Thesis

Students may, and are encouraged to, write theses in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the master’s degree. Theses, modest but significant investigations of problems or topics in students’ major areas, provide appropriate culmination of the course work for programs. Although traditionally of a formal nature, theses proposals may be more nontraditional and creative in their approaches if supported by the program faculty.

A Guide to the Preparation of Master’s Theses is available in The Office of Graduate and Continuing Education Admissions and in the offices of school deans. There are suggested formats and evaluation checklists for three types of theses proposals: qualitative research, quantitative research, and liberal arts theses. Each format reflects a different method of research or theses writing, although all three encourage writers to provide the information needed by readers of the proposal. Liberal arts theses are conducted primarily in the library rather than in the field and, usually, are creations of artifacts (novel, art work, etc.) as theses projects.

A student’s thesis committee is comprised of the thesis director (a faculty member from one’s department) and at least one other committee member referred to as the reader. The student’s thesis proposal must be approved by all members of this committee. The student will, then, ordinarily work closely with the thesis director during the writing of the thesis, consulting with other faculty members on the thesis committee as appropriate.

After the proposal is approved by the thesis committee, the student submits the Thesis Research Proposal Form, with the original signatures of the committee members, to the Registrar’s office and registers for thesis research credit. Such research ordinarily carries six credits and may be spread over two semesters. For each semester during which the student’s thesis is in progress, an “I” (Incomplete) grade will be awarded and an “I” grade fee will be assessed.

Two copies of the completed thesis, with signatures from the thesis committee, ready for binding, must be delivered to the Serial Librarian at the Neil Hellman Library one week prior to Commencement. A receipt from the Librarian must then be brought to the thesis director, who submits the final grade and forwards the receipt to the appropriate school dean. Completed theses are the property of The College of Saint Rose. Publication, in whole or in part, requires permission of the College secured through the office of the appropriate school dean.