At the conclusion of the initial planning and research phase, you need to submit a formal proposal under the direction of your thesis advisor. The final proposal should contain the following items:
- A title and topic statement that provides a brief description of the material to be addressed.
- A clear description of the proposition or hypothesis that forms the basis for the project.
- A descriptive outline of the project that clearly shows the scope, depth, and anticipated content of the project.
- A clear description of what your contribution to the project will be.
- The anticipated research strategy -- in particular, the relative ratio of primary to secondary to tertiary research. Also, include any resources required beyond those provided through the library or the thesis advisor, e.g., survey printing and mailing, etc. If primary research is planned, student needs to review IRB requirements and be prepared to submit primary research materials for review.
- A preliminary bibliography of source materials.
- A schedule or timeline with milestones and completion dates . The form may be a schedule, Gantt chart, or other device agreeable to the student and the project advisor.
- After the student and advisor have agreed to the proposal, submit it, along with a
Thesis Proposal form
signed by the advisor, to the MSEM Program Director. The approved Thesis Proposal form will be returned to the student and advisor. - Upon approval, the student must register for the six-credit thesis and pay tuition.
View a Sample Proposal .