modifications requested by the members of the examining committee.
Theses are examined in the Thesis/Dissertation Office, (Room 170, Young Hall). Appointments may be made in person or by calling the Graduate School at 496-3157. Theses must be deposited before the end of the last day of classes. Due to the large number of theses deposited during the last week of classes, it is strongly recommended that candidates deposit their theses early to avoid long waits and the possibility of not meeting the deposit deadline and being able to graduate.
A Thesis Receipt (Graduate School Form 16) from the Thesis/Dissertation Office acknowledging the proper deposit of the thesis must be received by the Graduate School before the end of the first working day following the last day of classes of the session in which the degree is to be awarded.
A thesis may be held in confidential status for a limited period of time. (Graduate School Policy)
If a student is unable to depost their thesis in the semester they pass their defense or within one semester after passing their defense, the student will need to put in writing why they are unable to deposit and the date they plan to deposit. This should be filed with the COE Office of Graduate Studies. A time limit to deposit a thesis may be set by the students committee (not to exceed five years).
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
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Students should view the departmental document Thesis Format Guidelines for direction in thesis preparation. Monitoring of document uniformity according to the most recent edition of APA or MLA manuscript preparation guidelines for Master's Thesis and Doctoral dissertations will be the responsibility of the student's committee chairperson.
(Department Policy, 1995-96)
Students should drop off a copy of their thesis with their Graduate School Form 9 "Thesis Acceptance" to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction main office. The department head will review the thesis and inform the student of any corrections he feels needs made before the student deposits the thesis at the Thesis/Dissertation Office. Students should give the department head at least 24 hours to review the thesis. A student cannot deposit their thesis unless they have the signature of the department head on their Graduate School Form 9 "Thesis Acceptance." The Graduate School Form 9 should be taken to the Thesis Format Office when depositing.
(Department Policy)
The Department of Curriculum & Instruction does not require a hard copy of the deposit version of the thesis unless the student is applying for a thesis award.
Department of Educational Studies
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All students should submit a copy of their thesis before depositing so that any errors may be taken care of before the student goes to deposit their thesis at the Thesis/Dissertation Office. The student should allow time for review of their thesis. During peak periods it may take longer for a thesis to be reviewed and returned to the student. The Department must sign off on the students Graduate School Form 9 "Thesis Acceptance"before the student officially deposits their thesis with the Thesis Format Office. The Graduate School Form 9 should be taken to the Thesis Format Office when depositing.
The Department of Educational Studies does not require a hard copy of the deposit version of the thesis unless the student is applying for a thesis award.
