Developing a Proposal

The initial work put into the development of a good proposal will go a long way toward the successful completion of the thesis. Students are expected to have read the appropriate literature and be conversant with the major issues in their field.

Thesis Preparation Workshops

Each year the Thesis Coordinator offers a set of workshops designed to help students explore the opportunities and challenges of writing a thesis. All students interested in writing a thesis are strongly encouraged to attend before submitting a proposal. Topics include academic expectations, proposal development, choosing advisers, and alternatives to writing a thesis.

Presenting a Thesis Proposal

In the year prior to graduation, the student will prepare a thesis proposal in consultation with the Adviser. After the Adviser approves the proposal it will be submitted to the Thesis Coordinator for preliminary review. The proposal may then be submitted to the Academic Committee. The student and Adviser will be expected to meet with the Committee to present the proposal and respond to questions from the Academic Committee. Following the meeting, the Academic Committee will respond to the proposal, approving it or requesting clarifications or changes. Upon approval, the Academic Dean will confirm the Adviser and assign a Second Reader. This will occur in the Academic Committee meetings following April 1 (November 1).

Elements in a Proposal (6-8 pages)

  • Working Thesis Title
  • Tentative Table of Contents
  • Introduction/rationale for the Thesis
    The student should address the reason for interest in the topic and its significance. A brief literature review should be included to demonstrate awareness of previous work or literature on the topic. Clearly state the research problem, question, or hypothesis. This should not be more than one paragraph and should contain one sentence that can stand alone as your thesis statement or question. It should either be a question your thesis will answer, a hypothesis your thesis will seek to prove, or a model your thesis will construct.
  • Outline of Methodology
    Indicate the type of methodology which the thesis will employ such as library research or field research (e.g., survey, ethnography), and the means for data collection and analysis.
  • Tentative Expected Conclusions
    List what you think you will find as a result of your study.
  • Selected Bibliography
    Materials listed should represent each of the major divisions of the thesis and include journal articles. A good bibliography will have a minimum of 50 entries.

Examples of proposals done by previous students are available on reserve in the library. Current projects are posted on the Bulletin Board in the faculty hallway of the North Wing of the Campus Center.