Getting Started
To begin your thesis preparation, you will need to do the following:
Form an Advisory Committee – Your advisory committee should be composed of at least three graduate faculty members, one of which will serve as chair. These committee members will advise you in the preparation of the thesis/dissertation/doctoral research project, will evaluate its quality when completed, and supervise and evaluate the defense.
Course Registration for Thesis/Dissertation/Doctoral Research Project – You need to be registered for the appropriate amount of class credit. You can refer to the graduate catalog and your department to locate and register for the appropriate course number, specifically designated for that purpose. Your project ordinarily may be counted for no more than 6, and no less than 3, credit hours.
Research with Human Subjects, Animals or Biohazardous Materials – Federal statutes establish mandatory training for all researchers, including students writing a manuscript. If any of your research involves human subjects, animals or biohazardous materials, it must be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and the Graduate Dean before data or material is collected or acquisitioned. See the Office of Research and Projects Ethical Compliance website for more information.
