(Numbered XXX-796/XXX-799)
Students complete a thesis or dissertation under the supervision of a major professor and committee.  The thesis and dissertation provide graduate students the opportunity to apply their course work and independent investigation skills to increase knowledge. Successful completion of a thesis or dissertation demonstrates a student’s ability to manage a project, and to define, research, and solve problems. The procedures for developing a proposal and completing the thesis or dissertation vary by program. Students should consult the program-specific sections of this catalog or a program’s website for additional information.  Details on thesis and dissertation committee composition can be found within the program-specific sections of this catalog. Graduate Special students are not eligible for Thesis and Dissertation credits.

Thesis and Dissertation Deadline: For graduation in the fall and spring semesters, a student’s defense must be held before the last day of final exams in a given semester (fall, January, or spring).  For summer, a student’s defense must be held before the last day of final exams of the final summer session.  The student then has 20 calendar days after the last day of final exams to submit their final thesis/project document to the Office of Graduate Studies and 42 calendar days after the last day of final exams for all other graduation requirements to be completed and verified.