Thesis Preparation Instructions
Some graduate programs require students working toward a master's degree to submit a master's thesis. Candidates completing a thesis should follow the instructions of their thesis committee concerning the development and preparation of their project. Additionally, candidates must comply with the requirements of the JCGS and the Max Chambers Library regarding their theses, as follows:
Thesis Committee
- Students should consult their graduate program advisor early in their master's programs for requirements regarding developing a thesis committee and preparing the thesis.
- Once a student's Thesis Committee has been formed, the student must submit a signed copy of the Graduate Thesis Committee Form.
Thesis Hours
- The minimum number of graduate credit hours required to complete the thesis is based on the requirements of the specific programs.
- The maximum number of thesis hours which may be applied toward any graduate program is six (6) graduate hours.
- Once enrolled in thesis hours, a student must remain continuously enrolled in thesis hours until full completion of all thesis requirements.
Thesis Grading
- Thesis hours completed during the development and preparation of a thesis but prior to its final completion will be assigned an "X" grade and will contribute to the "Hours Attempted" and "Hours Earned" sections of the student's transcript. The "X" grade will not, however, contribute to the Graduate GPA in any manner.
- Once the thesis has been fully completed, the Thesis Committee Chair will assign a Passing or Failing grade ("P" or "F"). While a grade of "P" will not contribute to the Graduate GPA, an "F" grade will contribute to the overall Graduate GPA.
Timing of Thesis
Any student who has completed all course work must complete his/her thesis within the following two full academic semesters. The terminal MFA degree is the one exception to this thesis timing rule. Any other exception request to extend the time beyond two years must be made in writing to the Graduate Dean.
Public Thesis Defense
Any graduate student who submits a thesis in partial fulfillment of requirements toward a master's degree must publicly defend the thesis. Public defense, with a representative from the Graduate Council present at the defense, is required for graduation.
Submission Requirements for Thesis
Students completing a thesis for the master's degree must submit the following after a successful public defense of the thesis:
1. One (1) electronic copy of the thesis:
- via ProQuest/UMI Dissertation Publishing website.
- instructions are available at the ProQuest/UMI Dissertation Publishing website (for questions, contact the Graduate Dean at (405) 974-3341.
2. Two (2) hard copies of the thesis for official library binding to the Max Chambers Library, Archives, Room 215:
- on 25% rag paper (not bound or hole-punched)
- with one and one-half inch (1.5") left margins to allow for binding
- all the original signatures of the thesis committee members
- a completed Max Chambers Library Binding Receipt Form
- The Archives will accept theses Monday through Friday from 8:30 pm until 4:30 pm
- For additional information regarding these particular requirements, please contact the Max Chambers Library Archives & Special Collections at 405.974.2882
3. One copy of the following documents to the Jackson College of Graduate Studies, NUC 404, by the last day of class each semester:
A reminder that this information must be submitted to the JCGS by the last day of class each semester.
Student Copies
Students who wish to have copies of their thesis bound for their own personal use, must submit the additional copies of their thesis to the Max Chambers Library, Archives, Room 215 at the same time the required two hard copies referenced above are submitted.
Thesis Costs
Costs associated with library submission of theses are the responsibility of the submitting student. The minimum associated costs are as follows:
Required Cost for binding
- $14.90—Cost for binding of two hard copies of thesis
The aboved-referenced costs must be paid for with a money order made payable to Heckman's Bindery in the amount shown on the Binding Receipt Form. No personal checks or cash can be accepted.
Optional Cost for binding
- $7.45—Cost per copy for additional student-requested copies of thesis
- $3.00—check or cash, to the Archives and Special Collections when the copies are submitted for binding
The above referenced costs relating to electronic submission of theses must be paid for with a credit card during the online submission process. A full text electronic version of every thesis in PDF format will be made available through the Max Chambers Library online catalog. No personal checks or cash can be accepted.
Additional information for students completing a master's thesis in the Thesis Deposit Guidelines.
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