A thesis is a formal manuscript that identifies theories or hypotheses, tests these hypotheses and accepts or rejects them using formal, systematized research methodology. On the basis of the findings, the researcher draws conclusions and makes recommendations.

The thesis is an opportunity for you to conduct developmental research or do an applications project on a particular topic of interest to you and your thesis supervisor.

A thesis presents the results of an original, creative investigation leading to new insights, conclusions and recommendations appropriate to the investigated topic. The key outcome is the development and documentation of new knowledge. Therefore, it is expected that you will be able to prepare and submit scholarly papers to peer-reviewed journals based on the research presented in your formal and approved thesis document.

The master’s thesis at AUS must have appropriate depth for graduate work. As the culmination of your program of study, it should reflect scholarly depth and rigor. “Literature review” and “routine implementation” theses are not acceptable for completing the master’s degree.

Several distinct steps occur in the preparation of a thesis:

• Selecting your thesis research topic
• Preparing and submitting the formal thesis proposal for approval by your thesis supervisor and thesis committee
• Conducting research and writing the thesis under the direction of your thesis supervisor and committee
• Conducting the oral thesis defense
• Submitting the approved thesis for certification by the AUS Office of Graduate and Undergraduate Programs
• Submitting your thesis to the AUS Archives within the AUS Library for binding and archiving

See Section 8, below, for a process checklist and flowchart.

1.1 Selecting Your Thesis Research Topic

Prior to registering for the thesis course (e.g., XXX 699), you should develop and submit a list of potential thesis topics to your academic advisor and the graduate program director. A master’s thesis committee (MTC), composed of the thesis supervisor (TS) and at least two other faculty members, is then formed and will approve your topic. (See Section 3, below, for the required composition of the thesis committee.)

After your final thesis topic is approved, you must provide your thesis supervisor with an outline of the work to be conducted, which should include a time frame. All members of the MTC must approve in writing your topic and work outline.

While students are given a great deal of latitude in selecting thesis topics, your topic must represent an area appropriate to your graduate program. Furthermore, the thesis should not have been submitted for credit elsewhere or have been published previously.

1.2 Preparing and Submitting Your Thesis Proposal

Your thesis proposal must be formally and orally presented to and approved in writing by your thesis committee before you may register for the thesis course (XXX 699). Also, only students in good academic standing may register for thesis credits.

The thesis proposal should, at a minimum, include the following sections in the following order:

• Thesis Title
• Abstract
• Problem Statement: This section must include a hypothesis and/or a list of basic research questions central to the problem.
• Significance of the Research
• Review of the Literature
• Summary of Planned Research Methodology: This section will summarize the research methods you plan to use to address your basic research questions or test your hypothesis. It will also discuss briefly why these particular methods are appropriate for your research.
• Preliminary Bibliography

Specific graduate programs may have requirements for additional sections and page limitations. Consult with your thesis supervisor and graduate program director. A sample Request for Approval of Master’s Thesis form is included as Appendix A1.

1.3 Conducting Thesis Research and Writing the Thesis

When you begin the process of researching and writing your thesis, you and your thesis supervisor will agree upon a review process and schedule to ensure satisfactory and timely completion of your final written document. You should update your thesis supervisor regularly and consult with him/her frequently during the research and writing phase to review progress. The final draft of the thesis must be distributed to the thesis committee at least three weeks prior to the final defense and review.

1.4 Conducting the Oral Thesis Defense

An oral presentation (defense of the thesis) explaining the thesis and responding to questions by members of your thesis committee is required of all thesis students.

It is your responsibility to schedule this presentation with the thesis committee members and to notify the graduate program director. All committee members must be present unless an unforeseen emergency occurs. The committee meeting may not be scheduled until the entire committee approves the final draft of the thesis as ready for defense.

The oral defense has two parts. The first part is open to the public. The director of your graduate program will notify the Dean, Graduate Programs and Research of the date, time and place of your defense so that members of the academic community may be invited.

The public part of your defense should be no longer than 40 minutes, with an additional 15-30 minutes for questions. The presentation should include a summary of key content points that explain the intellectual contributions of the work, conclusions, recommendations and lessons learned.

The second part of the oral defense is a 30-minute closed session limited to you, your thesis supervisor and thesis committee. In this session, your committee may ask additional questions and may convene privately to deliberate on their recommendations for your thesis grade.