master thesis science

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This collection of MIT Theses in DSpace contains selected theses and dissertations from all MIT departments. Please note that this is NOT a complete collection of MIT theses. To search all MIT theses, use MIT Libraries' catalog .

MIT's DSpace contains more than 58,000 theses completed at MIT dating as far back as the mid 1800's. Theses in this collection have been scanned by the MIT Libraries or submitted in electronic format by thesis authors. Since 2004 all new Masters and Ph.D. theses are scanned and added to this collection after degrees are awarded.

MIT Theses are openly available to all readers. Please share how this access affects or benefits you. Your story matters.

If you have questions about MIT theses in DSpace, [email protected] . See also Access & Availability Questions or About MIT Theses in DSpace .

If you are a recent MIT graduate, your thesis will be added to DSpace within 3-6 months after your graduation date. Please email [email protected] with any questions.

Permissions

MIT Theses may be protected by copyright. Please refer to the MIT Libraries Permissions Policy for permission information. Note that the copyright holder for most MIT theses is identified on the title page of the thesis.

Theses by Department

• Comparative Media Studies
• Computation for Design and Optimization
• Computational and Systems Biology
• Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Department of Architecture
• Department of Biological Engineering
• Department of Biology
• Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences
• Department of Chemical Engineering
• Department of Chemistry
• Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
• Department of Economics
• Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences
• Department of Humanities
• Department of Linguistics and Philosophy
• Department of Materials Science and Engineering
• Department of Mathematics
• Department of Mechanical Engineering
• Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering
• Department of Ocean Engineering
• Department of Physics
• Department of Political Science
• Department of Urban Studies and Planning
• Engineering Systems Division
• Harvard-MIT Program of Health Sciences and Technology
• Institute for Data, Systems, and Society
• Media Arts & Sciences
• Operations Research Center
• Program in Real Estate Development
• Program in Writing and Humanistic Studies
• Science, Technology & Society
• Science Writing
• Sloan School of Management
• Supply Chain Management
• System Design & Management
• Technology and Policy Program

Collections in this community

Doctoral theses, graduate theses, undergraduate theses, recent submissions.

A Diagnostic and Prescriptive Conformal Prediction Framework: Applied to Sleep Disorders 

Comparing developmental trajectories of loophole behavior in autistic and neurotypical children , essays in system dynamics for operations management: policy, platforms and pricing .

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/images/cornell/logo35pt_cornell_white.svg" alt="master thesis science"> Cornell University --> Graduate School

Guide to writing your thesis/dissertation, definition of dissertation and thesis.

The dissertation or thesis is a scholarly treatise that substantiates a specific point of view as a result of original research that is conducted by students during their graduate study. At Cornell, the thesis is a requirement for the receipt of the M.A. and M.S. degrees and some professional master’s degrees. The dissertation is a requirement of the Ph.D. degree.

Formatting Requirement and Standards

The Graduate School sets the minimum format for your thesis or dissertation, while you, your special committee, and your advisor/chair decide upon the content and length. Grammar, punctuation, spelling, and other mechanical issues are your sole responsibility. Generally, the thesis and dissertation should conform to the standards of leading academic journals in your field. The Graduate School does not monitor the thesis or dissertation for mechanics, content, or style.

“Papers Option” Dissertation or Thesis

A “papers option” is available only to students in certain fields, which are listed on the Fields Permitting the Use of Papers Option page , or by approved petition. If you choose the papers option, your dissertation or thesis is organized as a series of relatively independent chapters or papers that you have submitted or will be submitting to journals in the field. You must be the only author or the first author of the papers to be used in the dissertation. The papers-option dissertation or thesis must meet all format and submission requirements, and a singular referencing convention must be used throughout.

ProQuest Electronic Submissions

The dissertation and thesis become permanent records of your original research, and in the case of doctoral research, the Graduate School requires publication of the dissertation and abstract in its original form. All Cornell master’s theses and doctoral dissertations require an electronic submission through ProQuest, which fills orders for paper or digital copies of the thesis and dissertation and makes a digital version available online via their subscription database, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses . For master’s theses, only the abstract is available. ProQuest provides worldwide distribution of your work from the master copy. You retain control over your dissertation and are free to grant publishing rights as you see fit. The formatting requirements contained in this guide meet all ProQuest specifications.

Copies of Dissertation and Thesis

Copies of Ph.D. dissertations and master’s theses are also uploaded in PDF format to the Cornell Library Repository, eCommons . A print copy of each master’s thesis and doctoral dissertation is submitted to Cornell University Library by ProQuest.

How to Write a Master's Thesis: A Guide to Planning Your Thesis, Pursuing It, and Avoiding Pitfalls

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Part 1: Initial Considerations

Who needs to write a master’s thesis.

Thesis writing is one of the more daunting challenges of higher education. That being said, not all master's students have to write a thesis. For example, fields that place a stronger emphasis on applied knowledge, such as nursing, business, and education, tend to have projects and exams to test students on the skills and abilities associated with those fields. Conversely, in disciplines that require in-depth research or highly polished creative abilities, students are usually expected to prove their understanding and independence with a thesis.

What's Your Goal?

Do you want to write a thesis? The process is a long one, often spanning years. It's best to know exactly what you want before you begin. Many people are motivated by career goals. For example, hiring managers may see a master's degree as proof that the candidate is an expert within their field and can lead, motivate, and demonstrate initiative for themselves and others. Others dream of earning their doctorate, and they see a master's degree as a stepping stone toward their Ph.D .

No matter what your desired goal is, you should have one before you start your thesis. With your goal in mind, your work will have a purpose, which will allow you to measure your progress more easily.

Major Types of Theses

Once you've carefully researched or even enrolled in a master's program—a feat that involves its own planning and resources —you should know if you are expected to produce a quantitative (which occurs in many math and science programs), qualitative (which occurs in many humanities programs), or creative (which occurs in many creative writing, music, or fine arts programs) thesis.

Time and Energy Considerations

Advanced degrees are notoriously time and energy consuming. If you have a job, thesis writing will become your second job. If you have a family, they will need to know that your thesis will take a great deal of your attention, energy, and focus.

Your studies should not consume you, but they also should not take a back seat to everything else. You will be expected to attend classes, conduct research, source relevant literature, and schedule meetings with various people as you pursue your master's, so it's important to let those you care about know what's going on.

As a general note, most master's programs expect students to finish within a two-year period but are willing to grant extra time if requested, especially if that time is needed to deal with unexpected life events (more on those later).

Part 2: Form an Initial Thesis Question, and Find a Supervisor

When to begin forming your initial thesis question.

Some fields, such as history, may require you to have already formed your thesis question and to have used it to create a statement of intent (outlining the nature of your research) prior to applying to a master’s program. Others may require this information only after you've been accepted. Most of the time, you will be expected to come up with your topic yourself. However, in some disciplines, your supervisor may assign a general research topic to you.

Overall, requirements vary immensely from program to program, so it's best to confirm the exact requirements of your specific program.

What to Say to Your Supervisor

You will have a supervisor during your master's studies. Have you identified who that person will be? If yes, have you introduced yourself via email or phone and obtained information on the processes and procedures that are in place for your master's program? Once you've established contact, request an in-person meeting with him or her, and take a page of questions along with you. Your questions might include:

• Is there a research subject you can recommend in my field?
• I would like to pursue [target research subject] for my thesis. Can you help me narrow my focus?
• Can you give me an example of a properly formatted thesis proposal for my program?

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help (to a Degree)

Procedures and expectations vary from program to program, and your supervisor is there to help remove doubt and provide encouragement so you can follow the right path when you embark on writing your thesis. Since your supervisor has almost certainly worked with other graduate students (and was one at some point), take advantage of their experience, and ask questions to put your mind at ease about how to write a master’s thesis.

That being said, do not rely too heavily on your supervisor. As a graduate student, you are also expected to be able to work independently. Proving your independent initiative and capacity is part of what will earn you your master's degree.

Part 3: Revise Your Thesis

Read everything you can get your hands on.

Whether you have a question or need to create one, your next step is simple and applies to all kinds of theses: read.

Seek Out Knowledge or Research Gaps

Read everything you can that relates to the question or the field you are studying. The only way you will be able to determine where you can go is to see where everyone else has been. After you have read some published material, you will start to spot gaps in current research or notice things that could be developed further with an alternative approach. Things that are known but not understood or understood but not explained clearly or consistently are great potential thesis subjects. Addressing something already known from a new perspective or with a different style could also be a potentially valuable project. Whichever way you choose to do it, keep in mind that your project should make a valuable contribution to your field.

Talk with Experts in Your Field (and Don't Be Afraid to Revise Your Thesis)

To help narrow down your thesis topic, talk to your supervisor. Your supervisor will have an idea of what is current in your field and what can be left alone because others are already working on it. Additionally, the school you are attending will have programs and faculty with particular areas of interest within your chosen field.

On a similar note, don't be surprised if your thesis question changes as you study. Other students and researchers are out there, and as they publish, what you are working on can change. You might also discover that your question is too vague, not substantial enough, or even no longer relevant. Do not lose heart! Take what you know and adjust the question to address these concerns as they arise. The freedom to adapt is part of the power you hold as a graduate student.

Part 4: Select a Proposal Committee

What proposal committees are and why they're useful.

When you have a solid question or set of questions, draft a proposal.

You'll need an original stance and a clear justification for asking, and answering, your thesis question. To ensure this, a committee will review your thesis proposal. Thankfully, that committee will consist of people assigned by your supervisor or department head or handpicked by you. These people will be experts who understand your field of study and will do everything in their power to ensure that you are pursuing something worthwhile. And yes, it is okay to put your supervisor on your committee. Some programs even require that your supervisor be on your committee.

Just remember that the committee will expect you to schedule meetings with them, present your proposal, respond to any questions they might have for you, and ultimately present your findings and thesis when all the work is done. Choose those who are willing to support you, give constructive feedback, and help address issues with your proposal. And don't forget to give your proposal a good, thorough edit and proofread before you present it.

How to Prepare for Committee Meetings

Be ready for committee meetings with synopses of your material for committee members, answers for expected questions, and a calm attitude. To prepare for those meetings, sit in on proposal and thesis defenses so you can watch how other graduate students handle them and see what your committee might ask of you. You can even hold rehearsals with friends and fellow students acting as your committee to help you build confidence for your presentation.

Part 5: Write Your Thesis

What to do once your proposal is approved.

After you have written your thesis proposal and received feedback from your committee, the fun part starts: doing the work. This is where you will take your proposal and carry it out. If you drafted a qualitative or quantitative proposal, your experimentation or will begin here. If you wrote a creative proposal, you will now start working on your material. Your proposal should be strong enough to give you direction when you perform your experiments, conduct interviews, or craft your work. Take note that you will have to check in with your supervisor from time to time to give progress updates.

Thesis Writing: It's Important to Pace Yourself and Take Breaks

Do not expect the work to go quickly. You will need to pace yourself and make sure you record your progress meticulously. You can always discard information you don't need, but you cannot go back and grab a crucial fact that you can't quite remember. When in doubt, write it down. When drawing from a source, always create a citation for the information to save your future self time and stress. In the same sense, you may also find journaling to be a helpful process.

Additionally, take breaks and allow yourself to step away from your thesis, even if you're having fun (and especially if you're not). Ideally, your proposal should have milestones in it— points where you can stop and assess what you've already completed and what's left to do. When you reach a milestone, celebrate. Take a day off and relax. Better yet, give yourself a week's vacation! The rest will help you regain your focus and ensure that you function at your best.

How to Become More Comfortable with Presenting Your Work

Once you start reaching your milestones, you should be able to start sharing what you have. Just about everyone in a graduate program has experience giving a presentation at the front of the class, attending a seminar, or watching an interview. If you haven't (or even if you have), look for conferences and clubs that will give you the opportunity to learn about presenting your work and become comfortable with the idea of public speaking. The more you practice talking about what you are studying, the more comfortable you'll be with the information, which will make your committee defenses and other official meetings easier.

Published authors can be called upon to present at conferences, and if your thesis is strong, you may receive an email or a phone call asking if you would share your findings onstage.

Presenting at conferences is also a great way to boost your CV and network within your field. Make presenting part of your education, and it will become something you look forward to instead of fear.

What to Do If Your Relationship with Your Supervisor Sours

A small aside: If it isn't already obvious, you will be communicating extensively with others as you pursue your thesis. That also means that others will need to communicate with you, and if you've been noticing things getting quiet, you will need to be the one to speak up. Your supervisor should speak to you at least once a term and preferably once a week in the more active parts of your research and writing. If you give written work to your supervisor, you should have feedback within three weeks.

If your supervisor does not provide feedback, frequently misses appointments, or is consistently discouraging of your work, contact your graduate program advisor and ask for a new supervisor. The relationship with your supervisor is crucial to your success, especially if she or he is on your committee, and while your supervisor does not have to be friendly, there should at least be professional respect between you.

What to Do If a Crisis Strikes

If something happens in your life that disrupts everything (e.g., emotional strain, the birth of a child, or the death of a family member), ask for help. You are a human being, and personal lives can and do change without warning. Do not wait until you are falling apart before asking for help, either. Learn what resources exist for crises before you have one, so you can head off trauma before it hits. That being said, if you get blindsided, don't refuse help. Seek it out, and take the time you need to recover. Your degree is supposed to help you become a stronger and smarter person, not break you.

Part 6: Polish and Defend Your Master's Thesis

How to write a master’s thesis: the final stages.

After your work is done and everything is written down, you will have to give your thesis a good, thorough polishing. This is where you will have to organize the information, draft it into a paper format with an abstract, and abbreviate things to help meet your word-count limit. This is also where your final editing and proofreading passes will occur, after which you will face your final hurdle: presenting your thesis defense to your committee. If they approve your thesis, then congratulations! You are now a master of your chosen field.

Conclusion and Parting Thoughts

Remember that you do not (and should not) have to learn how to write a master’s thesis on your own. Thesis writing is collaborative, as is practically any kind of research.

While you will be expected to develop your thesis using your own initiative, pursue it with your own ambition, and complete it with your own abilities, you will also be expected to use all available resources to do so. The purpose of a master's thesis is to help you develop your own independent abilities, ensuring that you can drive your own career forward without constantly looking to others to provide direction. Leaders get master's degrees. That's why many business professionals in leadership roles have graduate degree initials after their last names. If you already have the skills necessary to motivate yourself, lead others, and drive change, you may only need your master's as an acknowledgement of your abilities. If you do not, but you apply yourself carefully and thoroughly to the pursuit of your thesis, you should come away from your studies with those skills in place.

A final thought regarding collaboration: all theses have a section for acknowledgements. Be sure to say thank you to those who helped you become a master. One day, someone might be doing the same for you.

Image source: Falkenpost/Pixabay.com 

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What is a thesis | A Complete Guide with Examples

Table of Contents

A thesis is a comprehensive academic paper based on your original research that presents new findings, arguments, and ideas of your study. It’s typically submitted at the end of your master’s degree or as a capstone of your bachelor’s degree.

However, writing a thesis can be laborious, especially for beginners. From the initial challenge of pinpointing a compelling research topic to organizing and presenting findings, the process is filled with potential pitfalls.

Therefore, to help you, this guide talks about what is a thesis. Additionally, it offers revelations and methodologies to transform it from an overwhelming task to a manageable and rewarding academic milestone.

What is a thesis?

A thesis is an in-depth research study that identifies a particular topic of inquiry and presents a clear argument or perspective about that topic using evidence and logic.

Writing a thesis showcases your ability of critical thinking, gathering evidence, and making a compelling argument. Integral to these competencies is thorough research, which not only fortifies your propositions but also confers credibility to your entire study.

Furthermore, there's another phenomenon you might often confuse with the thesis: the ' working thesis .' However, they aren't similar and shouldn't be used interchangeably.

A working thesis, often referred to as a preliminary or tentative thesis, is an initial version of your thesis statement. It serves as a draft or a starting point that guides your research in its early stages.

As you research more and gather more evidence, your initial thesis (aka working thesis) might change. It's like a starting point that can be adjusted as you learn more. It's normal for your main topic to change a few times before you finalize it.

While a thesis identifies and provides an overarching argument, the key to clearly communicating the central point of that argument lies in writing a strong thesis statement.

What is a thesis statement?

A strong thesis statement (aka thesis sentence) is a concise summary of the main argument or claim of the paper. It serves as a critical anchor in any academic work, succinctly encapsulating the primary argument or main idea of the entire paper.

Typically found within the introductory section, a strong thesis statement acts as a roadmap of your thesis, directing readers through your arguments and findings. By delineating the core focus of your investigation, it offers readers an immediate understanding of the context and the gravity of your study.

Furthermore, an effectively crafted thesis statement can set forth the boundaries of your research, helping readers anticipate the specific areas of inquiry you are addressing.

Different types of thesis statements

A good thesis statement is clear, specific, and arguable. Therefore, it is necessary for you to choose the right type of thesis statement for your academic papers.

Thesis statements can be classified based on their purpose and structure. Here are the primary types of thesis statements:

Argumentative (or Persuasive) thesis statement

Purpose : To convince the reader of a particular stance or point of view by presenting evidence and formulating a compelling argument.

Example : Reducing plastic use in daily life is essential for environmental health.

Analytical thesis statement

Purpose : To break down an idea or issue into its components and evaluate it.

Example : By examining the long-term effects, social implications, and economic impact of climate change, it becomes evident that immediate global action is necessary.

Expository (or Descriptive) thesis statement

Purpose : To explain a topic or subject to the reader.

Example : The Great Depression, spanning the 1930s, was a severe worldwide economic downturn triggered by a stock market crash, bank failures, and reduced consumer spending.

Cause and effect thesis statement

Purpose : To demonstrate a cause and its resulting effect.

Example : Overuse of smartphones can lead to impaired sleep patterns, reduced face-to-face social interactions, and increased levels of anxiety.

Compare and contrast thesis statement

Purpose : To highlight similarities and differences between two subjects.

Example : "While both novels '1984' and 'Brave New World' delve into dystopian futures, they differ in their portrayal of individual freedom, societal control, and the role of technology."

When you write a thesis statement , it's important to ensure clarity and precision, so the reader immediately understands the central focus of your work.

What is the difference between a thesis and a thesis statement?

While both terms are frequently used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings.

A thesis refers to the entire research document, encompassing all its chapters and sections. In contrast, a thesis statement is a brief assertion that encapsulates the central argument of the research.

Here’s an in-depth differentiation table of a thesis and a thesis statement.

Now, to craft a compelling thesis, it's crucial to adhere to a specific structure. Let’s break down these essential components that make up a thesis structure

15 components of a thesis structure

Navigating a thesis can be daunting. However, understanding its structure can make the process more manageable.

Here are the key components or different sections of a thesis structure:

Your thesis begins with the title page. It's not just a formality but the gateway to your research.

Here, you'll prominently display the necessary information about you (the author) and your institutional details.

• Title of your thesis
• Your full name
• Your department
• Your institution and degree program
• Your submission date
• Your Supervisor's name (in some cases)
• Your Department or faculty (in some cases)
• Your University's logo (in some cases)
• Your Student ID (in some cases)

In a concise manner, you'll have to summarize the critical aspects of your research in typically no more than 200-300 words.

This includes the problem statement, methodology, key findings, and conclusions. For many, the abstract will determine if they delve deeper into your work, so ensure it's clear and compelling.

Acknowledgments

Research is rarely a solitary endeavor. In the acknowledgments section, you have the chance to express gratitude to those who've supported your journey.

This might include advisors, peers, institutions, or even personal sources of inspiration and support. It's a personal touch, reflecting the humanity behind the academic rigor.

Table of contents

A roadmap for your readers, the table of contents lists the chapters, sections, and subsections of your thesis.

By providing page numbers, you allow readers to navigate your work easily, jumping to sections that pique their interest.

List of figures and tables

Research often involves data, and presenting this data visually can enhance understanding. This section provides an organized listing of all figures and tables in your thesis.

It's a visual index, ensuring that readers can quickly locate and reference your graphical data.

Introduction

Here's where you introduce your research topic, articulate the research question or objective, and outline the significance of your study.

• Present the research topic : Clearly articulate the central theme or subject of your research.
• Background information : Ground your research topic, providing any necessary context or background information your readers might need to understand the significance of your study.
• Define the scope : Clearly delineate the boundaries of your research, indicating what will and won't be covered.
• Literature review : Introduce any relevant existing research on your topic, situating your work within the broader academic conversation and highlighting where your research fits in.
• State the research Question(s) or objective(s) : Clearly articulate the primary questions or objectives your research aims to address.
• Outline the study's structure : Give a brief overview of how the subsequent sections of your work will unfold, guiding your readers through the journey ahead.

The introduction should captivate your readers, making them eager to delve deeper into your research journey.

Literature review section

Your study correlates with existing research. Therefore, in the literature review section, you'll engage in a dialogue with existing knowledge, highlighting relevant studies, theories, and findings.

It's here that you identify gaps in the current knowledge, positioning your research as a bridge to new insights.

To streamline this process, consider leveraging AI tools. For example, the SciSpace literature review tool enables you to efficiently explore and delve into research papers, simplifying your literature review journey.

Methodology

In the research methodology section, you’ll detail the tools, techniques, and processes you employed to gather and analyze data. This section will inform the readers about how you approached your research questions and ensures the reproducibility of your study.

Here's a breakdown of what it should encompass:

• Research Design : Describe the overall structure and approach of your research. Are you conducting a qualitative study with in-depth interviews? Or is it a quantitative study using statistical analysis? Perhaps it's a mixed-methods approach?
• Data Collection : Detail the methods you used to gather data. This could include surveys, experiments, observations, interviews, archival research, etc. Mention where you sourced your data, the duration of data collection, and any tools or instruments used.
• Sampling : If applicable, explain how you selected participants or data sources for your study. Discuss the size of your sample and the rationale behind choosing it.
• Data Analysis : Describe the techniques and tools you used to process and analyze the data. This could range from statistical tests in quantitative research to thematic analysis in qualitative research.
• Validity and Reliability : Address the steps you took to ensure the validity and reliability of your findings to ensure that your results are both accurate and consistent.
• Ethical Considerations : Highlight any ethical issues related to your research and the measures you took to address them, including — informed consent, confidentiality, and data storage and protection measures.

Moreover, different research questions necessitate different types of methodologies. For instance:

• Experimental methodology : Often used in sciences, this involves a controlled experiment to discern causality.
• Qualitative methodology : Employed when exploring patterns or phenomena without numerical data. Methods can include interviews, focus groups, or content analysis.
• Quantitative methodology : Concerned with measurable data and often involves statistical analysis. Surveys and structured observations are common tools here.
• Mixed methods : As the name implies, this combines both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

The Methodology section isn’t just about detailing the methods but also justifying why they were chosen. The appropriateness of the methods in addressing your research question can significantly impact the credibility of your findings.

Results (or Findings)

This section presents the outcomes of your research. It's crucial to note that the nature of your results may vary; they could be quantitative, qualitative, or a mix of both.

Quantitative results often present statistical data, showcasing measurable outcomes, and they benefit from tables, graphs, and figures to depict these data points.

Qualitative results , on the other hand, might delve into patterns, themes, or narratives derived from non-numerical data, such as interviews or observations.

Regardless of the nature of your results, clarity is essential. This section is purely about presenting the data without offering interpretations — that comes later in the discussion.

In the discussion section, the raw data transforms into valuable insights.

Start by revisiting your research question and contrast it with the findings. How do your results expand, constrict, or challenge current academic conversations?

Dive into the intricacies of the data, guiding the reader through its implications. Detail potential limitations transparently, signaling your awareness of the research's boundaries. This is where your academic voice should be resonant and confident.

Practical implications (Recommendation) section

Based on the insights derived from your research, this section provides actionable suggestions or proposed solutions.

Whether aimed at industry professionals or the general public, recommendations translate your academic findings into potential real-world actions. They help readers understand the practical implications of your work and how it can be applied to effect change or improvement in a given field.

When crafting recommendations, it's essential to ensure they're feasible and rooted in the evidence provided by your research. They shouldn't merely be aspirational but should offer a clear path forward, grounded in your findings.

The conclusion provides closure to your research narrative.

It's not merely a recap but a synthesis of your main findings and their broader implications. Reconnect with the research questions or hypotheses posited at the beginning, offering clear answers based on your findings.

Reflect on the broader contributions of your study, considering its impact on the academic community and potential real-world applications.

Lastly, the conclusion should leave your readers with a clear understanding of the value and impact of your study.

References (or Bibliography)

Every theory you've expounded upon, every data point you've cited, and every methodological precedent you've followed finds its acknowledgment here.

In references, it's crucial to ensure meticulous consistency in formatting, mirroring the specific guidelines of the chosen citation style .

Proper referencing helps to avoid plagiarism , gives credit to original ideas, and allows readers to explore topics of interest. Moreover, it situates your work within the continuum of academic knowledge.

To properly cite the sources used in the study, you can rely on online citation generator tools  to generate accurate citations!

Here’s more on how you can cite your sources.

Often, the depth of research produces a wealth of material that, while crucial, can make the core content of the thesis cumbersome. The appendix is where you mention extra information that supports your research but isn't central to the main text.

Whether it's raw datasets, detailed procedural methodologies, extended case studies, or any other ancillary material, the appendices ensure that these elements are archived for reference without breaking the main narrative's flow.

For thorough researchers and readers keen on meticulous details, the appendices provide a treasure trove of insights.

Glossary (optional)

In academics, specialized terminologies, and jargon are inevitable. However, not every reader is versed in every term.

The glossary, while optional, is a critical tool for accessibility. It's a bridge ensuring that even readers from outside the discipline can access, understand, and appreciate your work.

By defining complex terms and providing context, you're inviting a wider audience to engage with your research, enhancing its reach and impact.

Remember, while these components provide a structured framework, the essence of your thesis lies in the originality of your ideas, the rigor of your research, and the clarity of your presentation.

As you craft each section, keep your readers in mind, ensuring that your passion and dedication shine through every page.

Thesis examples

To further elucidate the concept of a thesis, here are illustrative examples from various fields:

Example 1 (History): Abolition, Africans, and Abstraction: the Influence of the ‘Noble Savage’ on British and French Antislavery Thought, 1787-1807 by Suchait Kahlon.

Example 2 (Climate Dynamics): Influence of external forcings on abrupt millennial-scale climate changes: a statistical modelling study by Takahito Mitsui · Michel Crucifix

Checklist for your thesis evaluation

Evaluating your thesis ensures that your research meets the standards of academia. Here's an elaborate checklist to guide you through this critical process.

Content and structure

• Is the thesis statement clear, concise, and debatable?
• Does the introduction provide sufficient background and context?
• Is the literature review comprehensive, relevant, and well-organized?
• Does the methodology section clearly describe and justify the research methods?
• Are the results/findings presented clearly and logically?
• Does the discussion interpret the results in light of the research question and existing literature?
• Is the conclusion summarizing the research and suggesting future directions or implications?

Clarity and coherence

• Is the writing clear and free of jargon?
• Are ideas and sections logically connected and flowing?
• Is there a clear narrative or argument throughout the thesis?

Research quality

• Is the research question significant and relevant?
• Are the research methods appropriate for the question?
• Is the sample size (if applicable) adequate?
• Are the data analysis techniques appropriate and correctly applied?
• Are potential biases or limitations addressed?

Originality and significance

• Does the thesis contribute new knowledge or insights to the field?
• Is the research grounded in existing literature while offering fresh perspectives?

Formatting and presentation

• Is the thesis formatted according to institutional guidelines?
• Are figures, tables, and charts clear, labeled, and referenced in the text?
• Is the bibliography or reference list complete and consistently formatted?
• Are appendices relevant and appropriately referenced in the main text?

Grammar and language

• Is the thesis free of grammatical and spelling errors?
• Is the language professional, consistent, and appropriate for an academic audience?
• Are quotations and paraphrased material correctly cited?

Feedback and revision

• Have you sought feedback from peers, advisors, or experts in the field?
• Have you addressed the feedback and made the necessary revisions?

Overall assessment

• Does the thesis as a whole feel cohesive and comprehensive?
• Would the thesis be understandable and valuable to someone in your field?

Ensure to use this checklist to leave no ground for doubt or missed information in your thesis.

After writing your thesis, the next step is to discuss and defend your findings verbally in front of a knowledgeable panel. You’ve to be well prepared as your professors may grade your presentation abilities.

Preparing your thesis defense

A thesis defense, also known as "defending the thesis," is the culmination of a scholar's research journey. It's the final frontier, where you’ll present their findings and face scrutiny from a panel of experts.

Typically, the defense involves a public presentation where you’ll have to outline your study, followed by a question-and-answer session with a committee of experts. This committee assesses the validity, originality, and significance of the research.

The defense serves as a rite of passage for scholars. It's an opportunity to showcase expertise, address criticisms, and refine arguments. A successful defense not only validates the research but also establishes your authority as a researcher in your field.

Here’s how you can effectively prepare for your thesis defense .

Now, having touched upon the process of defending a thesis, it's worth noting that scholarly work can take various forms, depending on academic and regional practices.

One such form, often paralleled with the thesis, is the 'dissertation.' But what differentiates the two?

Dissertation vs. Thesis

Often used interchangeably in casual discourse, they refer to distinct research projects undertaken at different levels of higher education.

To the uninitiated, understanding their meaning might be elusive. So, let's demystify these terms and delve into their core differences.

Here's a table differentiating between the two.

Wrapping up

From understanding the foundational concept of a thesis to navigating its various components, differentiating it from a dissertation, and recognizing the importance of proper citation — this guide covers it all.

As scholars and readers, understanding these nuances not only aids in academic pursuits but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the relentless quest for knowledge that drives academia.

It’s important to remember that every thesis is a testament to curiosity, dedication, and the indomitable spirit of discovery.

Good luck with your thesis writing!

Frequently Asked Questions

A thesis typically ranges between 40-80 pages, but its length can vary based on the research topic, institution guidelines, and level of study.

A PhD thesis usually spans 200-300 pages, though this can vary based on the discipline, complexity of the research, and institutional requirements.

To identify a thesis topic, consider current trends in your field, gaps in existing literature, personal interests, and discussions with advisors or mentors. Additionally, reviewing related journals and conference proceedings can provide insights into potential areas of exploration.

The conceptual framework is often situated in the literature review or theoretical framework section of a thesis. It helps set the stage by providing the context, defining key concepts, and explaining the relationships between variables.

A thesis statement should be concise, clear, and specific. It should state the main argument or point of your research. Start by pinpointing the central question or issue your research addresses, then condense that into a single statement, ensuring it reflects the essence of your paper.

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How to Write a Science Thesis/Dissertation

A thesis/dissertation is a long, high-level research paper written as the culmination of your academic course. Most university programs require that graduate and postgraduate students demonstrate their ability to perform original research at the thesis/dissertation level as a graduation requirement.

Not all theses/dissertations are structured the same way. In this article, we’ll specifically look at how to structure a thesis/dissertation in the sciences and examine what belongs in each section. Before you begin writing, it is essential to have a good understanding of how to structure your science thesis/dissertation and what elements you must include in it.

How are science theses/dissertations structured?

There isn’t a universal format for a science thesis/dissertation. Each university/institution has its own rules, and these rules can vary further by department and advisor. For this reason, you must start writing/drafting your thesis/dissertation by checking the rules and requirements of your university/institution.

Some universities mandate a minimum word count for a thesis/dissertation, while others provide a maximum. The number of words you are expected to write will also vary depending on the program/course you are a part of. A Master’s level thesis/dissertation can range, for example, from 15,000 to 45,000 words, while a PhD thesis/dissertation can be around 80,000 words.

While your university/institution may have its own specific requirements or guidelines, this article provides a general overview of how a typical thesis/dissertation in the sciences should be structured. For easier understanding, let’s break it up into two parts:

• Thesis body
• Supplemental information

The thesis body of your thesis/dissertation includes:

• Acknowledgements

Table of contents

Introduction/literature review, materials/methodology, discussion/conclusion, figure and tables, list of abbreviations.

Your thesis will conclude with the supplemental information section, which comprises:

Reference list

Your thesis may or may not include each and every one of these sections. Now, let’s examine the parts of a thesis/dissertation in greater detail.

The parts of a science thesis/dissertation: Getting started

Let’s begin by reviewing the sections of the thesis body, from the title page to the glossary. This part of your thesis/dissertation should ideally be written last, even though it comes at the beginning. That is because it is the easiest to put it togethe r once you have written the rest of your thesis/dissertation.

Your thesis/dissertation should have a clear title that sums up the content. In addition, the title page should include your name, the degree of your thesis/dissertation, your department, your advisor, and the month/year of submission. Your university/institution likely has its own format for what should be included in the title page, so make sure to check the relevant guidelines.

Acknowledgments

This section gives you the opportunity to say thanks to anyone who gave you support while you worked on your thesis/dissertation. Many people use this section to give credit to their advisor, editor, or even their parents. If you received any funding for your research or technical assistance, make sure to mention it here.

Your abstract should be a brief summary (generally around 300 words) of your thesis/dissertation. You can think of your abstract as a distillation of your thesis/dissertation as a whole. You need to summarize the scope and objectives, methods, and findings in this section.

 The table of contents is a directory of the various parts of your thesis/dissertation. It should include the headings and subheadings of each section along with the page numbers where those sections can be found.

 Think of this section as the table of contents for figures and tables in your thesis/dissertation. The titles of each figure/table and the page number where it can be found should be in this list.

This list is intended to identify specialized abbreviations used throughout your thesis/dissertation. This can include the names of organizations (WHO, CDC), acronyms (PFC), and so on. For a science thesis/dissertation, it is preferable also to include a note regarding any abbreviations for units of measurement and standard notations for chemical elements, formulae, and chemical abbreviations used.

In this section, you would define any terminology that your target audience may be unfamiliar with.

The parts of a science thesis/dissertation: Presenting your data

Following the glossary, the thesis body of a science thesis/dissertation begins with the introduction. The introduction section of a science thesis/dissertation often also includes the literature review. This is unlike most social science or humanities theses/dissertations, where the literature review commonly forms a separate chapter. The introduction section should begin by clearly stating the background and context for your research study, followed by your thesis question, objectives, hypothesis , and thesis statement . An example might be: 

“The connection between nicotine consumption and insulin resistance has long been established. However, there is no substantial body of research on how long insulin resistance is maintained after people quit smoking. In this study, we aim to measure levels of insulin resistance in otherwise healthy subjects following a total cessation of nicotine consumption. We hypothesize that insulin resistance will begin to decline rapidly within six months.”

 The introduction should be immediately followed by a review of earlier literature written on the thesis topic. In this section, you should also clearly identify where the literature connects to your study and how your research study fills a gap or bolsters previous studies. Fit your study within the puzzle of previous work and demonstrate the importance of your research.

In the methodology section of your thesis/dissertation, you must explain what you did and how you did it. If you used materials (for example, bacteria), make sure you clearly list each one. Live materials should be listed, including the specific strain and genus. You must explain your techniques, materials, and methods such that another researcher can replicate exactly what you have done.

In the results section, you will explain what happened. What were your findings? This section should be heavy on data and light on analysis. Usually, in-depth analysis and interpretation of your results will be covered in the discussion section of your thesis/dissertation. While you should present your results in full, any supplementary data that you don’t have room for can be included in an appendix. As a note, this section is often written in the past tense. While other portions of your thesis/dissertation may use past and present interchangeably depending on the topic at hand, the results section of a scientific paper focuses on what has already happened (in an experiment), which is why it is written this way.

In this part of your thesis/dissertation, you will discuss what your findings mean. Did they align with your hypothesis? If so, how? If not, what was different? If there were any exceptions, errors, or total lack of correlation found, do not try to hide it. Clearly discuss what it might mean, or if you aren’t sure, don’t be afraid to say so. In this section, you can also highlight potential practical applications for your research study, limitations of your study, directions for future studies, and once again highlight the importance of your study in the field. This section usually concludes with an overall summarization of whether your results support your hypothesis or not. For example:

“Our study found that 500 of our 600 subjects continued to exhibit high levels of insulin resistance three years or more after stopping nicotine use. This does not support our hypothesis that insulin resistance would begin to drop around six months after subjects stopped nicotine use. Further research is warranted into the mechanisms by which past nicotine use alters insulin resistance levels in former smokers.”

The reference list is an alphabetical or numerical list of sources you’ve used while researching and writing your thesis. The formatting of your reference list will be dependent on your university guidelines. Useful tools like citation generators can help you correctly format your references. Reference managers like EndNote or Mendeley are also helpful for compiling this list. Furthermore, a professional editor or proofreading service can ensure that each reference is correctly formatted.

This section can be very useful if you want to include materials that are relevant to the topic of your thesis/dissertation but that you were unable to include in the main text. Tables, large bodies of text, illustrations, forms used to collect data or perform studies, and other such materials can all be included in an appendix.

Critical steps for planning, drafting, and structuring a science thesis/dissertation

Writing your thesis/dissertation is a daunting and lengthy task. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when drafting your science thesis/dissertation:

• Choose a thesis topic that is of professional interest to you. You are going to spend a lot of time thinking, reading, and writing about your thesis topic. Many aspiring young researchers end up working in a field related to their thesis/dissertation . If you start researching or writing a proposal and then decide you aren’t into the topic, don’t be afraid to change directions!
• Plan your thesis timelines carefully. Is your topic realistic given the time and material constraints you have? Do you need to apply for external funding for your research study? Will that take additional time? Write a schedule and revisit/revise it often throughout your thesis/dissertation process.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to start writing! A thesis/dissertation isn’t like an undergraduate paper where you spend some time researching and then some time writing it. You will need to write your thesis/dissertation as you continue your research study. Write as you work in the lab. Write as you learn things and then revise. Ideally, by the time you have finished your actual research study, you will already have a substantive draft.
• Start writing the methodology section first. This is often the easiest because it is straightforward and you have already done quite a lot of the work while preparing your research study. The order in which you write your thesis/dissertation doesn’t matter too much—if you find yourself jumping between sections, that is perfectly normal.
• Keep a detailed list of your references using a reference manager or similar system, with tags so that you can easily identify the source of your information.

Final tips for writing and structuring a science thesis/dissertation

Writing a thesis/dissertation is a rewarding process. As a final tip for getting through this process successfully, don’t forget to leave sufficient time for editing and proofreading. Your thesis/dissertation will go through many drafts and revisions before it reaches its final form.

Engaging the services of a professional can go a long way in helping you produce a professional and high-quality document worthy of your research. In addition, there are many helpful tools like AI grammar checker tools available online for students and young researchers.

Check out our site for more tips on how to write a good thesis/dissertation , where to find the best thesis editing services , and more about thesis editing and proofreading services .

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Review Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure that your science thesis/dissertation isn’t missing any important structural components.

Title page: Does your thesis/dissertation have a title page with your title, name, department, advisor’s name, and other important information?

Acknowledgements: Did you give credit to your funders, research colleagues, and anyone else who helped you?

Abstract: Does your thesis/dissertation include a brief summary?

Table of contents: Does your table of contents include headings, subheadings, and page numbers?

Figure and tables: Is there a complete list of figures and tables that are in your thesis/dissertation?

List of abbreviations: Are all of the abbreviations used in your thesis/dissertation listed here?

Glossary: Did you clearly define any specialized terminology used in your thesis/dissertation?

Introduction/Literature review: Did you justify your research study, state your objectives, and your hypothesis? Did you review the previous relevant literature in your field and explain how your thesis/dissertation fits in?

Materials/Methodology: Could another scientist replicate what you did by reading this section?

Results: Did you include all of the data from your experiments/research study?

Discussion/Conclusion: Did you clearly explain what your results mean and whether your hypothesis was correct or not?

Reference list: Are your references properly formatted and listed alphabetically or numerically?

Bibliography and Appendices: Did you include any additional relevant data, figures, or text that didn’t fit into the main section of your thesis/dissertation?

How long is a typical science thesis/dissertation? +

A typical Master’s thesis/dissertation ranges from 15,000-45,000 words, while a Ph.D. thesis/dissertation can be as much as 80,000 words.

How do I start my thesis/dissertation? +

You don’t have to start with the introduction when you begin writing. You can start with the methodology section or any other section you prefer and revise it later.

How do I structure a science thesis/dissertation? +

The main section of a science thesis/dissertation includes an introduction/literature review, materials/methodology section, results, discussion/conclusion section, and a references list.

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How to write a masters dissertation or thesis: top tips.

It is completely normal to find the idea of writing a masters thesis or dissertation slightly daunting, even for students who have written one before at undergraduate level. Though, don’t feel put off by the idea. You’ll have plenty of time to complete it, and plenty of support from your supervisor and peers.

One of the main challenges that students face is putting their ideas and findings into words. Writing is a skill in itself, but with the right advice, you’ll find it much easier to get into the flow of writing your masters thesis or dissertation.

We’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to write a dissertation or thesis for your masters degree, with top tips to consider at each stage in the process.

1. Understand your dissertation or thesis topic

There are slight differences between theses and dissertations , although both require a high standard of writing skill and knowledge in your topic. They are also formatted very similarly.

At first, writing a masters thesis can feel like running a 100m race – the course feels very quick and like there is not as much time for thinking! However, you’ll usually have a summer semester dedicated to completing your dissertation – giving plenty of time and space to write a strong academic piece.

By comparison, writing a PhD thesis can feel like running a marathon, working on the same topic for 3-4 years can be laborious. But in many ways, the approach to both of these tasks is quite similar.

Before writing your masters dissertation, get to know your research topic inside out. Not only will understanding your topic help you conduct better research, it will also help you write better dissertation content.

Also consider the main purpose of your dissertation. You are writing to put forward a theory or unique research angle – so make your purpose clear in your writing.

Top writing tip: when researching your topic, look out for specific terms and writing patterns used by other academics. It is likely that there will be a lot of jargon and important themes across research papers in your chosen dissertation topic. 

2. Structure your dissertation or thesis

Writing a thesis is a unique experience and there is no general consensus on what the best way to structure it is. 

As a postgraduate student , you’ll probably decide what kind of structure suits your research project best after consultation with your supervisor. You’ll also have a chance to look at previous masters students’ theses in your university library.

To some extent, all postgraduate dissertations are unique. Though they almost always consist of chapters. The number of chapters you cover will vary depending on the research. 

A masters dissertation or thesis organised into chapters would typically look like this: 

Write down your structure and use these as headings that you’ll write for later on.

Top writing tip : ease each chapter together with a paragraph that links the end of a chapter to the start of a new chapter. For example, you could say something along the lines of “in the next section, these findings are evaluated in more detail”. This makes it easier for the reader to understand each chapter and helps your writing flow better.

3. Write up your literature review

One of the best places to start when writing your masters dissertation is with the literature review. This involves researching and evaluating existing academic literature in order to identify any gaps for your own research.

Many students prefer to write the literature review chapter first, as this is where several of the underpinning theories and concepts exist. This section helps set the stage for the rest of your dissertation, and will help inform the writing of your other dissertation chapters.

What to include in your literature review

The literature review chapter is more than just a summary of existing research, it is an evaluation of how this research has informed your own unique research.

Demonstrate how the different pieces of research fit together. Are there overlapping theories? Are there disagreements between researchers?

Highlight the gap in the research. This is key, as a dissertation is mostly about developing your own unique research. Is there an unexplored avenue of research? Has existing research failed to disprove a particular theory?

Back up your methodology. Demonstrate why your methodology is appropriate by discussing where it has been used successfully in other research.

4. Write up your research

For instance, a more theoretical-based research topic might encompass more writing from a philosophical perspective. Qualitative data might require a lot more evaluation and discussion than quantitative research. 

Methodology chapter

The methodology chapter is all about how you carried out your research and which specific techniques you used to gather data. You should write about broader methodological approaches (e.g. qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods), and then go into more detail about your chosen data collection strategy. 

Data collection strategies include things like interviews, questionnaires, surveys, content analyses, discourse analyses and many more.

Data analysis and findings chapters

The data analysis or findings chapter should cover what you actually discovered during your research project. It should be detailed, specific and objective (don’t worry, you’ll have time for evaluation later on in your dissertation)

Write up your findings in a way that is easy to understand. For example, if you have a lot of numerical data, this could be easier to digest in tables.

This will make it easier for you to dive into some deeper analysis in later chapters. Remember, the reader will refer back to your data analysis section to cross-reference your later evaluations against your actual findings – so presenting your data in a simple manner is beneficial.

Think about how you can segment your data into categories. For instance, it can be useful to segment interview transcripts by interviewee. 

Top writing tip : write up notes on how you might phrase a certain part of the research. This will help bring the best out of your writing. There is nothing worse than when you think of the perfect way to phrase something and then you completely forget it.

5. Discuss and evaluate

Once you’ve presented your findings, it’s time to evaluate and discuss them.

It might feel difficult to differentiate between your findings and discussion sections, because you are essentially talking about the same data. The easiest way to remember the difference is that your findings simply present the data, whereas your discussion tells the story of this data.

Your evaluation breaks the story down, explaining the key findings, what went well and what didn’t go so well.

In your discussion chapter, you’ll have chance to expand on the results from your findings section. For example, explain what certain numbers mean and draw relationships between different pieces of data.

Top writing tip: don’t be afraid to point out the shortcomings of your research. You will receive higher marks for writing objectively. For example, if you didn’t receive as many interview responses as expected, evaluate how this has impacted your research and findings. Don’t let your ego get in the way!

6. Write your introduction

Your introduction sets the scene for the rest of your masters dissertation. You might be wondering why writing an introduction isn't at the start of our step-by-step list, and that’s because many students write this chapter last.

Here’s what your introduction chapter should cover:

Problem statement

Research question

Significance of your research

This tells the reader what you’ll be researching as well as its importance. You’ll have a good idea of what to include here from your original dissertation proposal , though it’s fairly common for research to change once it gets started.

Writing or at least revisiting this section last can be really helpful, since you’ll have a more well-rounded view of what your research actually covers once it has been completed and written up.

Masters dissertation writing tips

When to start writing your thesis or dissertation.

When you should start writing your masters thesis or dissertation depends on the scope of the research project and the duration of your course. In some cases, your research project may be relatively short and you may not be able to write much of your thesis before completing the project. 

But regardless of the nature of your research project and of the scope of your course, you should start writing your thesis or at least some of its sections as early as possible, and there are a number of good reasons for this:

Academic writing is about practice, not talent. The first steps of writing your dissertation will help you get into the swing of your project. Write early to help you prepare in good time.

Write things as you do them. This is a good way to keep your dissertation full of fresh ideas and ensure that you don’t forget valuable information.

The first draft is never perfect. Give yourself time to edit and improve your dissertation. It’s likely that you’ll need to make at least one or two more drafts before your final submission.

Writing early on will help you stay motivated when writing all subsequent drafts.

Thinking and writing are very connected. As you write, new ideas and concepts will come to mind. So writing early on is a great way to generate new ideas.

How to improve your writing skills

The best way of improving your dissertation or thesis writing skills is to:

 Finish the first draft of your masters thesis as early as possible and send it to your supervisor for revision. Your supervisor will correct your draft and point out any writing errors. This process will be repeated a few times which will help you recognise and correct writing mistakes yourself as time progresses.

If you are not a native English speaker, it may be useful to ask your English friends to read a part of your thesis and warn you about any recurring writing mistakes. Read our section on English language support for more advice. 

Most universities have writing centres that offer writing courses and other kinds of support for postgraduate students. Attending these courses may help you improve your writing and meet other postgraduate students with whom you will be able to discuss what constitutes a well-written thesis.

Read academic articles and search for writing resources on the internet. This will help you adopt an academic writing style, which will eventually become effortless with practice.

Keep track of your bibliography 

The easiest way to keep the track of all the articles you have read for your research is to create a database where you can summarise each article/chapter into a few most important bullet points to help you remember their content. 

Another useful tool for doing this effectively is to learn how to use specific reference management software (RMS) such as EndNote. RMS is relatively simple to use and saves a lot of time when it comes to organising your bibliography. This may come in very handy, especially if your reference section is suspiciously missing two hours before you need to submit your dissertation! 

Avoid accidental plagiarism

Plagiarism may cost you your postgraduate degree and it is important that you consciously avoid it when writing your thesis or dissertation. 

Occasionally, postgraduate students commit plagiarism unintentionally. This can happen when sections are copy and pasted from journal articles they are citing instead of simply rephrasing them. Whenever you are presenting information from another academic source, make sure you reference the source and avoid writing the statement exactly as it is written in the original paper.

What kind of format should your thesis have?

Read your university’s guidelines before you actually start writing your thesis so you don’t have to waste time changing the format further down the line. However in general, most universities will require you to use 1.5-2 line spacing, font size 12 for text, and to print your thesis on A4 paper. These formatting guidelines may not necessarily result in the most aesthetically appealing thesis, however beauty is not always practical, and a nice looking thesis can be a more tiring reading experience for your postgrad examiner .

When should I submit my thesis?

The length of time it takes to complete your MSc or MA thesis will vary from student to student. This is because people work at different speeds, projects vary in difficulty, and some projects encounter more problems than others. 

Obviously, you should submit your MSc thesis or MA thesis when it is finished! Every university will say in its regulations that it is the student who must decide when it is ready to submit. 

However, your supervisor will advise you whether your work is ready and you should take their advice on this. If your supervisor says that your work is not ready, then it is probably unwise to submit it. Usually your supervisor will read your final thesis or dissertation draft and will let you know what’s required before submitting your final draft.

Set yourself a target for completion. This will help you stay on track and avoid falling behind. You may also only have funding for the year, so it is important to ensure you submit your dissertation before the deadline – and also ensure you don’t miss out on your graduation ceremony ! 

To set your target date, work backwards from the final completion and submission date, and aim to have your final draft completed at least three months before that final date.

Don’t leave your submission until the last minute – submit your work in good time before the final deadline. Consider what else you’ll have going on around that time. Are you moving back home? Do you have a holiday? Do you have other plans?

If you need to have finished by the end of June to be able to go to a graduation ceremony in July, then you should leave a suitable amount of time for this. You can build this into your dissertation project planning at the start of your research.

It is important to remember that handing in your thesis or dissertation is not the end of your masters program . There will be a period of time of one to three months between the time you submit and your final day. Some courses may even require a viva to discuss your research project, though this is more common at PhD level . 

If you have passed, you will need to make arrangements for the thesis to be properly bound and resubmitted, which will take a week or two. You may also have minor corrections to make to the work, which could take up to a month or so. This means that you need to allow a period of at least three months between submitting your thesis and the time when your program will be completely finished. Of course, it is also possible you may be asked after the viva to do more work on your thesis and resubmit it before the examiners will agree to award the degree – so there may be an even longer time period before you have finished.

How do I submit the MA or MSc dissertation?

Most universities will have a clear procedure for submitting a masters dissertation. Some universities require your ‘intention to submit’. This notifies them that you are ready to submit and allows the university to appoint an external examiner.

This normally has to be completed at least three months before the date on which you think you will be ready to submit.

When your MA or MSc dissertation is ready, you will have to print several copies and have them bound. The number of copies varies between universities, but the university usually requires three – one for each of the examiners and one for your supervisor.

However, you will need one more copy – for yourself! These copies must be softbound, not hardbound. The theses you see on the library shelves will be bound in an impressive hardback cover, but you can only get your work bound like this once you have passed. 

You should submit your dissertation or thesis for examination in soft paper or card covers, and your university will give you detailed guidance on how it should be bound. They will also recommend places where you can get the work done.

The next stage is to hand in your work, in the way and to the place that is indicated in your university’s regulations. All you can do then is sit and wait for the examination – but submitting your thesis is often a time of great relief and celebration!

Some universities only require a digital submission, where you upload your dissertation as a file through their online submission system.

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•       Resources       Choosing Between a Thesis or Non-thesis Master's Degree

As of 2015, approximately 25.4 million Americans held advanced degrees , with more citizens joining these ranks each year. As studies continue to show the career advancement and salary benefits of completing a master's degree, more and more students elect to pursue advanced educations. When considering their options, many question whether to enroll in a master's requiring a thesis or not. The following guide examines some of the reasons degree seekers may want to write a thesis while also highlighting why they might not. Students on the fence about this important decision can find expert advice, actionable tips, and relevant guidance to help them make an informed choice in the guide that follows.

Understanding the Master's Thesis

What is the difference between a thesis & non-thesis master's program, the decision not to do a thesis.

As students research various master's programs in their chosen discipline, it's common to find that many degrees require a thesis – especially if they want to enter a research-heavy field. While this word gets thrown around a lot in academia, some learners may want more information regarding what it entails in order to make an informed decision.

What is a Master's Thesis?

The master's thesis is an original piece of scholarship allowing the student to dig into a topic and produce an expanded document that demonstrates how their knowledge has grown throughout the degree program. These documents require significant independent research of primary and secondary sources and, depending on the subject, may require interviews and/or surveys to support the overarching argument.

Individual schools and departments dictate the length of these documents, but they typically range between 60 and 100 pages – or approximately 20,000 to 40,000 words. While tackling a document of such heft may seem overwhelming at first, learners need not fret. Each master's candidate receives a faculty advisor early in their tenure to provide support, feedback, and guidance throughout the process. Because the final thesis is expected to be of a publishable quality, learners seeking the highest marks typically send their supervisor excerpts of the document as they write to ensure they are on the right track.

When picking a thesis topic, no magical formula exists. Students should consider their interests and read extensively on that topic to get a better sense of existing scholarship. They should also speak to other academics working in that sphere to familiarize themselves with ongoing projects. Only after they feel reasonably well-read should they begin looking for uncovered angles or interesting ways of using emerging methodologies to bring new light to the topic.

When considering formatting, degree seekers should check with their specific schools and departments, as they may have unique requirements. To get a general understanding of what to expect, learners can review Simon Fraser University's guidelines on thesis formatting. After completing the thesis, some programs require an oral defense before a committee while others read the document and provide a grade. Check with your prospective schools to get a better sense of procedure.

Format & Components of a Master's Thesis

While this guide attempts to provide helpful and actionable information about the process of deciding whether to follow a thesis or non-thesis track in a master's program, readers should remember that specific components and requirements of a thesis vary according to discipline, university, and department. That being said, some commonalities exist across all these – especially when it comes to what students must include in their final drafts.

As the first section a reader encounters after moving through the table of contents and other anterior text, the introductory allows the writer to firmly establish what they want to accomplish. Sometimes also called the "research question" section, the introductory must clearly state the goals of the paper and the overarching hypothesis guiding the argument. This should be written in a professional yet accessible tone that allows individuals without specializations in the field to understand the text.

This section allows learners to demonstrate their deep knowledge of the field by providing context to existing texts within their chosen discipline Learners review the main bodies of work, highlighting any issues they find within each. Constructive criticism often centers around shortcomings, blind spots, or outdated hypotheses.

Students use this section to explain how they went about their work. While scientists may point to a specific method used to reach conclusions, historians may reference the use of an emerging framework for understanding history to bring new light to a topic. The point of this section is to demonstrate the thought processes that led to your findings.

This section allows for learners to show what they learned during the research process in a non-biased way. Students should simply state what information they gathered by utilizing a specific framework or methodology and arrange those findings, without interpretation, in an easy-to-read fashion.

After providing readers with all the necessary information, the discussion section exists for candidates to interpret the raw data and demonstrate how their research led to a new understanding or contributed a unique perspective to the field. This section should directly connect to the introduction by reinforcing the hypothesis and showing how you answered the questions posed.

Even though the previous sections give prospective degree seekers a better sense of what to expect if they decide to write a thesis during their master's program, they don't necessarily help learners decide whether to pursue a thesis or non-thesis track. The following section highlights some of the reasons students frequently choose to complete a thesis or bypass the process altogether by providing a pros and cons list.

Why a Thesis Program

• Especially when entering a research-heavy discipline, completing a thesis shows prospective schools and employers that you possess the skills needed for researching and writing long-form reports.
• Students hoping to pursue a Ph.D. stand in better stead with admissions panels if they wrote a thesis during a master's program.
• Individuals hoping to enter a field that values syntax and grammar often better their writing skills by completing a thesis.
• Students who write a thesis can submit the final product to various academic journals, increasing their chances of getting published.
• Theses expand students' understanding of what they're capable of, deepen their ability to carry out an argument, and develop their skills in making connections between ideas.

Why a Non-thesis Program

• Because they don't require a significant written product, non-thesis master's tend to take less time to complete.
• Often mirrors a bachelor's program in terms of structure, allowing learners to complete classes and take exams without a great deal of research or writing.
• Students who excel in project-based assignments can continue building skills in this arena rather than focusing on skills they don't plan to use (e.g. research)
• Provides learners the opportunity to work more closely and more frequently with faculty on real-world projects since they don't spend hundreds of hours researching/writing.
• Allows learners to take more classes and gain hands-on skills to fill the time they would have spent researching and writing a thesis.

How to Choose a Master's Program: FAQs

Within some academic disciplines and professional fields, research and writing plays a key role in work done on a daily basis. Because of this, master's programs in these fields require learners to complete theses to compete against peers and be seen as competent in their work. Other disciplines, conversely, rely on other tools to accomplish work and progress ideas – making theses less important.

Yes. Master's programs focused more on application than research typically don't require a thesis – although they may still give students the option. Examples of common non-thesis master's programs include nursing, business, and education.

Even though non-thesis students won't be writing a 100-page paper, that doesn't mean they avoid completing a significant project. In place of a thesis, most applied master's programs require students to take part in at least one internship or complete a culminating project. These projects typically ask learners to take what they learned throughout coursework and create an expansive final project – examples include case studies, creative works, or portfolios.

While students who followed a non-thesis path routinely receive acceptance to Ph.D. programs, those with theses often find the process easier. Even if a learner pursues a Ph.D. in a discipline that isn't research-heavy, admissions panels still want to get a sense of your academic interests and ability to engage in independent, nuanced thought. Students with theses can provide solid proof of these skills, while those without may struggle to demonstrate preparedness as thoroughly.

The answer to this question depends on many factors, but typically it is okay not to do a thesis if you plan to enter a field that doesn't depend heavily on research or writing, or if you don't plan to complete a Ph.D.

Students wanting to work in academic, research, or writing should always opt for the thesis track. They should also follow this path if they have any doctoral degree aspirations.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to complete a thesis rests with the individual student. Figuring out how to proceed on this front requires lots of careful consideration, and learners should ensure they consider various aspects before coming to a final decision. The following section helps students consider how they should and should not come to a conclusion.

Dos and Don'ts of Choosing a Thesis or Non-thesis Program

• Consider the longevity of your decision: will you feel the same in 5-10 years or are you making a decision based on current desires?
• Talk to others who with experience in this area. Ask them questions about their decision-making process and if they regret their choice.
• Research potential thesis topics before starting a program. Going in with a game plan can help you feel more confident and settled about the process than if you're scrambling for a topic while in school.
• Reach out to prospective schools to speak with faculty and/or current students following both tracks. This will provide knowledge specific to the school while also expanding your network if you choose to attend there.
• Research Ph.D. entrance requirements to ascertain if the majority expect learners to possess a thesis when applying. This will give you a sense of whether you may experience issues later on if you do not complete one.
• Decide not to complete a thesis simply because you have never taken on such a task and feel overwhelmed or fearful that you will fail.
• Complete a thesis simply because you think it will look good on your resume. Theses require intense devotion over an extended amount of time; learners who complete them without conviction often find the process miserable.
• Forget to research alternatives to writing a thesis. Just because you don't complete a research paper doesn't mean a non-thesis track lacks rigor or challenging coursework.
• Forget to read examples of theses by previous students. If you feel overwhelmed by the task, reading work other people have done can often make the task at hand feel less scary.
• Let yourself off easy by taking the non-thesis path. If you find you have extra time in the program, talk to your advisor about taking more classes, develop meaningful projects for yourself, or see about presenting at an academic conference.

From the Expert

Sudiksha Joshi, Ph.D. is a learning advocate. Her mission is to empower our youth to think bigger, bolder thoughts and forge a career path that will change the world. She taps into her natural curiosity and ability to identify strengths to help students and those in transition find their path from feeling lost in the traditional ways of achieving success to charting their own path. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Huffington Post, Thrive Global, Medium and LinkedIn.

Why might a student decide to follow a thesis track? Why might they follow a non-thesis track?

A student might decide to take a thesis track if she/he wants to pursue a Ph.D. Also, if the students want to focus on careers where research and writing have a strong focus, the students opt for the thesis option. Research assistantships at the graduate level are also more often available to students who opt for the thesis option.

A student who might feel that writing is not one of their strengths might choose to go the non-thesis track. Likewise, a student who has other work commitments may find a non-thesis option more convenient.

Do you have any tips for deciding on a program?

I chose a thesis option because being able to conduct independent research was a big reason to go to graduate school. Also, showing the ability that I could do research was what afforded me research assistantships which meant that my tuition was paid for and I got a stipend that paid for expenses while I was in graduate school. This also allowed me the opportunity to work closely with the faculty mentor that provided me with the support and the accountability I wanted.

I would not recommend taking a non-thesis option if all the degree requires is for you to take courses. You have little to show in terms of your learning other than your grades unless you are already working on something on the side that does that for you and all you need is a certificate.

Opt for a non-thesis option if you can still work closely with a professor or on a project and if you'd rather be involved in multiple projects rather than focus on a single project. If you already have a good (informed) reason for choosing one over the other, go for it.

What's the most important thing to consider when choosing a program?

The most important thing to consider when choosing a program is getting excited about the projects that at least one of the faculty members are involved in. Do some research and see why you are excited about a particular work that at least one of the faculty members have been involved in.

Who should students talk to when considering options?

Students should talk to other students and also reach out directly to the graduate coordinator and even individual faculty members. This means that students should have done prior homework and have some good questions ready. Asking good questions will get you at least halfway through to make the right decision.

Harvard University Theses, Dissertations, and Prize Papers

The Harvard University Archives ’ collection of theses, dissertations, and prize papers document the wide range of academic research undertaken by Harvard students over the course of the University’s history.

Beyond their value as pieces of original research, these collections document the history of American higher education, chronicling both the growth of Harvard as a major research institution as well as the development of numerous academic fields. They are also an important source of biographical information, offering insight into the academic careers of the authors.

Spanning from the ‘theses and quaestiones’ of the 17th and 18th centuries to the current yearly output of student research, they include both the first Harvard Ph.D. dissertation (by William Byerly, Ph.D . 1873) and the dissertation of the first woman to earn a doctorate from Harvard ( Lorna Myrtle Hodgkinson , Ed.D. 1922).

Other highlights include:

• The collection of Mathematical theses, 1782-1839
• The 1895 Ph.D. dissertation of W.E.B. Du Bois, The suppression of the African slave trade in the United States, 1638-1871
• Ph.D. dissertations of astronomer Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin (Ph.D. 1925) and physicist John Hasbrouck Van Vleck (Ph.D. 1922)
• Undergraduate honors theses of novelist John Updike (A.B. 1954), filmmaker Terrence Malick (A.B. 1966),  and U.S. poet laureate Tracy Smith (A.B. 1994)
• Undergraduate prize papers and dissertations of philosophers Ralph Waldo Emerson (A.B. 1821), George Santayana (Ph.D. 1889), and W.V. Quine (Ph.D. 1932)
• Undergraduate honors theses of U.S. President John F. Kennedy (A.B. 1940) and Chief Justice John Roberts (A.B. 1976)

What does a prize-winning thesis look like?

If you're a Harvard undergraduate writing your own thesis, it can be helpful to review recent prize-winning theses. The Harvard University Archives has made available for digital lending all of the Thomas Hoopes Prize winners from the 2019-2021 academic years.

Accessing These Materials

How to access materials at the Harvard University Archives

How to find and request dissertations, in person or virtually

How to find and request undergraduate honors theses

How to find and request Thomas Temple Hoopes Prize papers

How to find and request Bowdoin Prize papers

• email: Email
• Phone number 617-495-2461

Related Collections

Harvard faculty personal and professional archives, harvard student life collections: arts, sports, politics and social life, access materials at the harvard university archives.

EWU Digital Commons

Home > College, Department, or Program > CSTEM > Computer Science > Theses

Computer Science Masters Thesis Collection

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

A hierarchical approach to improve the ant colony optimization algorith , Bryan J. Fischer

From Tic-tac-toe to AlphaGo: a survey of algorithms used in various games , Mathew T. Godon

Temporally consistent FastDVDNet: an overlap loss implementation for FastDVDNet , Michael J. Henderson

Multimodal game-based learning in Post-Secondary Education , Nathan A. Vanos

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Towards Cloud-Based cost-effective serverless information system , Isaac C. Angle

Modeling document classification to automate mental health diagnosis , William M. Tadlock

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Password-less two-factor authentication using scannable barcodes on a mobile device , Grant M. Callant II

Intrusion detection for industrial control systems , Kurt Lamon

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Data entry voice assistant for healthcare providers , Sajad Hussain M Alhamada

Comparison of the tally numbering system to traditional arithmetic systems in field programmable gate arrays , Robert Paul Shredow

Using Blockchain for Digital Card Game , Raymond A. Swannack

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Relaxed mental state detection using the Emotiv Epoc and Adaptive Threshold Algorithms , Olin L. Anderson

Detecting and mapping real-time Influenza-like illness using Twitter stream data , Elisha D. Brunette

The application of cloud resources to terrain data visualization , Gregory J. Larrick

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

A practical and efficient algorithm for the k-mismatch shortest unique substring finding problem , Daniel Robert Allen

DETERMINING VULNERABILITY USING ATTACK GRAPHS: AN EXPANSION OF THE CURRENT FAIR MODEL , Beth M. Anderson

The application of GPU to molecular communication studies , Tobias J. Cain

Improving Aerial Package Delivery Through Simulation of Hazard Detection, Mapping, and Regulatory Compliance , Kevin Chumbley

GPU accelerated risk quantification , Forrest L. Ireland

Evaluating a Cluster of Low-Power ARM64 Single-Board Computers with MapReduce , Daniel McDermott

Glyph based segmentation of Chinese calligraphy characters in the "Collected Characters" stele. , David A. McInnis

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

CLOUD LIVE VIDEO TRANSFER , Ryan Babcock

GENE EXPRESSION PROSPECTIVE SIMULATION AND ANALYSIS USING DATA MINING AND IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL REALITY VISUALIZATION , Joshua Cotes

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Near real-time early cancer detection using a graphics processing unit , Jason Helms

Analysis of algorithms to create profitable trades in the stock market , Nicholas P. Klinger

Dynamically parallel CAMSHIFT: GPU accelerated object tracking in digital video , Matthew J. Perry

USING CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORKS FOR FINE GRAINED IMAGECLASSIFICATION OF ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA , Richard K. Sipes

Character extraction from ancient Chinese stele using discrete cosine transform , Toshiaki Ueno

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

ECS: Educational Communication System , Nasmah Alnaimi

The geo-secure system: a secure system for data access based on geographical data , Fawaz J. Alruwaili

Heartbeat location assistance for electrocardiograms , Sarah Bass

Indirect association rule mining for crime data analysis , Riley Englin

Modeling and rendering of fluid flows using the Lennard-Jones potential , Nicholas J. LeFave

Multi-drug association rule mining on graphics processing unit , Jesse Scholer

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

A study of kNN using ICU multivariate time series data , Admir Djulovic

Artificial Frequency Match Neuron Implemented with Digital Logic , David J. Ellis

Bridging the detection gap: a study on a behavior-based approach using malware techniques , Geancarlo Palavicini

3D Image Acquisition System for Facial Recognition , James E. Pearson

Divide and Conquer G-Buffer Ray Tracing , Daniel Stokes

Improving the performance of skeletal mesh animations in the Blender game engine , Mitchell Stokes

MINING MULTI-GRANULAR MULTIVARIATE MEDICAL MEASUREMENTS , Conrad Sykes

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Alsafeer software for teaching computer literacy , Zieb Rabie Alqahtani

Wireless electronic scoring of kendo competition matches using an embedded system , Edward B. Hogan

Using phishing to test social engineering awareness of financial employees , Rebecca M. Long

GPU ray tracing with CUDA , Thomas A. Pitkin

Ray traced rendering using GPGPU devices , Coby Soss

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Windows security sandbox framework , Kyle P. Gwinnup

Micro unmanned aerial vehicle video surveillance platform quadrocopter aircraft , Michael John Skadan

WiFiPoz -- an accurate indoor positioning system , Xiaoyi Ye

SSVEP-based brain computer interface using the Emotiv EPOC , Brian J. Zier

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Bittorrent vulnerable to layer-7 packet injection , Stephen L. Heath

Masquerade detection using fortified naive Bayes , Eric Salsbury

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

Raising security awareness among higher education recipients , Chun-I Lin

On refactoring , Kaleb P. Pederson

Word prediction in assistive technologies for Aphasia rehabilitation in using Systemic Functional Grammar , Christopher T. Sorna

Novel visualization scheme for reasoning with uncertainty , Kyle A. Springer

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Tor latency attach verification and analysis , Ronnie Hoeflin

GPU programming: developing realistic water effects with OpenGL and GLSL , Joshua G. Slider

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

Visualization of logic programming , Michael D. Henry

Theses/Dissertations from 2005 2005

Construction of efficient indexes from Fuzzy Clusters: preliminary study , Sean M. Drexler

Navigation agents and traffic simulation , Bart Hunking

Web-based fuzzy expert system: EWU optimal advisor , Nasser A. Rafi

Theses/Dissertations from 2003 2003

Intrusion detection, intelligent agents, and soft computing , Patrick Miller

Source code security analysis and fuzzy logic , Alexander Moskalyuk

Theses/Dissertations from 2002 2002

Support vector machines, N-gram kernels, and text classification , John Mill

Theses/Dissertations from 2001 2001

Solid object model advanced operations , Robert L. Throop

Theses/Dissertations from 2000 2000

Interactive 3D model display in Java 3D , Keqiu Chen

Theses/Dissertations from 1998 1998

Subdivision, and rfefinement of non-uniform rational B-spline curves and surfaces in 3-D , Bill E. La Rue

Theses/Dissertations from 1995 1995

A transputer based prototype for a fuzzy logic controller with tuning and simulation capabilities , Marshall Ryan Weddle

Theses/Dissertations from 1994 1994

Visualizing medical data using direct volume rendering , Bryce R. Hein

Industrial control via a state language implementation on the transputer architecture , Ted Preston VanderWeyst

A cellular method for modeling solid features in volume data , Jeff Wolkenhauer

Theses/Dissertations from 1993 1993

Hybrid coding with enhanced RDC and Huffman compression algorithms , Wilhelm J. Jenner

Implementation of a digital control system analysis program using the z-transform , Kristine L. Rudin

Subtyping and inheritance in a metamodel of abstractions , Gavin Vess

Theses/Dissertations from 1992 1992

Left ventricular boundary detection in digitized cardiac images , Albertine L. Marie Alm

High level user interface for a parallel operating system , Terry Conkright

Hybrid dictionary/statistical text compression algorithms , Michael E. Piotrowski

A study of using backpropagation and a new neural net algorithm for edge detecting in binary images , Jun Tian

Theses/Dissertations from 1990 1990

Visual parallel programming via petri nets , David Glenn Passey

Theses/Dissertations from 1988 1988

An iconic approach to parallel design , Elizabeth Stevens

Theses/Dissertations from 1986 1986

Conversion form structured programming to an object-oriented programming structure , Daryl Edward Krauter

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The M.S. Thesis Track

The MS Thesis track is for students who want to concentrate on research in some sub-field of Computer Science.  You are required to arrange for a Computer Science Faculty member who agrees to advise the thesis and the rest of your course selection prior to selecting the track.

SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS

• Complete a total of  30 points  (Courses must be at the 4000 level or above)
• Maintain at least a  2.7  overall GPA. (No more than 1 D is permitted).
• Complete the  Columbia Engineering Professional Development & Leadership (PDL)  requirement
• Satisfy  breadth requirements
• Take at least  6 points  of technical courses at the 6000 level
• At most, up to 3 points  of your degree can be Non-CS/Non-track If they are deemed relevant to your track and sufficiently technical in nature. Submit the  Non-CS/NonTrack form  and the course syllabus to your CS Faculty Advisor for review

1. BREADTH REQUIREMENT

Visit the breadth requirement page for more information.

2. REQUIRED TRACK COURSES (9 credits)

Students must take 9 credits of COMS E6902 Thesis. The points are typically spread over multiple semesters, e.g., 3 points each for 3 semesters or 4.5 points each for 2 semesters. No more than 9 points of E6902 may be taken. Sign up for the section number of E6902 associated with your thesis advisor.

3. ELECTIVE TRACK COURSES

Students are required to complete 9 elective credits of graduate courses (4000-level or above) selected from Computer Science and/or related areas together with your faculty thesis advisor. These would normally be strongly related to your thesis topic.

Up to 3 of these points may be in COMS E6901 Projects in Computer Science.

Please note:

The  degree progress checklist should be used to keep track of your requirements. if you have questions for your track advisor or cs advising, you should have an updated checklist prepared, due to a significant overlap in course material, ms students not in the machine learning track can only take 1 of the following courses – coms 4771, coms 4721, elen 4903, ieor 4525, stat 4240, stat 4400/4241/5241 – as part of their degree requirements, the elective track courses cannot be imported from another institution., 4. general electives.

Students must complete the remaining credits of General Elective Courses at the 4000 level or above. At least three of these points must be chosen from either the Track Electives listed above or from the CS department at the 4000 level or higher.

Students may also request to use at most 3 points of Non-CS/Non-Track coursework if approved by the process listed below.

5. THESIS DEFENSE

A thesis proposal is presented to your thesis committee at least three months before your defense. Your thesis committee should have three members. Two of them must be internal, but one can be an outsider. Please bring the thesis defense form to your defense. Once completed, please submit the form to CS Advising via email: [email protected].

The thesis cannot be imported from another institution.

A publication-quality thesis document is also published as a CS department technical report. Once completed, please upload your thesis into MICE.

PROGRAM PLANNING

Please visit  the Directory of Classes  to get the updated course listings. Please also note that not all courses are offered every semester or even every year. A few courses are offered only once every two or three years or even less frequently.

Updated: 3/26/2024

Find open faculty positions here .

Computer Science at Columbia University

Upcoming events, ms new student reception.

Tuesday 2:00 pm

Labor Day - University Holiday

Monday 9:00 am

First Day of Classes

Tuesday 9:00 am

Fall 2024 Research Fair

Thursday 12:00 pm

In the News

Press mentions, dean boyce's statement on amicus brief filed by president bollinger.

President Bollinger announced that Columbia University along with many other academic institutions (sixteen, including all Ivy League universities) filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York challenging the Executive Order regarding immigrants from seven designated countries and refugees. Among other things, the brief asserts that “safety and security concerns can be addressed in a manner that is consistent with the values America has always stood for, including the free flow of ideas and people across borders and the welcoming of immigrants to our universities.”

This recent action provides a moment for us to collectively reflect on our community within Columbia Engineering and the importance of our commitment to maintaining an open and welcoming community for all students, faculty, researchers and administrative staff. As a School of Engineering and Applied Science, we are fortunate to attract students and faculty from diverse backgrounds, from across the country, and from around the world. It is a great benefit to be able to gather engineers and scientists of so many different perspectives and talents – all with a commitment to learning, a focus on pushing the frontiers of knowledge and discovery, and with a passion for translating our work to impact humanity.

I am proud of our community, and wish to take this opportunity to reinforce our collective commitment to maintaining an open and collegial environment. We are fortunate to have the privilege to learn from one another, and to study, work, and live together in such a dynamic and vibrant place as Columbia.

Mary C. Boyce Dean of Engineering Morris A. and Alma Schapiro Professor

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Home > Computer Science > CompSci TDs > Masters Theses

Computer Science Masters Theses

Theses from 2024 2024.

Enabling smart healthcare applications through visible light communication networks , Jack Manhardt

Time series anomaly detection using generative adversarial networks , Shyam Sundar Saravanan

Theses from 2023 2023

DYNAMIC DISCOUNTED SATISFICING BASED DRIVER DECISION PREDICTION IN SEQUENTIAL TAXI REQUESTS , Sree Pooja Akula

MAT: Genetic Algorithms Based Multi-Objective Adversarial Attack on Multi-Task Deep Neural Networks , Nikola Andric

COMPUTER VISION IN ADVERSE CONDITIONS: SMALL OBJECTS, LOW-RESOLUTION IMAGES, AND EDGE DEPLOYMENT , Raja Sunkara

Theses from 2022 2022

Maximising social welfare in selfish multi-modal routing using strategic information design for quantal response travelers , Sainath Sanga

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks on MQTT based IoT networks , Henry C. Wong

Theses from 2021 2021

Biochemical assay invariant attestation for the security of cyber-physical digital microfluidic biochips , Fredrick Eugene Love II

Theses from 2020 2020

On predicting stopping time of human sequential decision-making using discounted satisficing heuristic , Mounica Devaguptapu

Theses from 2019 2019

Advanced techniques for improving canonical genetic programming , Adam Tyler Harter

Evolved parameterized selection for evolutionary algorithms , Samuel Nathan Richter

Design and implementation of applications over delay tolerant networks for disaster and battlefield environment , Karthikeyan Sachidanandam

Theses from 2018 2018

Mixed-criticality real-time task scheduling with graceful degradation , Samsil Arefin

CARD: Concealed and remote discovery of IoT devices in victims' home networks , Sammie Lee Bush

Multiple security domain non deducibility in the FREEDM smart grid infrastructure , Manish Jaisinghani

Reputation and credit based incentive mechanism for data-centric message delivery in delay tolerant networks , Himanshu Jethawa

Solidification rate detection through solid-liquid interface tracking , Wei Luo

Cloud transactions and caching for improved performance in clouds and DTNs , Dileep Mardham

Cyber-physical security of an electric microgrid , Prashanth Palaniswamy

An approach for formal analysis of the security of a water treatment testbed , Sai Sidharth Patlolla

Analyzing large scale trajectory data to identify users with similar behavior , Tyler Clark Percy

Precise energy efficient scheduling of mixed-criticality tasks & sustainable mixed-criticality scheduling , Sai Sruti

A network tomography approach for traffic monitoring in smart cities , Ruoxi Zhang

Improved CRPD analysis and a secure scheduler against information leakage in real-time systems , Ying Zhang

Theses from 2017 2017

Cyber-physical security of a chemical plant , Prakash Rao Dunaka

UFace: Your universal password no one can see , Nicholas Steven Hilbert

Multi stage recovery from large scale failure in interdependent networks , Maria Angelin John Bosco

Multiple security domain model of a vehicle in an automated vehicle system , Uday Ganesh Kanteti

Personalizing education with algorithmic course selection , Tyler Morrow

Decodable network coding in wireless network , Junwei Su

Multiple security domain nondeducibility air traffic surveillance systems , Anusha Thudimilla

Theses from 2016 2016

Automated design of boolean satisfiability solvers employing evolutionary computation , Alex Raymond Bertels

Care-Chair: Opportunistic health assessment with smart sensing on chair backrest , Rakesh Kumar

Theses from 2015 2015

Dependability analysis and recovery support for smart grids , Isam Abdulmunem Alobaidi

Sensor authentication in collaborating sensor networks , Jake Uriah Bielefeldt

Argumentation based collaborative software architecture design and intelligent analysis of software architecture rationale , NagaPrashanth Chanda

A Gaussian mixture model for automated vesicle fusion detection and classification , Haohan Li

Hyper-heuristics for the automated design of black-box search algorithms , Matthew Allen Martin

Aerial vehicle trajectory design for spatio-temporal task satisfaction and aggregation based on utility metric , Amarender Reddy Mekala

Design and implementation of a broker for cloud additive manufacturing services , Venkata Prashant Modekurthy

Cyber security research frameworks for coevolutionary network defense , George Daniel Rush

Energy disaggregation in NIALM using hidden Markov models , Anusha Sankara

Theses from 2014 2014

Crime pattern detection using online social media , Raja Ashok Bolla

Energy efficient scheduling and allocation of tasks in sensor cloud , Rashmi Dalvi

A cloud brokerage architecture for efficient cloud service selection , Venkata Nagarjuna Dondapati

Access control delegation in the clouds , Pavani Gorantla

Evolving decision trees for the categorization of software , Jasenko Hosic

M-Grid : A distributed framework for multidimensional indexing and querying of location based big data , Shashank Kumar

Privacy preservation using spherical chord , Doyal Tapan Mukherjee

Top-K with diversity-M data retrieval in wireless sensor networks , Kiran Kumar Puram

On temporal and frequency responses of smartphone accelerometers for explosives detection , Srinivas Chakravarthi Thandu

Efficient data access in mobile cloud computing , Siva Naga Venkata Chaitanya Vemulapalli

An empirical study on symptoms of heavier internet usage among young adults , SaiPreethi Vishwanathan

Theses from 2013 2013

Sybil detection in vehicular networks , Muhammad Ibrahim Almutaz

Argumentation placement recommendation and relevancy assessment in an intelligent argumentation system , Nian Liu

Security analysis of a cyber physical system : a car example , Jason Madden

Efficient integrity verification of replicated data in cloud , Raghul Mukundan

Search-based model summarization , Lokesh Krishna Ravichandran

Hybridizing and applying computational intelligence techniques , Jeffery Scott Shelburg

Secure design defects detection and correction , Wenquan Wang

Theses from 2012 2012

Robust evolutionary algorithms , Brian Wesley Goldman

Semantic preserving text tepresentation and its applications in text clustering , Michael Howard

Vehicle path verification using wireless sensor networks , Gerry W. Howser

Distributed and collaborative watermarking in relational data , Prakash Kumar

Theses from 2011 2011

A social network of service providers for trust and identity management in the Cloud , Makarand Bhonsle

Adaptive rule-based malware detection employing learning classifier systems , Jonathan Joseph Blount

A low-cost motion tracking system for virtual reality applications , Abhinav Chadda

Optimization of textual affect entity relation models , Ajith Cherukad Jose

MELOC - memory and location optimized caching for mobile Ad hoc networks , Lekshmi Manian Chidambaram

A framework for transparent depression classification in college settings via mining internet usage patterns , Raghavendra Kotikalapudi

An incentive based approach to detect selfish nodes in Mobile P2P network , Hemanth Meka

Location privacy policy management system , Arej Awodha Muhammed

Exploring join caching in programming codes to reduce runtime execution , Swetha Surapaneni

Theses from 2010 2010

Event detection from click-through data via query clustering , Prabhu Kumar Angajala

Population control in evolutionary algorithms , Jason Edward Cook

Dynamic ant colony optimization for globally optimizing consumer preferences , Pavitra Dhruvanarayana

EtherAnnotate: a transparent malware analysis tool for integrating dynamic and static examination , Joshua Michael Eads

Representation and validation of domain and range restrictions in a relational database driven ontology maintenance system , Patrick Garrett. Edgett

Cloud security requirements analysis and security policy development using a high-order object-oriented modeling technique , Kenneth Kofi Fletcher

Multi axis slicing for rapid prototyping , Divya Kanakanala

Content based image retrieval for bio-medical images , Vikas Nahar

2-D path planning for direct laser deposition process , Swathi Routhu

Contribution-based priority assessment in a web-based intelligent argumentation network for collaborative software development , Maithili Satyavolu

An artificial life approach to evolutionary computation: from mobile cellular algorithms to artificial ecosystems , Shivakar Vulli

Intelligent computational argumentation for evaluating performance scores in multi-criteria decision making , Rubal Wanchoo

Minimize end-to-end delay through cross-layer optimization in multi-hop wireless sensor networks , Yibo Xu

Theses from 2009 2009

Information flow properties for cyber-physical systems , Rav Akella

Exploring the use of a commercial game engine for the development of educational software , Hussain Alafaireet

Automated offspring sizing in evolutionary algorithms , André Chidi Nwamba

Theses from 2008 2008

Image analysis techniques for vertebra anomaly detection in X-ray images , Mohammed Das

Cross-layer design through joint routing and link allocation in wireless sensor networks , Xuan Gong

A time series classifier , Christopher Mark Gore

An economic incentive based routing protocol incorporating quality of service for mobile peer-to-peer networks , Anil Jade

Incorporation of evidences in an intelligent argumentation network for collaborative engineering design , Ekta Khudkhudia

PrESerD - Privacy ensured service discovery in mobile peer-to-peer environment , Santhosh Muthyapu

Co-optimization: a generalization of coevolution , Travis Service

Critical infrastructure protection and the Domain Name Service (DNS) system , Mark Edward Snyder

Co-evolutionary automated software correction: a proof of concept , Joshua Lee Wilkerson

Theses from 2007 2007

A light-weight middleware framework for fault-tolerant and secure distributed applications , Ian Jacob Baird

Symbolic time series analysis using hidden Markov models , Nikhil Bhardwaj

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How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Introduction

Published on September 7, 2022 by Tegan George and Shona McCombes. Revised on November 21, 2023.

The introduction is the first section of your thesis or dissertation , appearing right after the table of contents . Your introduction draws your reader in, setting the stage for your research with a clear focus, purpose, and direction on a relevant topic .

Your introduction should include:

• Your topic, in context: what does your reader need to know to understand your thesis dissertation?
• Your focus and scope: what specific aspect of the topic will you address?
• The relevance of your research: how does your work fit into existing studies on your topic?
• Your questions and objectives: what does your research aim to find out, and how?
• An overview of your structure: what does each section contribute to the overall aim?

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Table of contents

How to start your introduction, topic and context, focus and scope, relevance and importance, questions and objectives, overview of the structure, thesis introduction example, introduction checklist, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about introductions.

Although your introduction kicks off your dissertation, it doesn’t have to be the first thing you write — in fact, it’s often one of the very last parts to be completed (just before your abstract ).

It’s a good idea to write a rough draft of your introduction as you begin your research, to help guide you. If you wrote a research proposal , consider using this as a template, as it contains many of the same elements. However, be sure to revise your introduction throughout the writing process, making sure it matches the content of your ensuing sections.

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Begin by introducing your dissertation topic and giving any necessary background information. It’s important to contextualize your research and generate interest. Aim to show why your topic is timely or important. You may want to mention a relevant news item, academic debate, or practical problem.

After a brief introduction to your general area of interest, narrow your focus and define the scope of your research.

You can narrow this down in many ways, such as by:

• Geographical area
• Time period
• Demographics or communities
• Themes or aspects of the topic

It’s essential to share your motivation for doing this research, as well as how it relates to existing work on your topic. Further, you should also mention what new insights you expect it will contribute.

Start by giving a brief overview of the current state of research. You should definitely cite the most relevant literature, but remember that you will conduct a more in-depth survey of relevant sources in the literature review section, so there’s no need to go too in-depth in the introduction.

Depending on your field, the importance of your research might focus on its practical application (e.g., in policy or management) or on advancing scholarly understanding of the topic (e.g., by developing theories or adding new empirical data). In many cases, it will do both.

Ultimately, your introduction should explain how your thesis or dissertation:

• Helps solve a practical or theoretical problem
• Addresses a gap in the literature
• Builds on existing research
• Proposes a new understanding of your topic

Perhaps the most important part of your introduction is your questions and objectives, as it sets up the expectations for the rest of your thesis or dissertation. How you formulate your research questions and research objectives will depend on your discipline, topic, and focus, but you should always clearly state the central aim of your research.

If your research aims to test hypotheses , you can formulate them here. Your introduction is also a good place for a conceptual framework that suggests relationships between variables .

• Conduct surveys to collect data on students’ levels of knowledge, understanding, and positive/negative perceptions of government policy.
• Determine whether attitudes to climate policy are associated with variables such as age, gender, region, and social class.
• Conduct interviews to gain qualitative insights into students’ perspectives and actions in relation to climate policy.

To help guide your reader, end your introduction with an outline  of the structure of the thesis or dissertation to follow. Share a brief summary of each chapter, clearly showing how each contributes to your central aims. However, be careful to keep this overview concise: 1-2 sentences should be enough.

I. Introduction

Human language consists of a set of vowels and consonants which are combined to form words. During the speech production process, thoughts are converted into spoken utterances to convey a message. The appropriate words and their meanings are selected in the mental lexicon (Dell & Burger, 1997). This pre-verbal message is then grammatically coded, during which a syntactic representation of the utterance is built.

Speech, language, and voice disorders affect the vocal cords, nerves, muscles, and brain structures, which result in a distorted language reception or speech production (Sataloff & Hawkshaw, 2014). The symptoms vary from adding superfluous words and taking pauses to hoarseness of the voice, depending on the type of disorder (Dodd, 2005). However, distortions of the speech may also occur as a result of a disease that seems unrelated to speech, such as multiple sclerosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

This study aims to determine which acoustic parameters are suitable for the automatic detection of exacerbations in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by investigating which aspects of speech differ between COPD patients and healthy speakers and which aspects differ between COPD patients in exacerbation and stable COPD patients.

Checklist: Introduction

I have introduced my research topic in an engaging way.

I have provided necessary context to help the reader understand my topic.

I have clearly specified the focus of my research.

I have shown the relevance and importance of the dissertation topic .

I have clearly stated the problem or question that my research addresses.

I have outlined the specific objectives of the research .

I have provided an overview of the dissertation’s structure .

You've written a strong introduction for your thesis or dissertation. Use the other checklists to continue improving your dissertation.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

Research bias

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The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:

• A hook to catch the reader’s interest
• Relevant background on the topic
• Details of your research problem

and your problem statement

• A thesis statement or research question
• Sometimes an overview of the paper

Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.

This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .

Research objectives describe what you intend your research project to accomplish.

They summarize the approach and purpose of the project and help to focus your research.

Your objectives should appear in the introduction of your research paper , at the end of your problem statement .

Scope of research is determined at the beginning of your research process , prior to the data collection stage. Sometimes called “scope of study,” your scope delineates what will and will not be covered in your project. It helps you focus your work and your time, ensuring that you’ll be able to achieve your goals and outcomes.

Defining a scope can be very useful in any research project, from a research proposal to a thesis or dissertation . A scope is needed for all types of research: quantitative , qualitative , and mixed methods .

To define your scope of research, consider the following:

• Budget constraints or any specifics of grant funding
• Your proposed timeline and duration
• Specifics about your population of study, your proposed sample size , and the research methodology you’ll pursue
• Any inclusion and exclusion criteria
• Any anticipated control , extraneous , or confounding variables that could bias your research if not accounted for properly.

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Thesis/Capstone for Master's in Data Science | Northwestern SPS - Northwestern School of Professional Studies

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Data Science

Capstone and thesis overview.

Capstone and thesis are similar in that they both represent a culminating, scholarly effort of high quality. Both should clearly state a problem or issue to be addressed. Both will allow students to complete a larger project and produce a product or publication that can be highlighted on their resumes. Students should consider the factors below when deciding whether a capstone or thesis may be more appropriate to pursue.

A capstone is a practical or real-world project that can emphasize preparation for professional practice. A capstone is more appropriate if:

• you don't necessarily need or want the experience of the research process or writing a big publication
• you want more input on your project, from fellow students and instructors
• you want more structure to your project, including assignment deadlines and due dates
• you want to complete the project or graduate in a timely manner

A student can enroll in MSDS 498 Capstone in any term. However, capstone specialization courses can provide a unique student experience and may be offered only twice a year. 

A thesis is an academic-focused research project with broader applicability. A thesis is more appropriate if:

• you want to get a PhD or other advanced degree and want the experience of the research process and writing for publication
• you want to work individually with a specific faculty member who serves as your thesis adviser
• you are more self-directed, are good at managing your own projects with very little supervision, and have a clear direction for your work
• you have a project that requires more time to pursue

Students can enroll in MSDS 590 Thesis as long as there is an approved thesis project proposal, identified thesis adviser, and all other required documentation at least two weeks before the start of any term.

From Faculty Director, Thomas W. Miller, PhD

Capstone projects and thesis research give students a chance to study topics of special interest to them. Students can highlight analytical skills developed in the program. Work on capstone and thesis research projects often leads to publications that students can highlight on their resumes.”

A thesis is an individual research project that usually takes two to four terms to complete. Capstone course sections, on the other hand, represent a one-term commitment.

Students need to evaluate their options prior to choosing a capstone course section because capstones vary widely from one instructor to the next. There are both general and specialization-focused capstone sections. Some capstone sections offer in individual research projects, others offer team research projects, and a few give students a choice of individual or team projects.

Students should refer to the SPS Graduate Student Handbook for more information regarding registration for either MSDS 590 Thesis or MSDS 498 Capstone.

Capstone Experience

If students wish to engage with an outside organization to work on a project for capstone, they can refer to this checklist and lessons learned for some helpful tips.

Capstone Checklist

• Start early — set aside a minimum of one to two months prior to the capstone quarter to determine the industry and modeling interests.
• Networking — pitch your idea to potential organizations for projects and focus on the business benefits you can provide.
• Permission request — make sure your final project can be shared with others in the course and the information can be made public.
• Engagement — engage with the capstone professor prior to and immediately after getting the dataset to ensure appropriate scope for the 10 weeks.
• Teambuilding — recruit team members who have similar interests for the type of project during the first week of the course.

Capstone Lesson Learned

• Access to company data can take longer than expected; not having this access before or at the start of the term can severely delay the progress
• Project timeline should align with coursework timeline as closely as possible
• One point of contact (POC) for business facing to ensure streamlined messages and more effective time management with the organization
• Expectation management on both sides: (business) this is pro-bono (students) this does not guarantee internship or job opportunities
• Data security/masking not executed in time can risk the opportunity completely

Publication of Work

Northwestern University Libraries offers an option for students to publish their master’s thesis or capstone in Arch, Northwestern’s open access research and data repository.

Benefits for publishing your thesis:

• Your work will be indexed by search engines and discoverable by researchers around the world, extending your work’s impact beyond Northwestern
• Your work will be assigned a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) to ensure perpetual online access and to facilitate scholarly citation
• Your work will help accelerate discovery and increase knowledge in your subject domain by adding to the global corpus of public scholarly information

Get started:

• Visit Arch online
• Log in with your NetID
• Describe your thesis: title, author, date, keywords, rights, license, subject, etc.
• Upload your thesis or capstone PDF and any related supplemental files (data, code, images, presentations, documentation, etc.)
• Select a visibility: Public, Northwestern-only, Embargo (i.e. delayed release)
• Save your work to the repository

Your thesis manuscript or capstone report will then be published on the MSDS page. You can view other published work here .

For questions or support in publishing your thesis or capstone, please contact [email protected] .

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Requirements and Deadlines for Master of Science Degrees

Listed below are the major steps that should be completed for the Master of Science degrees (thesis Master degrees) in computer science and computer engineering at Texas A&M University. Much of this information is taken from the  Steps to Fulfill Master's Degree Requirements page  on the Graduate and Professional School website  and from the department's graduate brochure.

As noted below, many of the steps have associated Graduate and Professional School forms that need to be submitted. Information on how to submit these forms are available on the Graduate and Professional School website . Some forms are being submitted with the use of DocuSign. In all cases, the student is responsible for filling out the form/DocuSign and correctly submitting the forms. Students must use NetID email addresses for all faculty members, not the computer science and engineering (CSE) email address. The graduate program assistant is the only email that will use the CSE graduate advisor email address . All department head information should be listed as John Keyser for the name and [email protected] for the email.

An overview of requirements and deadlines for non-thesis Master of Science (M.S.) degrees is available .

Advisory Committee and Degree Plan

Master of Science students must form an advisory committee and file an approved degree plan. Requirements for the composition of the advisory committee and degree plans can be found in the department's graduate brochure.

Graduate and Professional School Forms: Degree Plan

Deadline: By the end of the first semester after the student has completed nine credit hours (normally their second semester) and no later than 90 days prior to the final oral or thesis defense (see  Graduate and Professional School calendar  for precise deadlines).

Thesis Proposal

The student must submit a Master of Science thesis proposal as described in the graduate catalog. An electronic copy in PDF format of the proposal approved by the committee must be emailed to the advising office ([email protected]) before the student visits the  Graduate and Professional School page , already signed by the committee, to the advising office for the department approval signature.

If the thesis research will involve human subjects, animals, infectious biohazards, or recombinant DNA, then the student must check with the Research Compliance and Biosafety Division  to ensure that they have met all compliance responsibilities. A copy of the appropriate approved research compliance approval form must be submitted with the research proposal. See the  Frequently Asked Questions page  for information on how to submit the necessary approval forms to the Research Compliance and Biosafety Division.

The department has no additional requirements for the proposal beyond that it be approved by the student's advisory committee (as shown by the submission of the signed Proposal Approval page) and that it meets any Graduate and Professional School requirements. Thus, students should consult with their advisor for guidance on preparing their proposal. As a rule of thumb, most proposals are about 10 pages long (single spaced) and include a description of the problem to be studied, an overview of the related work, a brief summary of any preliminary results, and a description of the research objectives and the planned approach.

Graduate and Professional School Forms:  Proposal Approval Page

Deadline: The thesis proposal cannot be submitted before the degree plan and it must be submitted at least 15 working days before the request to hold the final examination (defense) is submitted to the Graduate and Professional School (or about four weeks before the defense). (This is a decrease - it used to be 14 weeks before the defense). Precise deadlines are listed on the Graduate and Professional School dates and deadlines calendar.

Apply for Graduation

Students must submit a  degree plan  in order to graduate.

Online Degree Plan Submission System  

Deadline: Normally in the first one to two weeks of the semester the student wishes to graduate. Late application will be allowed for an additional fee until later in the semester. Precise deadlines are listed on the Graduate and Professional School dates and deadlines calendar.

Final Examination (Thesis Defense)

The student must pass a final oral examination given by the Advisory Committee as described in the graduate catalog. Please consult  Procedures for Master of Science Thesis Defenses page  for more information on eligibility requirements, and scheduling and administration practices for Master of Science final exams in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.

Graduate and Professional School Forms: Request and Announcement of the Final Examination, Report of Final Exam (sent by the Graduate and Professional School to the Advising Office)

Deadlines: As described on the Procedures for Master of Science Thesis Defenses page, there are eligibility requirements and deadlines for scheduling and reporting on Master of Science final exams. Final exam deadlines are listed on the Graduate and Professional School dates and deadlines calendar (usually about eight weeks before graduation).

A Master of Science thesis as described in the graduate catalog and on the Graduate and Professional School website must be submitted. After the thesis has been approved by the student's committee, the student should submit the following items to the advising office:

An electronic copy of the thesis in PDF format submitted by email to [email protected],  and

A hardcopy of the thesis approval page, already signed by the committee (but not the department head)

The advising office will obtain the department approval signature. The student will receive an email notifying them that they need to pick up the approval page from the advising office. The student must submit the approval page to the Thesis and Dissertation Services office . Then, the student should submit an electronic copy (PDF format) of the thesis to the Thesis and Dissertation Services office.

Graduate and Professional School Form:  Approval Form

Deadline: Thesis submission deadlines are listed on the Graduate and Professional School dates and deadlines calendar (usually about six weeks before graduation). Final corrected copies of the thesis must be accepted by the thesis clerk no later than one year after the final examination or within the seven-year time limit, whichever occurs first. Failure to do so will result in the degree not being awarded.

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Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

Master's thesis in earth sciences.

The Master's programme in Earth Sciences is concluded with the Master's thesis. The subject of the thesis is in the major study area and represents either an applied or fundamental research project.

In most cases, the project will be integrated into one of the research groups at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences . Students may contact the lecturers directly for a project or choose from the list of Master's thesis projects at the department .

If geological mapping or sampling are required, early planning of the project is essential to provide flexibility in scheduling time in the field.

Guidelines Master's thesis in Earth Sciences

Before starting the Master's thesis, students must:

• Have obtained their Bachelor's degree .
• Have fulfilled all additional requirements (if any).
• Have successful completed the MSc Project Proposal (651-4060-00).

The project is supervised by:

• Main supervisor (mandatory)
• Additional supervisor (optional)
• Examiner (if necessary)

Supervisors are involved in the Master's thesis. If the supervisor(s) belong to the same group an examiner belonging to another research group is necessary . The examiner will evaluate but not necessarily supervise the thesis.

At least one supervisor or examiner must be a professor/PD of the Department of Earth Sciences, the Institute for Atmospheric and Climate Science or one of the department's authorised senior researchers . Exceptions must be approved by the Director of Studies.

Registration for “651-4062-00 Master’s Thesis” in myStudies  "projects/papers/theses"

• Students starting their Master’s thesis between August and January register for Autumn Semester. Students starting between February and July register for Spring Semester.
• Please do not register twice if the start and the end of the Master’s thesis are not in the same semester, but choose the option “leave of absence” (Urlaubsemester) on myStudies for the subsequent semester.
• myStudies calculates the individual deadline automatically at the time of registration (plus six months).

The students present their Master’s thesis in a group seminar. At least one member of the supervising committee must be present. The time of the presentation can be selected individually in consultation with the supervisors/examiner.

The presentation counts towards the final grade.

Besides the individual deadline  (calculated automatically at the time of registration) there is an annual deadline  for each cohort, which is defined each year by the department depending on the date of the graduation ceremony.

Individual deadline

The individual deadline is calculated automatically in myStudies based on the start date (plus six months) of the Master's Thesis. This deadline is binding and the student must submit the Master's thesis no later than this date (by midnight). Students whose individual deadline is set before the annual deadline will be officially invited to the graduation ceremony.

Annual deadline

The annual deadline  or cohort deadline depends on the date of the graduation ceremony and is defined each year by the department. Only students whose individual deadline is set before the annual deadline will officially be invited to the graduation ceremony.

• Submission of Master's thesis: 26 August 2024
• Grading in eDoz: 13 September 2024
• Request for diploma: 16 September 2024
• Submission of Master's thesis The student hands in the Master’s thesis (physical copy or PDF) to the main supervisor (incl. the Download signed declaration of originality (PDF, 183 KB) vertical_align_bottom ) no later than midnight of the individual deadline. The main supervisor confirms the submission in eDoz.
• Grading in eDoz The main supervisor enters the final grade in eDoz based on the protected page Master’s Thesis - Assessment and Grading Form lock . A missed deadline results in a fail.
• Request for diploma The student must submit the request for diploma (Diplomantrag). He/she can only do so after the grade for his/her Master’s thesis is validated (verfügt) by the study administration.

If the Master's thesis is handed in after the annual deadline, the grades cannot be validated in time for the graduation ceremony. Thus the students will only be invited the following year.

The grades from all supervisors and examiner have equal weight for the final mark.

The main supervisor calculates the final grade ( protected page see assessment and grading form lock ) and enters the final grade in eDoz no later than four weeks after submission of the Master's thesis. A shorter submission of the grade applies to theses submitted by the annual deadline (see annual deadlines above) .

An excellent Master’s thesis (grade 6.0) can be suggested for the Silver Medal of ETH Zurich. The main supervisor must state reasons for the outstanding and excellent thesis by submitting a report.

The department encourages the publication of excellent Master's theses in the ETH Research Collection . Publcation of the Master's theses requires a letter of recommendation from the respective supervisor and a declaration of consent from the student.

The graduation ceremony takes place in late autumn (end of November). Only students who submit their work before the annual deadline are officially invited to the graduation ceremony.

Please contact the D-EAPS study administration in case of questions.

• Location location_on NO D 55
• Phone phone +41 44 632 64 83

Dep. Erd- u Planetenwissenschaften Sonneggstrasse 5 8092 Zürich Switzerland

Master in Space Systems

The Specialised Master in Space Systems starts in Autumn Semester 2024 and information about the Master's thesis in Space Systems is currently being prepared.

Master in Atmospheric and Climate Science

For information about the Master's thesis in Atmospheric and Climate Science visit the Institute of Atmospheric and Climate Science website.

Master in Applied Geophysics

For information about the Master's thesis in Applied Geophysics visit the external page Joint Master Programme page on the IDEA League website call_made .

Study grants

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• Proquest Theses and Dissertations (PQDT), a database of dissertations and theses, whether they were published electronically or in print, and mostly available for purchase. Access to PQDT may be limited; consult your local library for access information.

INFORMATION FOR --> 2021 Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University -->
	Florida A&M University
	Aug 01, 2024   2020-2021 General Catalog     2020-2021 General Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG] | Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Agricultural Sciences: Non-thesis Option The non-thesis option differs from the existing Master of Science degree program by replacing the six (6) hours of thesis with a research project and two directed electives and administering written and oral comprehensive exit exams designed and administered by the student’s graduate committee. The replacement courses will not include supervised research or thesis and will be selected by the student with the approval of their graduate committee and the Graduate Coordinator. These additional courses will permit students to further focus their graduate training in specialties they and their committee believe are important to their professional development. The only exception to this is that students will be required to take one (1) hour of supervised research in their final semester of enrollment for the expressed purpose of taking their written and oral exit exams. The exit exam will permit the committee to assess the student’s overall level of professional competency and assure that graduates leave the program with a consistent level of proficiency. At the discretion of the student’s graduate committee and the Graduate Coordinator, the written and oral exit exams could include a multiple-semester research project designed to allow students following the non-thesis option an opportunity to conduct applied research. Number of Credits Required The non-thesis track requires additional course offerings. Instead, the present requirement of six (6) hours of thesis is replaced with two additional directed electives selected by the student and approved by the student’s Supervisory Committee and the Graduate Coordinator. The Master of Science Non-Thesis includes concentrations in Agribusiness, Entomology, Soil and Water Science and Plant Science. Candidates are required to successfully complete at least thirty-six (36) semester hours including the six (6) hours of course work and a research project, MS candidates in all concentrations are required to take AGR 5825 (Fundamentals of Research Design) or Statistical Methods in Research 1 and 2, AGG 5931 (Professional Seminar)    and AGG 5920 (Colloquium)    and three (3) to five (5) courses (varying by concentration) in their major field of study and several electives approved by their Supervisory Committee. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required to remain in the graduate program. Exit Seminar and Final Examination The students must give an exit seminar and pass a final examination administered by the Supervisory Committee. The exam has both written and oral components and each member of the committee participates in both exams. The oral portion of the exam is administered by the student’s Supervisory committee. The Graduate Coordinator and a representative of the Graduate Council with questioning and voting privileges must participate in the oral exam. The examination cannot be taken earlier than the term before the degree is to be awarded. Exit E-mail to Associate Dean All students must either send an e-mail to the Associate Dean (copied to the Graduate Coordinator) with a short statement of the quality of her /his experience as a student in the College and information regarding plans for the immediate future regarding employment (Academia or Industry) or continued education. Financial Assistance Students enrolled in the Master of Science degree program with Non-thesis option are not eligible for financial assistance (tuition waiver and assistantship). Students who are already enrolled in the Master of Science degree program with thesis option, but switch to a non-thesis option will immediately become ineligible for financial assistance. The Following Courses Are Required by all Concentrations and Majors AGG 5825 Fundamentals Of Research Design (4) AGG 5827 Stat Methods In Research II AGG 5931 Scientific Research Communication (3) AGG 5920 Colloquium (1) (repeated) Total: 7-9 Hours Select one of the following courses. AGR 5442 Advanced Plant Sciences (3) SWS 5405C Soil Chemistry (3) SOS 5217 Soil and the Environment (3) PMA 5407C Integrated Pest Management (3) FOS 5314 Advanced Food Processing and Storage (3) Core classes (select a minimum of 15 hours) FOS 5315 Advanced Food Chemistry (3) FOS 5325 Advanced Food Analysis (3) FOS 5930 Seminars In Food Science (1) FOS 5226 Advanced Food Microbiology and Safety (3) FOS 5906 Directed Individual Study (1-6) FOS 5940 Practical Food Experience (3) FRC 5808C Enology (4) FOS 5245 Meat Science and Meat Research (4) Approved electives in concentration: 11 Graduate exit exam (supervised research): 1, total: 37-39. College of Computer Science and Mathematics 31 July، 2024 Master’s thesis by student  Mohamed Hazem Jassim Mohamed Discussion of a master’s thesis in the College of Computer Science and Mathematics – Department of Mathematics Sciences entitled: “ Combined Variational Iteration Method and Laplace Transform for Solving Singular IVPs of Lane-Emden Type Differential Equations “ In continuation of the scientific research movement and with the follow-up and presence of the Dean of the College of Computer Science and Mathematics    Prof. Dr. Duha Bashir Abdullah The esteemed It was discussed in the discussion room at the Faculty of Computer Science and Mathematics at the University of Mosul on Wednesday 31-7-2024 Master’s thesis by student   Mohamed Hazem Jassim Mohamed , under the supervision of   Assist. Prof. Dr. Waleed Mohammed Fathi Al-Hayani . The dissertation addresses the combined effects of the method of Variational Iteration Method and the Laplace Transform (LTVIM) for solving singular IVPs and BVPs of Lane-Emden and Emden-Fowler type ODEs and PDEs for linear and non-linear, with the optimization of the obtained solution and increasing its accuracy by using the Padé approximants method of an order [N/M] (PA[N/M]) on the last obtained iteration. It also shows how to deal with the singular point and its treatment, in addition to showing how to extract the value of Lagrange Multiplier and its difference in each order of ODEs and PDEs, whether it is the equation of Heat or the equation of Wave. The solution produced by this method with the least number of iterations shows its effectiveness. The absolute errors between the exact solution with the suggested method (LTVIM), and the exact solution with the Padé approximants of order [N/M] are also calculated to see its effectiveness. The dissertation offers a thorough examination of the LTVIM and its application in solving differential equations of types of Lane-Emden and Emden-Fowler The scientific committee included the following members : Prof. Dr. Thair Younis Thanoon – Chairman 2- Assist. Prof. Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Jumah- Member. 3- Assist. Prof. Dr. Mohammed Omar Shaaban  – Member .   4- Assist. Prof. Dr. Waleed Mohammed Fathi Al-Hayani- Member and supervisor . Announcements asmaaaljader 2024-07-31T09:06:06+00:00 31/07/2024 | Master’s thesis by student  Abd Ahmad Hassan asmaaaljader 2024-07-31T09:01:10+00:00 31/07/2024 | Discussion of the diploma’s Thesis Submitted by the Student Marwa Bassem Mustafa asmaaaljader 2024-07-31T08:57:03+00:00 31/07/2024 | PhD thesis – Department of Computer Science asmaaaljader 2024-07-11T08:20:09+00:00 11/07/2024 | Discussion of the Master’s Thesis Submitted by the Student Alaa Amer Abdul Raheem asmaaaljader 2024-07-11T09:09:02+00:00 14/06/2024 | doctoral thesis by student Karam Muhammad Mahdi Saleh asmaaaljader 2024-05-13T08:58:43+00:00 13/05/2024 | the Creative Arts Competition asmaaaljader 2024-03-18T10:14:17+00:00 18/03/2024 | Participation of the Dean of the College in a ministerial meeting asmaaaljader 2023-11-02T07:19:29+00:00 02/11/2023 | A teaching participation in the Software Department of our college in the work of the Private Health Services Forum at the University of Mosul… asmaaaljader 2023-10-30T09:55:57+00:00 29/10/2023 | Visit a nursing home asmaaaljader 2023-10-23T07:33:04+00:00 23/10/2023 | Student Activities Division admin_omar 2022-02-15T00:00:00+00:00 15/02/2022 | Discussing graduation research in the Software Department for preliminary studies asmaaaljader 2024-05-08T10:57:23+00:00 08/05/2024 | Our University University formations, electronic systems, international rankings, related websites, website division, contact the university, university address. Al Majmoaa Street Postal Code : 41002 Mosul – Iraq All Rights Reserved for University of Mosul - 2024 463 IMAGES How To Write Master Thesis Pdf: Step By Step Example and Quickly Tips How to Write a Master's Thesis (with Pictures) Master Thesis Thesis Abstract Sample (PDF) Master’s Thesis in Computing Science Master Thesis Images How to Write a Master's Thesis in Computer Science VIDEO Master Event 2023: Master Thesis Prize Winners Elements and Structure of a Master Thesis (Chapter 3 A student's perspective: What is the MSc Thesis process like? Master's Thesis: Light Propagation Volumes Janell Shah Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition 2010 winner COMMENTS MIT Theses MIT's DSpace contains more than 58,000 theses completed at MIT dating as far back as the mid 1800's. Theses in this collection have been scanned by the MIT Libraries or submitted in electronic format by thesis authors. Since 2004 all new Masters and Ph.D. theses are scanned and added to this collection after degrees are awarded. What Is a Thesis? Revised on April 16, 2024. A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a master's program or a capstone to a bachelor's degree. Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Other than a dissertation, it is one of the longest pieces of writing students typically complete. Prize-Winning Thesis and Dissertation Examples Award: 2017 Royal Geographical Society Undergraduate Dissertation Prize. Title: Refugees and theatre: an exploration of the basis of self-representation. University: University of Washington. Faculty: Computer Science & Engineering. Author: Nick J. Martindell. Award: 2014 Best Senior Thesis Award. Title: DCDN: Distributed content delivery for ... Guide to Writing Your Thesis/Dissertation : Graduate School Definition of Dissertation and Thesis. The dissertation or thesis is a scholarly treatise that substantiates a specific point of view as a result of original research that is conducted by students during their graduate study. At Cornell, the thesis is a requirement for the receipt of the M.A. and M.S. degrees and some professional master's ... How to Write a Master's Thesis: A Guide to Planning Your Thesis How to Write a Master's Thesis: The Final Stages After your work is done and everything is written down, you will have to give your thesis a good, thorough polishing. This is where you will have to organize the information, draft it into a paper format with an abstract, and abbreviate things to help meet your word-count limit. What is a thesis A thesis is an in-depth research study that identifies a particular topic of inquiry and presents a clear argument or perspective about that topic using evidence and logic. Writing a thesis showcases your ability of critical thinking, gathering evidence, and making a compelling argument. Integral to these competencies is thorough research ... PDF Writing a Scientific-Style Thesis 2.4 Differences between Master's and PhD thesis 6 2.5 Rules of Submission 6 2.5.1 Research Master's thesis layout 7 2.5.2 PhD thesis layout 8 3 Preparing to Write 9 3.1 Before you begin 9 3.2 Obtain copies of successful theses in your area of research 9 3.3 Pre-writing activities 9 3.4 Making time to write 10 How to Write a Science Thesis/Dissertation A Master's level thesis/dissertation can range, for example, from 15,000 to 45,000 words, while a PhD thesis/dissertation can be around 80,000 words. ... CDC), acronyms (PFC), and so on. For a science thesis/dissertation, it is preferable also to include a note regarding any abbreviations for units of measurement and standard notations for ... How to Write a Dissertation or Masters Thesis Writing a masters dissertation or thesis is a sizable task. It takes a considerable amount of research, studying and writing. Usually, students need to write around 10,000 to 15,000 words. It is completely normal to find the idea of writing a masters thesis or dissertation slightly daunting, even for students who have written one before at ... Dissertation & Thesis Outline A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process. ... Tegan is an American based in Amsterdam, with master's degrees in political science and education administration. While she is definitely a political scientist at heart, her experience working at universities led to a passion for making social ... What Is A Master's Thesis? As stated above, a thesis is the final project required in the completion of many master's degrees. The thesis is a research paper, but it only involves using research from others and crafting your own analytical points. On the other hand, the dissertation is a more in-depth scholarly research paper completed mostly by doctoral students. Master of Science Thesis The Master of Science (MS) Thesis is a 24-month program that provides comprehensive training in biostatistical theory and methods with a research-based thesis. Highlights. Provides the rigorous academic preparation for students who wish to pursue a doctoral degree or research position in biomedical, clinical and laboratory settings at ... Choosing Between a Thesis & Non-Thesis Master's Degree Choosing Between a Thesis or Non-thesis Master's Degree. As of 2015, approximately 25.4 million Americans held advanced degrees, with more citizens joining these ranks each year. As studies continue to show the career advancement and salary benefits of completing a master's degree, more and more students elect to pursue advanced educations ... Harvard University Theses, Dissertations, and Prize Papers The Harvard University Archives' collection of theses, dissertations, and prize papers document the wide range of academic research undertaken by Harvard students over the course of the University's history.. Beyond their value as pieces of original research, these collections document the history of American higher education, chronicling both the growth of Harvard as a major research ... PDF Guidelines on Format of the Master's Thesis The purpose of this document is to state the formal requirements which must be met by NYU Tandon School of Engineering students who are required to submit a Master's Thesis to qualify for the M.S. degree, as described in the. NYU Tandon School of Engineering bulletin for a particular academic program. thesis is basically composed of two parts ... Computer Science Masters Thesis Collection Theses/Dissertations from 2013. Alsafeer software for teaching computer literacy, Zieb Rabie Alqahtani. Wireless electronic scoring of kendo competition matches using an embedded system, Edward B. Hogan. Using phishing to test social engineering awareness of financial employees, Rebecca M. Long. The M.S. Thesis Track The MS Thesis track is for students who want to concentrate on research in some sub-field of Computer Science. You are required to arrange for a Computer Science Faculty member who agrees to advise the thesis and the rest of your course selection prior to selecting the track. of your degree can be Non-CS/Non-track If they are deemed relevant to ... Computer Science Masters Theses Computer Science Masters Theses . Follow. Jump to: Theses from 2024 PDF. Enabling smart healthcare applications through visible light communication networks, Jack Manhardt. PDF. ... Thesis Locations. View these on map; View these in Google Earth . Elsevier - Digital Commons. How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Introduction Overview of the structure. To help guide your reader, end your introduction with an outline of the structure of the thesis or dissertation to follow. Share a brief summary of each chapter, clearly showing how each contributes to your central aims. However, be careful to keep this overview concise: 1-2 sentences should be enough. Thesis/Capstone for Master's in Data Science Thesis. A thesis is an academic-focused research project with broader applicability. A thesis is more appropriate if: you want to get a PhD or other advanced degree and want the experience of the research process and writing for publication; you want to work individually with a specific faculty member who serves as your thesis adviser Master of Science Degree Thesis Requirements and Deadlines for Master of Science Degrees. Listed below are the major steps that should be completed for the Master of Science degrees (thesis Master degrees) in computer science and computer engineering at Texas A&M University. Much of this information is taken from the Steps to Fulfill Master's Degree Requirements page on the ... Master's thesis in Earth Sciences The Master's programme in Earth Sciences is concluded with the Master's thesis. The subject of the thesis is in the major study area and represents either an applied or fundamental research project. In most cases, the project will be integrated into one of the research groups at the Department of Earth Sciences. OATD You may also want to consult these sites to search for other theses: Google Scholar; NDLTD, the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.NDLTD provides information and a search engine for electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs), whether they are open access or not. Proquest Theses and Dissertations (PQDT), a database of dissertations and theses, whether they were published ... Master thesis, master's degree thesis or master degree thesis I searched online and I understood that "master's degree" retains the apostrophe, while the relative thesis is commonly referred to as "master thesis". However, of the forms. Master thesis; Master's degree thesis; Master degree thesis; Which one is wrong, which is right and which should be preferable to use on a thesis cover? I know that in ... Agricultural Science, Food Science major, Non-Thesis Option, MS The non-thesis option differs from the existing Master of Science degree program by replacing the six (6) hours of thesis with a research project and two directed electives and administering written and oral comprehensive exit exams designed and administered by the student's graduate committee. ... The Master of Science Non-Thesis includes ... Master's thesis by student Mohamed Hazem Jassim Mohamed Discussion of a master's thesis in the College of Computer Science and Mathematics - Department of Mathematics Sciences entitled: " Combined Variational Iteration Method and Laplace Transform for Solving Singular IVPs of Lane-Emden Type Differential Equations" In continuation of the scientific research movement and with the follow-up and presence of the Dean of the College of Computer ... Master's degree with honer to Ghadeer Yahya Saleh Al Mahwiti Researcher Ghadeer Yahya Saleh Mohsen Al-Mahwiti obtained a master's degree with excellent grade in the Department of Life Sciences, specializing in Physical Chemistry, College of Science, Sana'a University, for his thesis titled A physical and diagnostic study of nanoparticles prepared using the green method using the extract of some selected aloe vera plants and their assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review speech thesis