undergraduate thesis timeline

Office of Undergraduate Education

University Honors Program

• Honors Requirements
• Major and Thesis Requirements
• Courses & Experiences
• Honors Courses
• NEXUS Experiences
• Non-Course Experiences
• Faculty-Directed Research and Creative Projects
• Community Engagement and Volunteering
• Internships
• Learning Abroad
• Honors Thesis Guide
• Sample Timeline
• Important Dates and Deadlines
• Requirements and Evaluation Criteria
• Supervision and Approval
• Credit and Honors Experiences
• Style and Formatting
• Submit Your Thesis
• Submit to the Digital Conservancy
• Honors Advising
• Honors Reporting Center
• Get Involved
• University Honors Student Association
• UHSA Executive Board
• Honors Multicultural Network
• Honors Mentor Program
• Honors Recognition Ceremony
• Honors Community & Housing
• Freshman Invitation
• Post-Freshman Admission
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Faculty Fellows
• Faculty Resources
• Honors Faculty Representatives
• Internal Honors Scholarships
• Office for National and International Scholarships
• Letters of Recommendation
• Personal Statements
• Scholarship Information
• Honors Lecture Series
• Make a Donation
• UHP Land Acknowledgment
• UHP Policies

Thesis Guide: Sample Timeline

Plan ahead! Developing a project, completing research or creative work, and writing your thesis will be a year-long effort at a minimum. Consult with your honors advisor and honors faculty representative to determine a timeline that is appropriate for you.

Freshman & Sophomore Years

• Explore major options; meet with faculty teaching your courses
• Ask faculty and advisors about research opportunities in your department
• Get involved in research to develop topics of interest

Junior Year

• Discuss thesis options with appropriate faculty
• Select a faculty supervisor and additional readers (if required)
• Review current literature
• Define your thesis topic
• Begin (or continue) thesis research

Senior Year, fall 

• Submit your Thesis Proposal form  by the established deadline  using the Honors Reporting Center.
• Finish thesis research
• Establish a comprehensive outline to inform your preliminary draft
• Submit a preliminary draft to your faculty supervisor

Senior Year, spring

• Please consult your faculty supervisor for discipline-specific guidelines
• Submit final draft to supervisor and readers  by the established deadline.
• Submit revised draft to committee and arrange public presentation (if presentation is required by your department) by the established deadline.
• Submit your Thesis Completion  by the established deadline  using the Honors Reporting Center.
• Submit PDF copy of thesis according to  submission guidelines .
• Summer Research Opportunities
• Global Seminars and LAC Seminars
• Honors Research in London - Summer 2024

• Link to facebook
• Link to linkedin
• Link to twitter
• Link to youtube
• Writing Tips

How to Create a Research Timeline for Your Thesis

• 5-minute read
• 21st May 2023

Beginning a dissertation can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. One of the best things you can do to prepare for the exciting journey of doing a dissertation is to design a comprehensive timeline as your guide. Here we will take you step by step through creating your thesis timeline and provide some example templates, so you’ll be well-prepared to begin your dissertation work.

Reasons for Creating a Timeline

There are many benefits to crafting a detailed dissertation timeline. In addition to helping with time management and meeting crucial deadlines, your timeline will also help you stay motivated by reviewing the tasks you have completed as you progress. A thorough timeline will be valuable during your dissertation proposal and useful if you are applying for grants or other additional funding.

Ste0ps for Creating a Timeline for Your Thesis:

• Research and record all requirements and deadlines.

Before you write out your timeline, ensure you know all of your program’s requirements and deadlines. Academic institutions often require you to complete your dissertation within a specified timeframe.

There are likely several recommended or mandatory deadlines for approval of certain items by your adviser (and possibly the rest of your committee members). Gather all these dates beforehand so you can allot an appropriate amount of time to meet your deadlines.

It will be beneficial to meet with your adviser to understand when you are expected to complete the major phases of your dissertation work and to confirm that there aren’t any other requirements or deadlines that you may not be aware of.

• List all of your tasks and bundle them into phases.

Now that you’ve assembled your dates, working backward from your deadlines is a good rule of thumb. List all of the required tasks that must be completed to meet each milestone, from coming up with your research questions to writing each chapter of your dissertation .

Even though your list will be unique to your research project, it can help to refer to a thesis checklist . It’s also helpful to assemble tasks into different phases (e.g., dissertation proposal, research recruitment). Grouping tasks into phases gives anyone looking at your timeline a quick overview of your research plan.

• Organize your tasks into a schedule and assign task deadlines.

Now it’s time to build your timeline. There are many different free templates available online, from straightforward lists of deliverables to colorful options with room for notes and customization.

Find this useful?

Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

A popular organizational approach for thesis timelines is a Gantt chart , which is a type of bar chart often used in project management in which the length of the bar corresponds to the time the task will take. The best choice for you will depend on the specifics of your research study and personal preferences. Whichever option you select, make sure you can easily edit and revise it as need be.

Sanity-Saving Tips:

●  Pay attention to your work style. Some people are more productive when writing in short bursts, while others write better after taking time to get into the zone. Some people choose to start writing parts of their thesis while still conducting research, while others prefer to focus on one phase at a time. Set yourself up for success by reflecting on what type of schedule will help you create the best quality work.

●  Schedule breaks. Almost everyone will work better after a well-deserved break. Make sure to schedule regular breaks into your timeline, as well as provide enough time to sleep, eat well, and do anything else you need to do to safeguard your well-being. 

●  Always have a plan B. Your dissertation is an extensive endeavor with many moving parts. It’s impossible to anticipate and plan for every conceivable event, but it’s helpful to expect something may occur that will cause a deviation from your original timeline. Perhaps study recruitment takes longer than you expected, or one of your committee members gets sick and you have to postpone your dissertation proposal. After you draft your timeline, check that it is not so strict that any disruption will cause a total derailment of your plan. Aim to strike a balance between goals that will inspire you to progress steadfastly and have some leeway in your timeline for the inevitable curveball that life will throw at you somewhere along the way.

Following these three steps will help you draft a timeline to steer the course of your dissertation work: research and record all requirements and deadlines; work backward from your dissertation deadline and assemble your task lists; and organize your tasks into a timeline.

Don’t forget to include ample time for editing and proofreading your dissertation . And if you are interested in any help from us, you can try a sample of our services for free . Best of luck in writing your dissertation!

Share this article:

Post A New Comment

Got content that needs a quick turnaround? Let us polish your work. Explore our editorial business services.

4-minute read

The Benefits of Using an Online Proofreading Service

Proofreading is important to ensure your writing is clear and concise for your readers. Whether...

2-minute read

6 Online AI Presentation Maker Tools

Creating presentations can be time-consuming and frustrating. Trying to construct a visually appealing and informative...

What Is Market Research?

No matter your industry, conducting market research helps you keep up to date with shifting...

8 Press Release Distribution Services for Your Business

In a world where you need to stand out, press releases are key to being...

3-minute read

How to Get a Patent

In the United States, the US Patent and Trademarks Office issues patents. In the United...

The 5 Best Ecommerce Website Design Tools 

A visually appealing and user-friendly website is essential for success in today’s competitive ecommerce landscape....

Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing.

• Code of Ethics
• Dissertation Editing
• Dissertation Coaching
• Free Consultation

How to Create a Dissertation Timeline (With Examples + Tempate)

When it’s time to start thinking about writing your dissertation, it is vital to put together a dissertation timeline. This will help you map out the months you will be spending on your dissertation, and ensure that you’re staying on track. A specific and detailed dissertation timeline will serve as an outline to guide you, step by step, through what can be a long and challenging process. 

While we often refer to a dissertation in a way that makes it sound like a monolith, in reality, a dissertation consists of many moving parts. A dissertation timeline includes a series of milestones that leads up to the dissertation defense , revisions, and final submission of your dissertation. Constructing an outline of every step in the dissertation process , including rough estimates of how long each will take, will give you a realistic picture of where you are in the process at any given time. 

Before embarking on your dissertation, it is a good idea to meet with your dissertation advisor and sketch out a dissertation timeline that is realistic for the size and scope of your project and includes deadlines. This will provide you with much-needed structure and a sense of what will happen next. To get an idea of what a completed dissertation looks like and the components your program requires, ask to see samples from recent graduates in your department. 

These are a few frequently asked questions about crafting a dissertation timeline: 

• What does a dissertation timeline look like?
• What goes in a dissertation timeline? 
• How structured should a dissertation timeline be?
• What do you do with a dissertation timeline? 

What Does a Dissertation Timeline Look Like? 

One way to think about a dissertation timeline is as a kind of outline. While the outlining process is unique to each writer, there are commonalities shared by all of them. Likewise, when writing a dissertation timeline, you’ll want to include all of the basic elements of your dissertation as well as the amount of time you think you’ll need to execute them. 

The best dissertation timeline format is the one that works for you. Though I’ve reformed somewhat over the years, for a long time I wasn’t a fan of intensely detailed outlines. Many people don’t like outlines. And that’s okay! However, writing a dissertation is not the time to be flying by the seat of your pants. To get started, a simple, linear timeline that projects the amount of time you think you’ll need to write your dissertation will suffice. 

Example Dissertation Timeline

Below, you’ll find an example of a dissertation timeline, which you can view as an image in your browser or download as a spreadsheet. Feel free to use the spreadsheet as a template as you build your own dissertation timeline.

Or download the spreadsheet below:

Inclusion in a Dissertation Timeline

When constructing your dissertation timeline, include every element of the dissertation from the abstract to the conclusion. Keep in mind that you may not be writing your chapters in chronological order. For instance, after completing their first round of research and writing their research question, most graduate students will tackle their literature review next, even though it comes after the abstract and introduction in the final document. 

Depending on the field being studied, most dissertations will also include sections for methodology, results, and discussion. Many programs also require a detailed conclusion that alludes to future research possibilities. Every dissertation also has an extensive list of references (pro tip: write this as you’re writing your dissertation), as well as appendices for charts, graphs, and other ephemera. And don’t forget your acknowledgments! 

Dissertation Timeline Structure

The structure of your dissertation timeline will take shape once you’re engaged in the research process. While a road map may seem like an apt metaphor for a dissertation, once you get started you may notice a lot of starts and stops and circling back. After you’ve begun researching, you may realize that you need to allot more time for digging through the databases, or you may discover that you need to reformulate your research question entirely. 

I’ve seen many of my own graduate students use calendars to great effect, giving themselves hard and fast deadlines to meet. Many students also build out their dissertation timelines as they progress, attaching working drafts of their abstract, introduction, and literature review to their timeline within a giant spreadsheet that links to multiple documents and sources. All of these methods are valid. Devise one that works for you. 

Using a Dissertation Timeline

So once you have a thoughtful, soundly-constructed dissertation timeline, what do you do with it? First, and most importantly, try your best to adhere to it. Check in with your dissertation timeline regularly, and use it to keep yourself on track. Also, make adjustments to it as needed. If you find yourself breezing through your preliminary research but needing a bit more time for your literature review, consult your timeline and adjust accordingly. 

While meeting your deadlines is important, also construct your dissertation timeline with an understanding that many graduate students face delays once they start working on their dissertation. These can include hold-ups at the department or university level in the form of late IRB approval or limited lab space or grant funding that gets cut. Anything can happen, but having a dissertation timeline will help you get back on track as soon as the storm passes. 

In my own experience, I also found my dissertation timeline to be a great document to share and discuss with my dissertation chair and committee. Once I finished my comprehensive exams, I met with members of my dissertation committee and got feedback on my rough dissertation timeline to make sure my goals for submitting my dissertation and graduating were realistic. This also ensured that we were all on the same page. 

When writing a dissertation, timing is everything. Creating a dissertation timeline gives you definitive time limits for research and writing, and it also influences several other major decisions that you’ll need to make. These include preparation to go on the job market, which often coincides with writing your dissertation. There is no doubt that this will be a hectic time in your graduate school career, but having a well-organized dissertation timeline is a good way to keep everything in perspective. 

Related posts:

Courtney Watson, Ph.D.

Courtney Watson, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of English at Radford University Carilion, in Roanoke, Virginia. Her areas of expertise include undergraduate and graduate curriculum development for writing courses in the health sciences and American literature with a focus on literary travel, tourism, and heritage economies. Her writing and academic scholarship has been widely published in places that include  Studies in American Culture ,  Dialogue , and  The Virginia Quarterly Review . Her research on the integration of humanities into STEM education will be published by Routledge in an upcoming collection. Dr. Watson has also been nominated by the State Council for Higher Education of Virginia’s Outstanding Faculty Rising Star Award, and she is a past winner of the National Society of Arts & Letters Regional Short Story Prize, as well as institutional awards for scholarly research and excellence in teaching. Throughout her career in higher education, Dr. Watson has served in faculty governance and administration as a frequent committee chair and program chair. As a higher education consultant, she has served as a subject matter expert, an evaluator, and a contributor to white papers exploring program development, enrollment research, and educational mergers and acquisitions.

Comments are closed.

How to Finish Your Dissertation in Half the Time

Learn how to avoid the pitfalls preventing you from finishing your dissertation faster.

Subscribe to get the free eBook!

Dr. Courtney Watson In the News

“ See It for Yourself ” in With Good Reason: Beyond the Book July 22, 2022

“ I Thought You’d Never Ask: Consent in Contemporary Romance ” in New Frontiers in Popular Romance (McFarland) June 13, 2022

• Common Errors
• Dissertation Success
• Presentation
• Quantitative Analysis
• Surviving Grad School

“How to Finish Your Dissertation in Half the Time”

Asian Studies at UO Asian Studies at the University of Oregon

• Undergraduate
• Commencement
• Events & Resources
• Southeast Asia
• Economics & Business
• Linguistics
• Pop Culture
• War & International Relations
• Before you Begin your Thesis
• Credit Registration for your Thesis
• Honors Thesis Requirements
• Submitting your Thesis

Suggested Thesis Project Timeline

• Frequently Asked Questions
• East Asian Studies Minor
• Southeast Asian Studies Minor
• South Asian Studies Minor
• Add/Drop Asian Studies Major or Minor

Big Picture Timeline Considerations

Most students complete their research and writing during their senior year. However, the timeline is flexible if you are conducting research during the summer. Here is a typical schedule:

Fall Quarter

• Consider which, if any, courses you should register for this term related to your thesis. See the “Credit Registration for Your Thesis” page for full details on course options.
• Determine your topic or area of interest.
• Identify, meet with, and confirm your faculty advisor.
• Confirm faculty advisor approval of potential topic.
• Complete and return the Honors Thesis Agreement form.
• Work with advisor to develop overview/outline of thesis, preliminary bibliography.
• Consider: reading or at least skimming a few undergraduate theses, to see what they look like and how they are done. You can find some here .

Winter Quarter

• Submit prospectus to your faculty advisor, if required
• Complete research
• Start writing
• Meet with advisor if/as necessary

Spring Quarter

• Week 4: Rough draft, submit to advisor
• Week 7: Second draft, incorporating advisor feedback
• Week 10: Finalize and submit approved thesis and Approval Form to the GSL Undergraduate Support Team

Things to keep in mind

• An abstract is a one-page summary of your paper, including a thesis statement, main points and conclusion.
• Use the Writing Lab in the basement of PLC as a resource.
• Let people know if you see issues or problems coming up with your timeline for graduation; advance notice can avert problems .
• Make sure that your advisor will be on-campus the term you plan to graduate.
• Faculty may not be available summer term.
• Leave your advisor plenty of time and many chances to give you feedback. Consider this paper the pinnacle of your academic experiences as an Asian Studies major. You should plan to revise several drafts and leave your advisor ample time to provide you with feedback. The final product will be well worth it!

Additional Detailed Timeline Considerations

Below includes some more in-depth information, suggestions, and information for completing the different steps of the honors thesis.

Fall Term: Meet with your academic advisor, and secure a faculty thesis advisor

In late Spring or Early fall of each year, the Asian Studies Program will identify and notify all students eligible for honors (students who will graduate the following Spring). You may also inquire if you are unsure. Sign up for an advising appointment to meet with a potential faculty thesis advisor to discuss your topic and how you might use credits to fulfill major requirements. Be prepared to discuss timelines and other logistics. Your topic must be Asia-related. You will ask a faculty member who has expertise in your topic to serve as your advisor. Most students conduct their own independent research under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Some students complete honors theses linked to their study abroad programs or internship projects. With your advisor, complete and submit the Honors Thesis Agreement form. This must be completed and submitted at least two terms prior to graduation (i.e., during Fall term if graduating in the Spring). This form confirms that a faculty member has agreed to be your advisor, and that the advisor AND the Director of the Asian Studies Program approve your proposed topic. Consider registering for ASIA 611 or a similar course (discuss first with Program Director), or registering for a 400-level course on the subject of the thesis (most likely taught by the faculty advisor), or registering for ASIA 401, “Research” credits. We recommend that you look at past undergraduate theses to see what an undergraduate thesis looks like, and how other students have researched and written about their topics. See Scholar’s Bank . Students enrolled in Clark Honors College (CHC) may complete a single thesis for both CHC and Asian Studies as long as the content is Asia focused and as long as the minimum Asian Studies honors thesis requirements are met . The honors thesis may be combined with other departmental exit project requirements as long as the minimum Asian Studies honors thesis requirements are met .

Winter Term: Complete your prospectus

In order to become familiar with the literature and articulate your intended methods, students should write a 6-8 page prospectus (double-spaced except for bibliography section). The purpose of the prospectus is to ensure that students have done appropriate background work to be successful in the research phase. Depending on the nature of your research, you may wish to complete this step either just prior to taking ASIA 401 (e.g., if you are doing summer field work) or while you are taking ASIA 401 (e.g., as your first assignment), or while you are taking a 400-level course related to your topic. You will submit your prospectus to your faculty thesis advisor, so we recommend that you check in with them to determine the best approach. The prospectus is required during the term you take ASIA 401 if you will count those credits toward the major; otherwise, it is strongly recommended but up to the discretion of the thesis advisor. The first step is to conduct a literature search to 1) become familiar with what is known and not known about your topic, 2) write your prospectus introduction, 3) refine your methods, and 4) find literature that might be helpful as you write your thesis. We recommend a minimum of 15 high-quality, peer-reviewed sources. The UO Libraries webpage has advice on conducting a literature search and has links to free literature management software. Although the prospectus structure may vary by discipline and topic, we recommend the following outline. However, you may include different content as approved by your faculty advisor. Introduction – The introduction should summarize essential background so the reader can understand the context, purpose and methods for the thesis. The Introduction should synthesize and cite literature in the bibliography. Research questions or project goa l – Summarize what hypotheses you plan on testing, what questions you hope to answer or – for creative projects – what goals you hope to achieve. Methods – What specific methods will you use to answer those questions or achieve those goals? If you are conducting research that involves people, talk with your faculty advisor to determine if you need to submit your project for review from the UO Institutional Review Board. (Optional) Preliminary Outline – What will your thesis or project eventually look like? What sections will it have? Timeline – When will you conduct your research and complete your thesis? Include all benchmarks and check-in points (in other words, work with your faculty thesis advisor to create agreed-upon deadlines). Bibliography – Include a list of resources that you have consulted or that may be of use to you as you conduct your research.

Spring Term: Finish writing your thesis, obtain approval from your faculty thesis advisor

Once your faculty thesis advisor has approved your thesis, ask them to sign the Approval Page (available on the Asian Studies website link here ). Append this signed page to the beginning of your thesis. We do not have any formatting requirements for your completed thesis other than we require a cover (title) page and approval (abstract) page that is signed by your faculty advisor. The Honors Cover and Approval Pages templates are available on the Asian Studies website link here . Clark’s Honors College students will follow CHC cover page and formatting requirements.

Submit IRB closure form if applicable

Consider sharing your findings with a broader audience!

• UO Asian Studies Undergraduate Research Colloquium – You can give a presentation at this annual event celebrating undergraduate research in Asian Studies (usually in May).
• UO Undergraduate Symposium – You can give a presentation or show a poster at this annual event celebrating undergraduate research and creative work.
• Oregon Undergraduate Research Journal – You can gain experience with the peer-review process and publish your findings through this undergraduate-led journal.

BS Thesis Guidelines and Timeline

Bachelor of science in biological sciences.

Bachelor of Science (BS): The BS is designed for students who wish to delve more deeply into the field of their major through additional electives, participation in scientific research, and completion of a BS thesis that summarizes their research. Successful BS students will (1) learn how scientists design and conduct scientific experiments; (2) collect data as part of a research effort; (3) evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of that data; (4) interpret the data in the context of a specific scientific discipline; and (5) describe their work in a BS Thesis

Students can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Biological Sciences in any of the tracks by:

(1) completing three upper-level elective courses in Biological Sciences beyond those required for the BA degree, including  BIOS 28900  Undergraduate Bachelor of Science Research (or both quarters of  BIOS 00296  Undergraduate Honors Research if also pursuing Biology Research Honors)

(2) writing a BS thesis under the supervision of an adviser who is a member of the Biological Sciences Division research faculty.

Guidelines and Timeline for the BS in Biological Sciences

If you are participating in the BSCD honors program or a specialization that requires a thesis, you do not need to prepare a separate proposal (or thesis) for the BS degree, but you should submit copies of these materials to the BS program. Honors and specialization students are required to submit the BS Faculty Consent form in Spring of the 3rd year as directed below. You should adhere to the honors or specialization guidelines as you prepare your proposal, select faculty readers, and write your thesis. BS students who are writing a specialization thesis but are not in the BSCD Honors program are required to register for the BS research course (BIOS 28900) as directed below.

Spring of 2nd year

Declare your major as BA or BS in Biological Sciences. Remember that, in addition to the thesis, a BS requires three upper-level BIOS courses (numbered BIOS 21xxxx through 28xxx) beyond the five required for the BA degree. One of these courses must be BIOS 28900 unless you are taking BIOS 00296 for Research Honors.

Autumn of 3rd year

Start looking for a member of the BSD research faculty to serve as your thesis adviser and start developing ideas for your thesis research.

Description of the BS thesis

BS students will write a thesis based on original research. The topic must be a current issue in Biology, including basic science, medicine, and other applied fields, be described in a compelling thesis proposal, and be supported by a willing and appropriate Mentor. In most cases the thesis will present and analyze primary data collected by the student during their time in a mentor's lab. Students may also conduct critical and novel analysis of existing primary data (e.g., a critique of a healthcare policy such as methadone maintenance, a meta-analysis of recent clinical trials of antidepressants, or an argument against punctuated equilibria based on a fossil collection or genomic data). In either case, the work must be hypothesis driven and present evidence that tests the hypothesis. Topics related to global and public health will be accepted only for majors in the global and public health track. Please contact Chris Andrews if you have questions about the appropriateness of your topic. The thesis should follow the format of a published paper in a target journal appropriate for your topic but should include more extensive literature review and context in the introduction and conclusion.  A typical BS thesis is approximately 30 pages of double-spaced text (not including figures, tables and references).

Spring of 3rd year

To declare your interest in pursuing the BS in Biological Sciences, please submit the BS Faculty Consent Form  by 11:59 PM on Friday of finals week. If you have not already done so, please make sure you have officially declared your major as a BS in Biological Sciences so your college adviser can correctly slot courses into your degree program.

All BS students who will not be registered for BIOS 00296 (Undergraduate Honors Research) must register to take the BS research course (BIOS 28900 Undergraduate BS Research) in Autumn of their 4th year. We will add BIOS 00296 students to the BIOS 28900 Canvas site as unregistered students so they will receive announcements and can submit their materials for the BS degree. BS students who are writing a specialization thesis but are not in the BSCD Honors program are required to register for BIOS 28900.

Summer between 3rd and 4th year

BS students will typically conduct the bulk of their thesis research during this summer.

Autumn of 4th year

Unless you are in the BSCD Honors program and registered for BIOS 00296, make sure you are registered for the BS research course (BIOS 28900, Undergraduate BS Research) and have access to the associated Canvas site. BS students who are writing a specialization thesis but are not in the BSCD Honors program are required to register for the BS research course.

Submit a 1-2 page (single-spaced) thesis proposal (approved by your thesis adviser) as an assignment on the BIOS 28900 Canvas site by the end of Week 1.

Minimally, this proposal should include:

• the name, e-mail address, and department of your thesis adviser.
• a working title for your thesis.
• one introductory paragraph giving the background and rationale for your project.
• three to five paragraphs outlining your research question, hypotheses, predictions, and proposed methods.
• a few sentences regarding your proposed research timeline.
• a list of references cited in the proposal.

Winter of 4th year (by end of quarter)

During finals week , submit the names and e-mail addresses of two faculty readers from BSD research departments (other than your thesis adviser) to review your thesis in the spring. You will submit these names as an assignment on the BIOS 28900 Canvas site.

Spring of 4th year

By 11:59 PM on Friday of Week 4

Submit your thesis to your thesis adviser, who must approve it before you send it to readers for review. You do not need to submit this version of the thesis to the BSCD. This checkpoint allows your adviser to confirm that your thesis is in acceptable shape to send to readers.

By 11:59 PM on Friday of Week 5

Submit your thesis, approved by your thesis adviser, to your two faculty readers, along with the faculty review form (make a copy of the review form to share with readers here ). You should request that these readers return their reviews to you by Wednesday of Week 7 so you have time to respond to their feedback by the final deadline at the end of Week 8.

Between Weeks 7 and 8

In collaboration with your thesis adviser, revise your thesis in accordance with the feedback from your faculty reviewers. Both your thesis adviser and your two readers must sign off on the revisions before your final submission.  

By 11:59 PM on Friday of Week 8 

Submit the final version of the approved thesis, with confirmation of approval by your thesis adviser and two additional readers. You may collect signatures on a cover page ( here's the TEMPLATE)  or ask your adviser and readers to provide confirmation of approval by email to: [email protected]. 

Writing the Undergraduate Thesis

       Your thesis is not something to be put off, but something to get started on early!

Daniel has just completed his  BA History and Politics at  Magdalen College . He is a disabled student and the first in his immediate family to go to university. Daniel is a Trustee of  Potential Plus UK , a Founding Ambassador and Expert Panel Member for  Zero Gravity , a  Sutton Trust Alumni Leadership Board Member   and a History Faculty Ambassador. Before coming to university, Daniel studied at a non-selective state school, and was a participant on the  UNIQ ,  Sutton Trust , and  Social Mobility Foundation   APP Reach programmes, as well as being part of the inaugural  Opportunity Oxford   cohort. Daniel is passionate about outreach and social mobility and ensuring all students have the best opportunity to succeed.

The undergraduate thesis is most probably the longest piece of writing you will have encountered but can be the most rewarding. It gives you the opportunity to follow your passions and conduct historical research that may have never been done before, in a new field or deepening understanding in an area you had already explored. Based on my recent experience here is my advice for how to put it all together:

Choosing a topic

You should begin thinking about this in the January of your second year. Most work on your thesis begins in Trinity (summer term) of your second year, so use Hilary (spring term) to brainstorm what you want to write about. Reflect on which bits of the History degree you have really enjoyed, or any areas you wish to learn more about. Don’t just go for the most obvious topics. 20 th century British political topics in some cases have very little unexplored material, so you want to choose an area where you can really add value. Make sure your topic is small enough to be able to do it well in 12,000 words, as that becomes surprisingly few words when you are putting it all together.

You may cover something where there has been some research, but find a new approach or a new angle. In my case, I used the new donations of materials on the Oxford Union’s ‘King and Country’ debate as one way my thesis would be original.

You want to think about the sources you would potentially need to consult, and where they may be stored – no point choosing a topic if the archives are in a language you don’t understand or they are inaccessible. You need to think about logistics and ensure there will be enough material to write about. Not enough primary material can really hold writing back. You don’t need to travel across the world (though it can be very cool) to put it together. There are plenty of subjects that haven’t been explored that could be answered by archives within the University of Oxford. That’s another way to bring value from your thesis; focus on a well-known topic, but in a local context where it may not have been researched.

If you are struggling to choose a topic, don’t worry as there are lectures and sessions to support you throughout the thesis process from the Faculty of History and your college tutor. Not every idea works first time either, so do leave yourself enough time to explore the primary material available.

Introductory reading and your supervisor

At this point it is worth seeing what secondary material is available so you can begin to get a clear idea of what you are writing about. The History Faculty Canvas page is a good place to start. Use reading lists from other papers to put together an introductory reading list for your thesis. You could also attend relevant lectures if you start early enough to gain an understanding of the key ideas in each area.

Don’t worry if you aren’t sure how you want to move forward, your thesis supervisor is there to support with this. They are a tutor who has some experience in the area you are writing about; they have subject specialist knowledge which will be invaluable in driving your thesis forward.

Throughout your thesis writing process you can access up to 5 hours of support (inclusive of time spent responding to email questions as well as meetings), so don’t use all your time up at the start. Leave time for feedback on your thesis draft (I would recommend saving around three hours for this). Talk about your ideas and where you are stuck, and they will be able to suggest relevant reading or sources of primary material.

Ideally confirm your topic and supervisor by the end of Trinity (summer term) of your second year. You can meet before the summer to set out what work you are going to do over the long vacation.

Primary source work

The vast majority of this should be completed over the summer, given you only get Hilary (spring) term of your third year to write up. You are likely to need to spend around 2 weeks conducting primary research, looking at archives or conducting interviews depending on what you are studying. You want to make good notes while doing this and make sure to note down all reference codes for the material you access in the archive. Anything quoted in your thesis will need to be referenced (including page numbers), so note these early to save having to do so again. This is particularly important for sources located a long way away.

You will require ethical approval from your supervisor before you undertake any interviews. This process can take some time, so make sure you submit the request early as you don’t want your thesis timeline to be derailed by this review. Also consider how you will reach those you want to interview; are they likely to want to be involved? What is the best medium to engage with them (online or in-person)? What are the strengths and limitations of such an approach?

While conducting primary source analysis, think back to the question you initially discussed with your supervisor and consider if your enquiry is developing differently. You may find your focus in archival research is slightly different to what you outlined initially. That is fine as long as you can complete a good piece of writing on it.

As you go, begin thinking about the two to three chapters you may break your work into. Also reflect – is there enough material to write about? You don’t want to be going into third year with too much primary source analysis left to do. Keep thinking what you want to cover in your thesis and identify gaps early so you can continue to develop your enquiry.

You will need to submit a short proposal in Michaelmas (autumn term) of your third year. This is signed off by the exam board, to certify your thesis is a viable proposal. By now you should know if there is enough material to cover the topic you want. You can make changes after the submission, but I think it’s a good deadline to see if you are on track. It doesn’t need to be too detailed; suggest a title, list the sources you are consulting and what you are hoping to investigate. Your supervisor or tutors in college can give feedback on this.

Secondary reading

You will already have done some secondary reading as part of choosing a topic, and through your initial meetings with your supervisor. While conducting primary source analysis over the long vacation, it is also advantageous to do some more secondary reading. Secondary reading helps to put sources in context and allows you to see where your work fits in to the wider historical debate. Your thesis may be responding to an author or building upon their work. If possible, you could even reach out to them to get their advice or suggestions for unexplored avenues of enquiry.

It is worth flagging you are unlikely to have any time during Michaelmas (autumn term) to work on your thesis. The earliest you are likely to get back to your thesis is at some point during the Christmas vacation or the 1 st week of Hilary (spring term).

You must submit your thesis by midday on Friday of 8 th week of Hilary. As you can see the timelines are tight. It is therefore worth finishing any primary source analysis as a priority at the start of term, before devoting a few more weeks to secondary reading. During this time, keep checking in with your supervisor to stay on track.

How long you spend on secondary reading should be determined by how long you think you need for writing; my advice is learn from the Extended Essay that you completed in Michaelmas (autumn term) to know your timings. If it took much longer to write than planned, this needs to be factored into your timings. You don’t want to spend all your time reading if writing is the most challenging aspect. You can also read while writing, as the writing process can expose gaps. So give yourself more time to write than you think you need, and prioritise your reading by where you think you need more knowledge.

You should have a detailed plan for your thesis, breaking it down into two to three chapters and what you want to cover in each chapter. With a long piece of writing, it is easy for the quality to drop in the middle as you lose steam so be aware of this. You want to be selective as you only have 12000 words and referencing counts within that limit. Just like any piece of academic writing, it needs an argument so make sure you have a clear train of thought throughout.

I would advise you start writing by the beginning of fourth week. You ideally want to submit your thesis to your supervisor by the end of fifth week to give time for review. It is likely to take your supervisor a minimum of a week to review your thesis (they may be supervising multiple students), so check when they need it by to ensure you have ample time to make the necessary improvements.

When writing, you may want to write a sketch version first where you write all of your thoughts before adding the detail with references. Make sure your referencing format is consistent and make the work as good as possible so your supervisor’s feedback can be focused on how to get your thesis to the next level rather than simple mistakes. For things like spelling and grammar it is down to you to ensure your thesis is readable.

While it can be tempting to leave writing until the last possible second, you will get your best work by working consistently over a week or two with clear goals. You don’t want to be in the library every waking hour, as this will come through in the quality of what is written.

When working with a supervisor, it is all about communication. If you do find issues while writing your thesis, you can always meet your supervisor to get some steer. Some supervisors like to review it chapter by chapter, so establish how you want to work at the start of Hilary (spring term) and stick to it.

Proofreading and re-drafting

When you receive your supervisor’s feedback, it can be useful to schedule sessions with them to run through it on a granular level. Some supervisors will go through chapter by chapter, others will be steered by your questions.

You will hopefully have at least one or two weeks to make the necessary edits, which could be as drastic as restructuring an entire chapter. It is worth rewriting with time to spare, so you can proofread it to ensure the thesis reads clearly. Do follow the University regulations if you would like others to review your thesis.

The final step is sending it in before the deadline – some students submit up to a week in advance if they are happy with it, where others (like myself) give it a final read on the morning of submission. Make sure to back up on a cloud-based platform so if there are any technical issues you can obtain a recent version.

Writing a thesis can be an enjoyable process, where you get a lot of freedom to work at your own pace on a topic you are interested in. My main piece of advice is don’t let that freedom get you off track, as there is little time to catch up if you do fall behind (particularly during Hilary term). Your thesis is not something to be put off but something to get started on early!

My undergraduate thesis will be published on the Oxford Union Library and Archives website in due course, and a physical copy can also be found within the Oxford Union Library

The Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards

Thesis Timeline

Completing a senior honors thesis requires steady, independent work. Below is a month-by-month guide to help you stay on track. This is by no means an exhaustive list. Your thesis director, other committee members, and college liaison will help identify other requirements. You may also contact the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards ( [email protected] ) with any questions throughout your thesis program.

By now you should have already completed all the steps on the How to Apply page, including:

• You will register for a total of six credit hours (3399 and 4399) for your thesis. These hours might count toward your major degree requirements, but you must verify this information with your academic advisor.
• Submitting your prospectus, signed prospectus approval form , and thesis checklist to OURMA
• Attending the mandatory senior honors thesis orientation

First Semester

• If you attend all Writing Studio meetings during both semesters in the program, the Honors College will pay for up to $150 of printing and binding fees for your thesis.
• Schedule writing and research time. Treat thesis hours as a priority on your calendar.
• Review past theses in the Senior Honors Thesis Digital Repository .
• Contact a librarian ( [email protected] ) to map out your research.
• Work on literature review and methods sections. Talk to your thesis director about how many sources you should include and what types of sources (books, journal articles, websites, etc.).
• Meet with your first and second readers.
• Reach out to your Honors reader when you receive their name.
• Draft an appropriate number of pages on your background readings, outlining the main arguments.
• Share your writing with our thesis director.
• Work toward developing your thesis statement.

Month Three

• Meet with your full thesis committee, if needed.
• Submit drafts to your thesis director.
• Revisit your timeline for moving forward. Are you on track? What needs to be updated? Think about what you need to accomplish before the end of this semester and over the break.
• Speak with your academic advisor to enroll in the second thesis course for the next semester (same subject, same instructor, but the course number will be "4399" unless you are an Architecture student).
• Submit drafts or progress reports to your thesis director at the end of the term.
• Your thesis director should assign a grade of "IP" (in progress) for 3399.
• Ensure that you are enrolled in 4399 for next semester. This is ultimately your responsibility.
• Communicate with your director and OURMA if you choose not to continue in the thesis program.
• Map out a manageable writing schedule. You should feel productive, but not overwhelmed, during this time.

Second Semester

• Make sure you see the 4399 course on your schedule before the first day of classes.
• Check in with your thesis director and respond to any feedback they have for you.
• Set up a time to meet with all of your readers, as a group or individually.
• You should be in the middle section of your thesis at this point.
• Review the College-Specific Information page to find your college thesis liaison and college-specific requirements, forms, and deadlines. Every college has a different filing deadline!
• Call the University Copy Center or Legacy Bookbinding for pricing.
• Check the UH Academic Calendar for the course drop deadline. This is never fun to think about, but if you end up deciding that your thesis is not going as planned and need to withdraw from the 4399 course, you may want the freedom to drop the course and only receive a grade for 3399.
• Ask your thesis director what a successful senior honors thesis defense looks like.
• You already reviewed your college-specific deadline, so you should have a good idea of when you need to schedule your thesis defense (for most, it's early April or early November). Revisit your timeline with this in mind.
• Your first full draft should be complete by the end of this month. Send first to your thesis director, and possibly other committee members, for feedback.
• Use the first few weeks of this month to make additional revisions to your thesis.
• Consider whether your defense will be in person or online. If you are planning an in-person defense, you will need to request a room on campus by speaking to your department. Rooms may be available in the Honors College as well.
• Send your final thesis document to all three committee members at least two weeks before your scheduled defense. This gives them plenty of time to read and make notes for questions.
• Defend your senior honors thesis!
• Have your committee sign the Final Defense and Evaluation Form and send it to OURMA.
• Make revisions to your thesis as directed by your committee.
• Submit all required documents, including your final thesis as a PDF and defense approval form, to your college thesis liaison.
• Submit your final, revised, and approved thesis PDF to the Honors College via a provided web link. This web entry will capture all information needed for the digital collection in the library.
• Keep an eye out for binding voucher information of up to $150 if you have attended all Writing Studio sessions for both semesters in the Senior Honors Thesis program.
• Make sure all required documents have been received by OURMA and your college.
• Ask your thesis director to assign a grade for your thesis work to both 3399 and 4399.

How to write an undergraduate university dissertation

Writing a dissertation is a daunting task, but these tips will help you prepare for all the common challenges students face before deadline day.

Grace McCabe

Writing a dissertation is one of the most challenging aspects of university. However, it is the chance for students to demonstrate what they have learned during their degree and to explore a topic in depth.

In this article, we look at 10 top tips for writing a successful dissertation and break down how to write each section of a dissertation in detail.

10 tips for writing an undergraduate dissertation

1. Select an engaging topic Choose a subject that aligns with your interests and allows you to showcase the skills and knowledge you have acquired through your degree.

2. Research your supervisor Undergraduate students will often be assigned a supervisor based on their research specialisms. Do some research on your supervisor and make sure that they align with your dissertation goals.

3. Understand the dissertation structure Familiarise yourself with the structure (introduction, review of existing research, methodology, findings, results and conclusion). This will vary based on your subject.

4. Write a schedule As soon as you have finalised your topic and looked over the deadline, create a rough plan of how much work you have to do and create mini-deadlines along the way to make sure don’t find yourself having to write your entire dissertation in the final few weeks.

5. Determine requirements Ensure that you know which format your dissertation should be presented in. Check the word count and the referencing style.

6. Organise references from the beginning Maintain an alphabetically arranged reference list or bibliography in the designated style as you do your reading. This will make it a lot easier to finalise your references at the end.

7. Create a detailed plan Once you have done your initial research and have an idea of the shape your dissertation will take, write a detailed essay plan outlining your research questions, SMART objectives and dissertation structure.

8. Keep a dissertation journal Track your progress, record your research and your reading, and document challenges. This will be helpful as you discuss your work with your supervisor and organise your notes.

9. Schedule regular check-ins with your supervisor Make sure you stay in touch with your supervisor throughout the process, scheduling regular meetings and keeping good notes so you can update them on your progress.

10. Employ effective proofreading techniques Ask friends and family to help you proofread your work or use different fonts to help make the text look different. This will help you check for missing sections, grammatical mistakes and typos.

What is a dissertation?

A dissertation is a long piece of academic writing or a research project that you have to write as part of your undergraduate university degree.

It’s usually a long essay in which you explore your chosen topic, present your ideas and show that you understand and can apply what you’ve learned during your studies. Informally, the terms “dissertation” and “thesis” are often used interchangeably.

How do I select a dissertation topic?

First, choose a topic that you find interesting. You will be working on your dissertation for several months, so finding a research topic that you are passionate about and that demonstrates your strength in your subject is best. You want your topic to show all the skills you have developed during your degree. It would be a bonus if you can link your work to your chosen career path, but it’s not necessary.

Second, begin by exploring relevant literature in your field, including academic journals, books and articles. This will help you identify gaps in existing knowledge and areas that may need further exploration. You may not be able to think of a truly original piece of research, but it’s always good to know what has already been written about your chosen topic.

Consider the practical aspects of your chosen topic, ensuring that it is possible within the time frame and available resources. Assess the availability of data, research materials and the overall practicality of conducting the research.

When picking a dissertation topic, you also want to try to choose something that adds new ideas or perspectives to what’s already known in your field. As you narrow your focus, remember that a more targeted approach usually leads to a dissertation that’s easier to manage and has a bigger impact. Be ready to change your plans based on feedback and new information you discover during your research.

How to work with your dissertation supervisor?

Your supervisor is there to provide guidance on your chosen topic, direct your research efforts, and offer assistance and suggestions when you have queries. It’s crucial to establish a comfortable and open line of communication with them throughout the process. Their knowledge can greatly benefit your work. Keep them informed about your progress, seek their advice, and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

1. Keep them updated Regularly tell your supervisor how your work is going and if you’re having any problems. You can do this through emails, meetings or progress reports.

2. Plan meetings Schedule regular meetings with your supervisor. These can be in person or online. These are your time to discuss your progress and ask for help.

3. Share your writing Give your supervisor parts of your writing or an outline. This helps them see what you’re thinking so they can advise you on how to develop it.

5. Ask specific questions When you need help, ask specific questions instead of general ones. This makes it easier for your supervisor to help you.

6. Listen to feedback Be open to what your supervisor says. If they suggest changes, try to make them. It makes your dissertation better and shows you can work together.

7. Talk about problems If something is hard or you’re worried, talk to your supervisor about it. They can give you advice or tell you where to find help.

8. Take charge Be responsible for your work. Let your supervisor know if your plans change, and don’t wait if you need help urgently.

Remember, talking openly with your supervisor helps you both understand each other better, improves your dissertation and ensures that you get the support you need.

How to write a successful research piece at university How to choose a topic for your dissertation Tips for writing a convincing thesis

How do I plan my dissertation?

It’s important to start with a detailed plan that will serve as your road map throughout the entire process of writing your dissertation. As Jumana Labib, a master’s student at the University of Manchester  studying digital media, culture and society, suggests: “Pace yourself – definitely don’t leave the entire thing for the last few days or weeks.”

Decide what your research question or questions will be for your chosen topic.

Break that down into smaller SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) objectives.

Speak to your supervisor about any overlooked areas.

Create a breakdown of chapters using the structure listed below (for example, a methodology chapter).

Define objectives, key points and evidence for each chapter.

Define your research approach (qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods).

Outline your research methods and analysis techniques.

Develop a timeline with regular moments for review and feedback.

Allocate time for revision, editing and breaks.

Consider any ethical considerations related to your research.

Stay organised and add to your references and bibliography throughout the process.

Remain flexible to possible reviews or changes as you go along.

A well thought-out plan not only makes the writing process more manageable but also increases the likelihood of producing a high-quality piece of research.

How to structure a dissertation?

The structure can depend on your field of study, but this is a rough outline for science and social science dissertations:

Introduce your topic.

Complete a source or literature review.

Describe your research methodology (including the methods for gathering and filtering information, analysis techniques, materials, tools or resources used, limitations of your method, and any considerations of reliability).

Summarise your findings.

Discuss the results and what they mean.

Conclude your point and explain how your work contributes to your field.

On the other hand, humanities and arts dissertations often take the form of an extended essay. This involves constructing an argument or exploring a particular theory or analysis through the analysis of primary and secondary sources. Your essay will be structured through chapters arranged around themes or case studies.

All dissertations include a title page, an abstract and a reference list. Some may also need a table of contents at the beginning. Always check with your university department for its dissertation guidelines, and check with your supervisor as you begin to plan your structure to ensure that you have the right layout.

How long is an undergraduate dissertation?

The length of an undergraduate dissertation can vary depending on the specific guidelines provided by your university and your subject department. However, in many cases, undergraduate dissertations are typically about 8,000 to 12,000 words in length.

“Eat away at it; try to write for at least 30 minutes every day, even if it feels relatively unproductive to you in the moment,” Jumana advises.

How do I add references to my dissertation?

References are the section of your dissertation where you acknowledge the sources you have quoted or referred to in your writing. It’s a way of supporting your ideas, evidencing what research you have used and avoiding plagiarism (claiming someone else’s work as your own), and giving credit to the original authors.

Referencing typically includes in-text citations and a reference list or bibliography with full source details. Different referencing styles exist, such as Harvard, APA and MLA, each favoured in specific fields. Your university will tell you the preferred style.

Using tools and guides provided by universities can make the referencing process more manageable, but be sure they are approved by your university before using any.

How do I write a bibliography or list my references for my dissertation?

The requirement of a bibliography depends on the style of referencing you need to use. Styles such as OSCOLA or Chicago may not require a separate bibliography. In these styles, full source information is often incorporated into footnotes throughout the piece, doing away with the need for a separate bibliography section.

Typically, reference lists or bibliographies are organised alphabetically based on the author’s last name. They usually include essential details about each source, providing a quick overview for readers who want more information. Some styles ask that you include references that you didn’t use in your final piece as they were still a part of the overall research.

It is important to maintain this list as soon as you start your research. As you complete your research, you can add more sources to your bibliography to ensure that you have a comprehensive list throughout the dissertation process.

How to proofread an undergraduate dissertation?

Throughout your dissertation writing, attention to detail will be your greatest asset. The best way to avoid making mistakes is to continuously proofread and edit your work.

Proofreading is a great way to catch any missing sections, grammatical errors or typos. There are many tips to help you proofread:

Ask someone to read your piece and highlight any mistakes they find.

Change the font so you notice any mistakes.

Format your piece as you go, headings and sections will make it easier to spot any problems.

Separate editing and proofreading. Editing is your chance to rewrite sections, add more detail or change any points. Proofreading should be where you get into the final touches, really polish what you have and make sure it’s ready to be submitted.

Stick to your citation style and make sure every resource listed in your dissertation is cited in the reference list or bibliography.

How to write a conclusion for my dissertation?

Writing a dissertation conclusion is your chance to leave the reader impressed by your work.

Start by summarising your findings, highlighting your key points and the outcome of your research. Refer back to the original research question or hypotheses to provide context to your conclusion.

You can then delve into whether you achieved the goals you set at the beginning and reflect on whether your research addressed the topic as expected. Make sure you link your findings to existing literature or sources you have included throughout your work and how your own research could contribute to your field.

Be honest about any limitations or issues you faced during your research and consider any questions that went unanswered that you would consider in the future. Make sure that your conclusion is clear and concise, and sum up the overall impact and importance of your work.

Remember, keep the tone confident and authoritative, avoiding the introduction of new information. This should simply be a summary of everything you have already said throughout the dissertation.

You may also like

.css-185owts{overflow:hidden;max-height:54px;text-indent:0px;} How to use digital advisers to improve academic writing

How to deal with exam stress

Seeta Bhardwa

5 revision techniques to help you ace exam season (plus 7 more unusual approaches)

Register free and enjoy extra benefits

404 Not found

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Dissertation

How to Write a Dissertation or Thesis Proposal

Published on September 21, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on July 18, 2023.

When starting your thesis or dissertation process, one of the first requirements is a research proposal or a prospectus. It describes what or who you want to examine, delving into why, when, where, and how you will do so, stemming from your research question and a relevant topic .

The proposal or prospectus stage is crucial for the development of your research. It helps you choose a type of research to pursue, as well as whether to pursue qualitative or quantitative methods and what your research design will look like.

You can download our templates in the format of your choice below.

Download Word template Download Google Docs template

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

Table of contents

What should your proposal contain, dissertation question examples, what should your proposal look like, dissertation prospectus examples, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about proposals.

Prior to jumping into the research for your thesis or dissertation, you first need to develop your research proposal and have it approved by your supervisor. It should outline all of the decisions you have taken about your project, from your dissertation topic to your hypotheses and research objectives .

Depending on your department’s requirements, there may be a defense component involved, where you present your research plan in prospectus format to your committee for their approval.

Your proposal should answer the following questions:

• Why is your research necessary?
• What is already known about your topic?
• Where and when will your research be conducted?
• Who should be studied?
• How can the research best be done?

Ultimately, your proposal should persuade your supervisor or committee that your proposed project is worth pursuing.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Strong research kicks off with a solid research question , and dissertations are no exception to this.

Dissertation research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly
• What are the main factors enticing people under 30 in suburban areas to engage in the gig economy?
• Which techniques prove most effective for 1st-grade teachers at local elementary schools in engaging students with special needs?
• Which communication streams are the most effective for getting those aged 18-30 to the polls on Election Day?

An easy rule of thumb is that your proposal will usually resemble a (much) shorter version of your thesis or dissertation. While of course it won’t include the results section , discussion section , or conclusion , it serves as a “mini” version or roadmap for what you eventually seek to write.

Be sure to include:

• A succinct introduction to your topic and problem statement
• A brief literature review situating your topic within existing research
• A basic outline of the research methods you think will best answer your research question
• The perceived implications for future research
• A reference list in the citation style of your choice

The length of your proposal varies quite a bit depending on your discipline and type of work you’re conducting. While a thesis proposal is often only 3-7 pages long, a prospectus for your dissertation is usually much longer, with more detailed analysis. Dissertation proposals can be up to 25-30 pages in length.

Writing a proposal or prospectus can be a challenge, but we’ve compiled some examples for you to get your started.

• Example #1: “Geographic Representations of the Planet Mars, 1867-1907” by Maria Lane
• Example #2: “Individuals and the State in Late Bronze Age Greece: Messenian Perspectives on Mycenaean Society” by Dimitri Nakassis
• Example #3: “Manhood Up in the Air: A Study of Male Flight Attendants, Queerness, and Corporate Capitalism during the Cold War Era” by Phil Tiemeyer

Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading services

Discover proofreading & editing

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

Research bias

• Survivorship bias
• Self-serving bias
• Availability heuristic
• Halo effect
• Hindsight bias
• Deep learning
• Generative AI
• Machine learning
• Reinforcement learning
• Supervised vs. unsupervised learning

 (AI) Tools

• Grammar Checker
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Text Summarizer
• AI Detector
• Plagiarism Checker
• Citation Generator

The research methods you use depend on the type of data you need to answer your research question .

• If you want to measure something or test a hypothesis , use quantitative methods . If you want to explore ideas, thoughts and meanings, use qualitative methods .
• If you want to analyze a large amount of readily-available data, use secondary data. If you want data specific to your purposes with control over how it is generated, collect primary data.
• If you want to establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables , use experimental methods. If you want to understand the characteristics of a research subject, use descriptive methods.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation , such as:

• Your anticipated title
• Your abstract
• Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review , research methods , avenues for future research, etc.)

A well-planned research design helps ensure that your methods match your research aims, that you collect high-quality data, and that you use the right kind of analysis to answer your questions, utilizing credible sources . This allows you to draw valid , trustworthy conclusions.

The priorities of a research design can vary depending on the field, but you usually have to specify:

• Your research questions and/or hypotheses
• Your overall approach (e.g., qualitative or quantitative )
• The type of design you’re using (e.g., a survey , experiment , or case study )
• Your sampling methods or criteria for selecting subjects
• Your data collection methods (e.g., questionnaires , observations)
• Your data collection procedures (e.g., operationalization , timing and data management)
• Your data analysis methods (e.g., statistical tests  or thematic analysis )

A dissertation prospectus or proposal describes what or who you plan to research for your dissertation. It delves into why, when, where, and how you will do your research, as well as helps you choose a type of research to pursue. You should also determine whether you plan to pursue qualitative or quantitative methods and what your research design will look like.

It should outline all of the decisions you have taken about your project, from your dissertation topic to your hypotheses and research objectives , ready to be approved by your supervisor or committee.

Note that some departments require a defense component, where you present your prospectus to your committee orally.

Formulating a main research question can be a difficult task. Overall, your question should contribute to solving the problem that you have defined in your problem statement .

However, it should also fulfill criteria in three main areas:

• Researchability
• Feasibility and specificity
• Relevance and originality

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

George, T. (2023, July 18). How to Write a Dissertation or Thesis Proposal. Scribbr. Retrieved March 25, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/thesis-dissertation-proposal/

Is this article helpful?

Tegan George

Other students also liked, a step-by-step guide to the writing process, 10 research question examples to guide your research project, dissertation & thesis outline | example & free templates, what is your plagiarism score.

Senior Honors Thesis Timeline

Junior year.

• Decide on a thesis topic or approach.
• Conduct background research to determine the viability of your topic.
• Begin drafting a thesis proposal.
• If required in your major department, submit your thesis proposal in the second semester of your junior year.
• Contact possible faculty advisors and readers.
• Seek funding for your research; note funding deadlines.
• Determine whether your research methods will require IRB approval.
• Make a one-on-one appointment with the reference librarian in your area of focus.

Fall Semester of Senior Year

By the end of september, you should:.

• Finalize your decision to write an honors thesis.
• Finalize your topic and research approach.
• Confirm primary thesis advisor and secondary reader.
• Think about length, breadth, and size of your finished thesis. Consider chapter breakdowns or other forms of presenting the finished product.
• Attend informational meetings and understand all requirements.
• Create your own project timeline and goals.
• Submit  Thesis Honors Candidate Form . The chairperson of your major department must sign this form. Must be submitted by the the sixth week of the semester.
• Conduct research in library, lab, or field.
• Meet with librarians for guidance on conducting advanced library or electronic research.
• Gather, record, and categorize information as you find it. Keep accurate bibliographic notes and organized files.
• Keep a journal to record your ideas related to thesis topic and research discoveries.
• Begin writing. You should be able to draft some introductory sections of your thesis, including your hypothesis, governing question, or thesis statement, as well as your literature review, methodology, and definitions of terms.
• Establish a regular meeting time with your primary advisor and provide regular (weekly) progress reports or written drafts to advisors.
• Meet with an ARC writing consultant or join a writing group to help you stay on track.

November and Early December

• Begin to draft a chapter (not necessarily the first chapter.)
• Reassess chapter breakdowns; work on outline of thesis as whole.
• Mid-year assessment: You and your advisor should assess your progress so far to determine if you should continue to pursue the honors thesis in the spring or switch to a senior project or independent study.
• Plan detailed research and writing agenda for winter break. If you are doing a traditional research-based thesis, you should plan to write a substantial amount over break.

Spring Semester of Senior Year

• Submit a draft of your first chapter or section of your thesis to your advisor. Remember to include a bibliography with any draft you submit to your committee members.
• Schedule a meeting with your thesis advisor or thesis committee to discuss your work completed over winter break.
• Plan a new timeline for spring. Plan to have the thesis substantially written BEFORE spring break.
• Continue to send regular progress reports to your committee.

February and March

• Write your thesis section by section and submit drafts to your primary advisor for revision comments.
• Be very careful to cite sources correctly and incorporate them into your writing so as to avoid accidental plagiarism.
• Set a date and time for your defense in April; all three committee members must be present at the defense. Remember to book a room that has everything you need (for example, internet connection or a movie screen).
• You should be rewriting and revising by early April. Now is the time to pay attention to clarity of expression and prose style; you may need to work on major structural changes to your outline or clarify your logic.
• Rewrite and revise according to your advisors' recommendations. Be sure the committee is in agreement on what they expect from you during the revision process.
• Schedule a meeting with your entire committee so there will be no unpleasant surprises during the defense.
• Submit your completed thesis with complete and accurate bibliography to your committee at least two weeks before your defense date.
• Your DEFENSE must take place before finals for you to graduate in May.
• First day of finals: This is the DEADLINE for "Recommendation for Thesis Honors" form to be submitted by your honors thesis advisor to the degree audit coordinator in Dowling Hall.
• Your committee may ask you to correct or rewrite portions of your thesis after the defense but before you submit it to archives.
• Prepare the final document for archives. See the  online guide  for instructions and specifications.
• Submit your completed manuscript to Digital Collections & Archives.
• Enjoy Senior Week–you’ve earned it.

Ohio State nav bar

The Ohio State University

• BuckeyeLink
• Find People
• Search Ohio State

Research Thesis and Research Distinction

An undergraduate thesis is an official, academically-integrated undergraduate research project with a formal written outcome. Completing a thesis is permanently recognized on a student's diploma as graduation with "Research Distinction" or with "Honors Research Distinction".

The requirements for graduating with research distinction vary by college, but generally include submitting an application to complete a thesis at least a semester prior to graduation, enrolling in thesis course credit hours, submitting a written thesis manuscript and completing an oral examination or defense to a faculty panel.  Students should discuss their interest in completing a research distinction project with their research advisor and academic advisor as early as possible.

Theses are permanently stored in the University Library's Knowledge Bank so they are also considered to be a published material.

Research Thesis and Distinction by College/Program

Please contact your academic advisor if you are interested in completing a research thesis or distinction program.

• Graduation and Research Distinction Guidelines
• Research Distinction (Honors and Non-Honors)
• Thesis Option for Non-Honors Students
• Honors Thesis and Research Process
• Undergraduate Research & Distinction
• Undergraduate Research Advising Packet
• Honors and Research Distinction (including Non-Honors)
• Guidelines for Research Distinction
• Research Distinction
• Honors Distinction and Thesis
• Undergraduate Research, Independent Study, and Honors Program
• Research Pathways
• Research Distinction Guidelines
• Honors Research and Thesis Requirements

The King's Careers Blog

We're here to help you, whether you are in the discover, focus or action phase of your career journey., it’s dissertation time(line).

Written by Silje Undlien, Third Year War Studies undergraduate at King’s College London & Student Enquiries Officer at King’s Careers & Employability.

The dissertation. Whether you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate student at King’s, it’s something you have to go through as part of your degree. You might consider it one of the most important challenges of your academic career. Or it’s just one of those things you know you have to get done.  Most students start off with a great deal of enthusiasm about their dissertation, but the scale of the project can easily throw them to despair. Whatever you might be feeling about writing your dissertation, it’s important that you discover how to devise and stick to a work schedule. Often, it’s the sticking to that will create problems. So how do I go about creating a dissertation timeline or work schedule, and why should I have a timeline at all?

The short answer is that I can’t really give you an answer. No single way of creating a dissertation timeline or work schedule will satisfy the needs and methods of every student. Everyone has their own way of doing things! But being organised is still key. You need to be realistic about your deadline and, more importantly, your time management skills. So, to get started, here are some questions to ask yourself:

• What type of dissertation am I writing?
• Am I an undergraduate or postgraduate student?
• How much time do I have to write my dissertation?
• How is my course organised? Am I doing my dissertation alongside other modules and commitments?
• Am I choosing my own topic? Or is my department choosing the project for me? Perhaps it’s a module-based project?
• What am I expecting from myself?

All of this will impact on how your dissertation research might progress. Especially important is realising just how much time you really have to get your project done. If you’re an undergraduate student with modules and coursework to do alongside your dissertation, it’s easy to get lost in the idea that you have a full year to write your dissertation. (Trust me, I’ve been there!) Realistically, however, you will only have a few months. Your full year is actually just an academic year. And from this academic year you’ll need to factor in time off, holidays, illness, part-time work, and all the other commitments you might have going on in and alongside your course. It might be the most general tip I can give you, but it’s an important one: Get started ASAP!

The first step is to learn your methods. One of our Marketing Assistants, currently writing her postgraduate dissertation, recently said: “You really do need to learn your methods. I’m still getting to know mine.” So ask yourself: How do I normally organise my work? What are my habits, good or bad? Your dissertation is probably going to be your biggest project yet, and, though you might be telling yourself that you’ll get rid of all your bad work habits, chances are you’ll fall into a similar routine or pattern of organising and doing your work to what you’ve done before. Have you normally been the last-minute essay writer? Establishing your own methods of studying is the first step to getting organised. I’m not saying that you should write your dissertation last minute, even if that’s your established method of getting work done. All I’m trying to point out is that you’ll be better-equipped to deal with the big task of writing your dissertation if you know yourself, and, importantly, if you create a work schedule which accommodates this knowledge about yourself, your work ethic, and your time management skills. It’s all about realistic planning…

So, how can I get organised? You’ll need to find a system that works for you. The most important thing is to find a way to write down a list of tasks or action points. Some people might prefer to set vague deadlines, while others will create a ‘Study Matrix’ (see example below) with detailed information abut how and when things are going to get done. Point is, it can be as detailed (or not detailed) as you like. It might be a good idea to plan out when you’ll have your meetings with your supervisor, and to pin-point what you’d like to discuss in each meeting. Ask your supervisor to help you create a set of action points after each meeting, so that you have a rough idea of what you need to do before the next one. If you feel like your supervisor is not pushing you enough; ask them to! (Stay tuned for a more detailed blog post about how to communicate with your supervisor!)

I mentioned before that finding a system can often be less problematic than making yourself stick to it. (Cheers to you, fellow procrastinators!) So what can I do to stay organised?  First of all, you should identify and deal with procrastination. Find out why you procrastinate and what you might do to avoid it. You might want to minimize distractions, ask someone to check up on you, or create a reward system. You should also find out in what kind of environment you work best. How, when, and where do I best stay focused? You can also try using Tomato Timer , a time management technique created for a more productive way to work and study. Secondly, it’s important to have emergency plans. What happens and what will I do if I experience unexpected delays? Staying organised is also about understanding that things are not going to go just the way you planned it to, and to find ways to deal with this without losing sight of the end goal.

On a final note, remember to schedule enough time for proof-reading and touch-ups, to edit with fresh eyes, and to make lots of backups as you go! It will also be useful to locate any departmental information or guidelines for dissertation-writing. So there you have it! It’s dissertation time!

• My Honors College
• Location Location
• Contact Contact
• Colleges and Schools
• Courses and Requirements
• Senior Thesis

Senior Thesis Timeline

Most students complete the thesis during their last two semesters of enrollment, but we encourage students to begin thinking about their thesis timeline as early as the sophomore year. Your Honors College advisor or a member of the thesis team are excellent resources for planning your thesis timeline.

The Honors Thesis in 10 Steps

It’s never too early to start thinking about the senior thesis. We recommend that students create a thesis file (physical or electronic) during their first college year. The file can be a repository for interesting papers or projects; musings on coursework, internship or volunteer experiences, education away opportunities or undergraduate research; and notes about favorite professors.

SCHC 390 is a pass/fail course typically taken in the junior year to prepare students to undertake the senior thesis paper or project. The course is designed to help students refine the question that will drive their thesis project and develop a proposal describing how they will answer the question and the significance of their project.

Pharmacy students and students in the College of Engineering and Computing are not required to enroll in SCHC 390 but must submit a thesis proposal at least one semester prior to completing their thesis project.

Each student (with the exception of those in Pharmacy and the College of Engineering and Computing) is required to form a thesis committee, consisting of a director and a second reader. The thesis director is a USC faculty member with expertise in the thesis topic area who will help shape the project parameters, offer guidance and evaluate the thesis project. The director also serves as the instructor of record for SCHC 499 (or approved thesis course equivalents) and assigns a letter grade for each semester a student takes thesis credits. As such, students should submit a signed director contract prior to beginning SCHC 499.

The second reader is an individual with knowledge and experience to support the project who will provide research or project development support, review drafts of the work and provide feedback. The second reader does not have to be affiliated with USC but cannot be an undergraduate student or a close friend or family member. The selection of the second reader should be made in concert with the thesis director. Students should identify a second reader and submit their contact information to the Honors College for approval by the midpoint of the semester in which they begin their thesis work.

Students develop a thesis proposal as part of SCHC 390 but should expect to refine that proposal as they begin SCHC 499, especially if their thesis director was not involved in drafting the initial plan. In addition to refining the research question or project purpose and method, students should work with their thesis committees to come up with a more detailed timeline for completing their thesis work, drafting and revising their paper and defending the project.

All Honors College students will complete a minimum of three credit hours of thesis preparation (i.e., SCHC 499 or an approved course equivalent). SCHC 499 is a letter-graded independent study. Students work with their thesis directors to determine “assignments,” due dates and evaluation criteria for a successful thesis project. We recommend that students and thesis directors develop a learning contract, especially during the first semester of thesis work, to ensure that expectations are clear.

Most students enroll in SCHC 499 in their final year at USC and split the credits across two semesters, taking 1 credit hour in the fall and 2 credit hours in the spring. Students should have an initial conversation about their thesis timeline with their Honors advisor late in their sophomore year. BARSC students can read more about the thesis requirements and timeline for their major here .

All thesis projects include a written component, though the paper accompanying a creative or applied thesis project is typically shorter than that associated with a research-based thesis. Students should consult with their thesis directors about specific writing guidelines, as length and format may vary considerably based on the discipline and the nature of the thesis project. More information about the required components for all thesis papers can be found here .

Students are expected to share a final draft of the thesis paper with their committees at least two weeks before the thesis defense.

The thesis defense (part presentation/part conversation) is an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learned throughout the thesis process. Students should focus on addressing three main points in the defense: (1) the primary answer to the question they set out to explore, (2) the evidence and interpretations that support that answer and (3) their response to possible objections or alternate answers.

The defense also allows the committee to offer further feedback and to engage in a dialog with the student about the project. Both the director and second reader must be present at the thesis defense, and students are welcome to invite friends, family members and interested others to participate as well.

The defense should take place at least one week before the end of the semester in which the student plans to submit the thesis at a time and place agreed upon by the student and committee members. Students must submit their thesis defense plans to the Honors College (available  here ). Students are responsible for reserving a room for the defense. Rooms in HRH can be reserved by completing this  online form .

The thesis defense requirement may also be met by participation in the Honors Thesis Symposium. More information about the symposium is available here .

Following the defense, students will make any edits requested by the thesis committee and have the director and second reader sign the thesis title page. The title page should include a space for the dean’s signature, but students are not required to obtain the signature prior to submission. The thesis submission should include the following items in a single Word or PDF document:

• Thesis title page (Use the template provided online.)
• Thesis summary or abstract
• Table of contents
• Body of thesis paper with pages numbered consecutively

In order to certify a student as an Honors College graduate, the thesis must be submitted by the last class day of the semester in which the student completes the project. The thesis is submitted via an online form . In addition to the thesis paper, students may upload one additional file (e.g., documentation of a creative or applied project, plan sets for engineering projects).

File size is limited. Large supplementary files should be stored on an accessible cloud server with a link included in the thesis paper. Students should contact  Dr. Tracy Skipper  if they encounter problems submitting their thesis.

We encourage students to publish their Honors thesis in Scholar Commons, an institutional repository established through Thomas Cooper Library providing open access to information. In some cases, another publishing venue may be more appropriate. Students should consult their thesis directors about other publishing opportunities prior to submitting their thesis to Scholar Commons.

Students may also elect to have copies of the thesis bound for their own use or for presentation to their thesis committee members. University Printing Services provides binding services , as does the HF Group via Thesis on Demand .

Important dates for fall 2023

Important dates for spring 2024, challenge the conventional. create the exceptional. no limits..

Getting started

Preparing for the honors thesis

What is the honors thesis?

The honors thesis is the culmination of Barrett students’ honors experience and their entire undergraduate education.

The honors thesis is an original piece of work developed by a student under the guidance of a thesis committee. It is an opportunity for students to work closely with faculty on important research questions and creative ideas. The honors thesis can have either a research or creative focus, and enables students to design, execute and present an intellectually rigorous project in their chosen field of study.

The first step in the honors thesis process is the completion of a thesis preparation workshop.

These workshops are places for you to brainstorm topics, learn about the honors thesis process, gain feedback on your ideas, ask questions, and create a to-do list for your honors thesis. Completion of a thesis preparation workshop is required before enrolling in thesis credits, and we encourage you to participate in a workshop by the first semester of your junior year.

There are two options for completing a thesis preparation workshop.

Enroll in the online self-paced workshop

Or, sign up to attend a live workshop offered in the fall or spring semester:

Mon, Feb 5th 10:30 - 11:30am  Athena Conference Room UCB 201 (West Valley campus)  RSVP

Wed, Feb 7th 10:00am - 11:00am  Athena Conference Room UCB 201 (West Valley campus)  RSVP 

Thu, Feb 8th 2:30pm - 3:30pm  Athena Conference Room UCB 201 (West Valley campus)  RSVP

Fri, Feb 9th 4pm - 5pm  Hayden Library Room 236 (Tempe campus)  RSVP

Thu, Feb 15th 4:30pm - 6pm  Hayden Library Room 236 (Tempe campus)  RSVP

Thu, Feb 29th 5pm - 6:30pm  Virtual (Zoom)  RSVP

Fri, Mar 15th 4pm - 5:30pm  Hayden Library Room 236 (Tempe campus)  RSVP

Fri, Apr 5th 4pm - 5:30pm  Virtual (Zoom)  RSVP

Thu, Apr 11th 5pm - 6:30pm  Virtual (Zoom)  RSVP

Ready to take the next step?

Following the completion of a thesis preparation workshop, Barrett students should schedule a thesis advising appointment with their Barrett Honors Advisor to discuss and review the guidebook, checklist and the due dates that correspond with the semester they intend to complete their undergraduate degree.

Honors Thesis Student Guidebook

Please explore the resources available to you within this guidebook to ensure your success. Refer to the checklist on page 13 to continue moving forward in the process.

View the Student Guidebook

Student Guidebook sections

What is the honors thesis.

The honors thesis project is an original piece of work by a student, in collaboration with their thesis director and committee. Most students complete an honors thesis within their major department but may choose a topic outside of the major. Each department may set its own standards for methodology (i.e., empirical, comparative, or descriptive), project length, and so on. Review the relevant Opportunities in the Major documents created by the Faculty Honors Advisors (FHAs)  here , and contact the FHAs in your area(s) of interest for additional information.

A thesis can be:

• A scholarly research project involving analysis that is presented in written form. Represents a commitment to research, critical thinking, and an informed viewpoint of the student.
• A creative project that combines scholarship and creative work in which the primary outcome consists of something other than a written document but includes a written document that supports the creative endeavor and involves scholarly research.
• A group project that brings together more than one Barrett student to work on a thesis collaboratively. Working in a group gives students valuable experience and enables them to take on larger, more complicated topics. Students may begin a group project with approval of a Thesis Director.

Selecting a Topic

Because the honors thesis is the culmination of undergraduate studies, begin thinking about a topic early. Many students base the honors thesis on an aspect of coursework, internship, or research. Once an area of interest is identified, take two or three courses that concentrate in that specific area.  Selecting a topic should ultimately be done under the guidance of faculty. The honors thesis is a joint effort between students and faculty.

Consider these tips and resources as you begin the process of selecting a topic: 

• Reflect on past experience to determine interests.
• Talk to faculty including Faculty Honors Advisors about topics that are interesting and relevant to coursework, major, career interests, or from ongoing faculty research.
• View past honors theses through the ASU Library Digital Repository .

Thesis Pathways

Honors Thesis Pathways are unique thesis opportunities, where students can be paired with faculty on interesting and engaging topics. The pathway options provide students a structured experience in completing their thesis, while researching a topic that interests them.

The committee consists of a Director, a Second Committee Member, and may include a Third Committee Member. Ultimately, your committee must approve your thesis/creative project, so work closely with them throughout the process.  Specific academic unit committee requirements can be found here .

• Any member of ASU faculty with professional expertise in the project area. (This excludes graduate students.)
• Includes lecturer and tenure-line faculty.
• Primary supervisor of the project.
• Conducts regular meetings, provides feedback, sets expectations, and presides over the defense.

*Emeritus faculty may serve as thesis directors as approved by the FHA from the department which the thesis is to be completed. Directors are expected to be physically present at the honors thesis defense. They may not be reimbursed for travel related to attending the defense.

Second Committee Member

• Individual whom you and your Director decide is appropriate to serve based on knowledge and experience with the thesis topic.
• Credentials will be determined by the Director and the criteria of that academic unit.
• Conducts regular meetings, provides feedback, and offers additional evaluation at the defense.

Third Committee Member (optional-varies by academic unit)

• Faculty member or qualified professional.
• If required, credentials will be determined by the Director and the criteria of that academic unit.
• External Examiners are Third Committee Members.
• Offer insight and expertise on the topic and provides additional evaluation at the defense.

The prospectus serves as an action plan for the honors thesis and provides a definitive list of goals, procedures, expectations, and an overall timeline including internal deadlines for your work. This will lay the groundwork for your project and serve as a reference point for you and your committee. You and your committee should work together to solidify a topic and create project goals. 

Submit your prospectus online

Registration and Grading

To register:

• Be enrolled in Barrett, The Honors College and in academic good standing. 
• Have the approval of the faculty member who serves as the Director. 
• In-person Barrett thesis workshop
• Online (via Blackboard) Barrett thesis workshop. Self-enroll- search words “Barrett Honors Thesis Online Workshop”
• Major specific thesis preparatory workshop or course may be available in limited academic units.

Register for the honors thesis through the department of the Director .   First, obtain override permission from the department of the Director during normal enrollment periods. 

Thesis Credits (up to 6 hours)

• 492 Honors Directed Study: taken in the first semester during research and creation of the project (not offered by all departments).
• 493 Honors Thesis: taken in the second semester for defense and completion of the project.  
• 492 and 493 are sequential and may not be taken in the same semester.  
• You must register for and successfully complete at least 493 (or its equivalent) to graduate from Barrett, The Honors College.

Grading the Honors Thesis

When the honors thesis is completed and approved by the committee, the Director assigns a course grade. Criteria and evaluation for grading are determined by the Director and the standards of that academic discipline.   

If you enroll in 492, the Director has the option of assigning a Z grade until the project is completed.

The assignment of a Z grade indicates that a project is in progress and delays placement of a final grade until completion. 

Defense and Final Steps

• Presentation and summary of the honors thesis. Format, content, and length are determined by the Director and standards of the content area. Plan to review the origins of the project, its scope, the methodology used, significant findings, and conclusions. 
• Submit final draft to the committee at least two weeks before the defense. Allow time for revisions leading up to the defense.
• Work with your committee to set a defense and report to Barrett using the Honors Defense and Thesis Approval form. Once submitted, your Director will automatically be emailed an approval link on the date of your defense.
• All committee members must participate in the defense.
• Group projects: Each student is required to submit an individual Honors Defense and Thesis Approval form. All group members must participate in the defense. 
• Defenses are open to the ASU community and published to the Defense Calendar.
• Following the presentation, committee members will ask questions about issues raised in the work, choices made in the research, and any further outcomes.
• At the conclusion of the discussion, the committee will convene to provide an outcome that will determine next steps.

Thesis Outcomes

• Minor format/editorial corrections may be suggested.
• Director will report approval using the Final Thesis Approval link emailed to them on the defense date.
• Your next step is to upload your approved final project to the Barrett Digital Repository.

Provisional Approval (Common outcome)

• More significant revisions required.
• Once revisions are complete, Director will report approval using the Final Thesis Approval link emailed to them on the defense date.
• Your next step is to upload your approved final project to the Barrett Digital Repository after revisions are approved.

Not approved (Least common outcome)

• Basic design and/or overall execution of the honors thesis is significantly flawed.
• The Director and committee may continue working with the student to make major revisions. You should discuss this with committee and Honors Advisor about implications on Barrett graduation.

Theses from Previous Years

We have collected some theses from previous years to help guide you. Please use them as examples of how to structure your own thesis. 

Theory  .

Theory Thesis 1  

Theory Thesis 2  

Theory Thesis 3  

Theory Thesis 4  

Theory Thesis 5  

Comparative   

Comparative Thesis 1  

Comparative Thesis 2  

Comparative Thesis 3  

Comparative Thesis 4  

Comparative Thesis 5  

Comparative Thesis 7  

Comparative Thesis 8  

American  

American Thesis 1  

American Thesis 2  

American Thesis 3  

American Thesis 4  

American Thesis 5  

American Thesis 6  

American Thesis 7  

American Thesis 8  

International Relations  

IR Thesis 1  

IR Thesis 2  

IR Thesis 3  

IR Thesis 4  

IR Thesis 5  

IR Thesis 6  

Undergraduate Thesis

• Preparing for Thesis

Elements of Thesis

• List of References
• Images and Figures
• Library Home

APA For Thesis

Browse our Thesis Finding Aid to see topics previous students researched and get inspired!

Course texts.

' CLICK TO VIEW IN LIBRARY CATALOG

See Interim Thesis Coordinator Dan Manlongat

Thesis - The Basics

"The starting point for any thesis has to be a critique of present circumstances, which opens up possibilities of radical and practical changes in the world."

- Zegarski / Enos (2016)

What is Thesis?

The Undergraduate Thesis Research Studio offers a unique opportunity to continue your design education at NewSchool. You will plan, develop, and execute a self-generated self-directed architectural research project. You will identify a problem based on your personal interests and propose an architectural solution by navigating and expanding on a given methodology comprised of research and design tasks. You will self-evaluate and clearly convey a critical position grounded in the learning outcomes of the architectural program at NewSchool.

"An architectural thesis should be seen as a desire to map, create, draw, or plan a certain kind of spatiality through a critical/ radical critique of a specific aspect within the process of archietctural production that is representative of everyday life within our current urbanized process of spatial production." Zegarski/ Enos (2016)

The library will only accept Thesis Books that follow the standards outlined here. Make sure you review them and include all required elements. 

Front Matter

• Copyright Page
• Thesis Abstract
• Approvals Page
• Acknowledgments (optional)
• Dedication (optional)
• Table of Contents
• Introduction
• Thesis Essay
• Research and Findings
• Design Solution
• List of Figures
• Glossary of Terms
• Vita (optional)
• Appendices (optional as needed/ appropriate)

General Thesis Timeline

Summer quarter.

• Thesis proposal and conceptual video

Fall Quarter (AR501)

• Thesis Essay, Case Studies, Programming, Site Investigation, Research Presentation

Winter Quarter (AR502)

• Project Schedule, Concept Development, Code Analysis, Site Development, Thesis Proposal Document, Design Presentation

Spring Quarter (AR503)

• Plans, Circulation, Structure, Sections, Systems, Interior Studies and Detailing, Storyboard, Final Design Presentation, Final Thesis Document

Submission Deadlines and Instructions

• Next: Preparing for Thesis >>
• Last Updated: Sep 29, 2021 2:32 PM
• URL: https://library.newschoolarch.edu/ugthesis

Honors Thesis Deadlines:

• For December graduates, the deadline to upload to eThesis is November 15th
• For May graduates, the deadline to upload to eThesis is April 15th .
• The honors college can grant extensions as long as the student and mentor have a completion plan.

By no later than the first semester of the junior year, Honors Scholars should have begun to choose a thesis topic. After choosing a topic, Honors Scholars should schedule appointments with professors in their field of study to discuss their programs of research and opportunities for them to join faculty research teams. Scholars often interview 3 to 5 faculty before choosing a faculty mentor. For an interdisciplinary study, a scholar may choose to work with more than one professor.

In addition to the Thesis Mentor, scholars choose a Thesis Reader in their thesis discipline. Thesis Readers should be chosen at the beginning of the thesis process before submitting the Thesis Contract Form. Thesis Readers provide additional input and support during the research, are responsible for reading the final drafts of the thesis and for providing comments and suggestions. They will attend the final presentation of the thesis and sign the bound final draft of the thesis prior to submission and uploading to eThesis.

Working together, the Honors Scholar and Faculty Thesis Mentor should refine the thesis topic to one appropriate for an undergraduate thesis experience. Honors Scholars usually complete a literature review prior to settling on a final research question. Honors Scholars should plan on spending a minimum of 6 to 9 hours each week on the thesis for at least two semesters. Careful planning, diligence, patience, a sense of humor and enthusiasm are all required by the scholar for a positive thesis experience. In addition, scholars must display academic honesty and be in full compliance with ethical standards appropriate to their fields of study.

Sometimes Honors Scholars in some majors may need to complete the research prior to the senior year. Student teaching, internships, field experiences or study abroad may impact the scheduling of thesis hours and completing thesis work. Although most students complete the thesis during their senior year, there is no stipulation against finishing a thesis early. In these cases, Honors Scholars should consult with their Thesis Mentor and their program Director early.

• The Student Experience
• Financial Aid
• Degree Finder
• Undergraduate Arts & Sciences
• Departments and Programs
• Research, Scholarship & Creativity
• Centers & Institutes
• Geisel School of Medicine
• Guarini School of Graduate & Advanced Studies
• Thayer School of Engineering
• Tuck School of Business

Campus Life

• Diversity & Inclusion
• Athletics & Recreation
• Student Groups & Activities
• Residential Life

Comparative Literature Program

• [email protected] Contact & Department Info Mail
• Undergraduate
• Learning Objectives
• Courses Recommended For First Year Students
• Course Descriptions
• How to Apply
• Minor in Translation Studies
• Thesis Timeline
• Past Theses
• Awards & Prizes
• Undergraduate Alumni Stories
• Tell Us Your Story
• About the Program
• Degree Requirements
• Graduate Alumni Stories
• Academic Achievement Award
• COLT MA Graduate Handbook
• News & Events
• Annual Hoffman Lecture
• Annual Zantop Memorial Lecture

Search form

The bridge: translation from, for and to april 12 & april 13, 2024.

The Leslie Center for the Humanities, The Office of the Associate Dean for Interdisciplinary Programs, The Department of English & Creative Writing and The Comparative Literature Program Presents:

The Bridge Translation From, For and To An event in honor of Monika Otter Conversations with translators, publishers and editors on bridging distances in language and culture.

Featured Speakers: Barbara Epler Alta Price Daisy Rockwell Jill Schoolman Jonathan Smolin Alex Zucker

Friday, April 12 Public Event 3:45-5:30 PM Sanborn Library

Saturday, April 13 Translation Workshops for Students Students please register below 10:30-12:00 PM Sanborn Library

QRCodeforStudentRegistration.png

Scan the QR code to register for a spot in the translation workshops

Questions? Please write to [email protected] .

Office of Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate student needed, project details:.

The goal of Mangalam Lab is to develop better treatment options to cure multiple sclerosis (MS). We are looking for an undergraduate student to assist with general lab duties including cleaning, washing dishes, safety cabinet cleaning, etc. Other duties will be discussed based on availability.

Qualifications

No specific requirements needed

Time Commitment

10-20 hours/week, up to 40 during the summer

Compensation

Immediate and/or Summer

Ongoing, potential to be a continuous position

How to Apply

Email resume/CV and class schedule (if possible) to [email protected]  

Upcoming Events

Luncheon with michael rodríguez-muñiz and jonathan acosta.

Friday, April 12, 2024

12:00-1:30 p.m.

Kim Koo Library (328), 111 Thayer

RSVP required. Attendance will be capped at 20. Click here to RSVP at Events@Brown

Please join CLACS for a luncheon with sociologist Michael Rodríguez-Muñiz, University of California, Berkeley. Conversation facilitated by State Senator Jonathan Acosta, PhD candidate in Sociology. RSVP required at link above.

Please note: On Thursday, April 11, the day before the luncheon, Prof. Rodríguez-Muñiz will give a talk, " Figures of the Future: Latino Civil Rights and the Politics of Demographic Change . 

About the Speakers Jonathon Acosta is a PhD candidate in sociology at Brown University where he focuses on political sociology, migration, inequality, race and ethnicity. He’s currently a graduate fellow and trainee at the Population Studies and Training Center. He was previously an interdisciplinary fellow at the Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity in America. His dissertation is a community study of a postindustrial economically declining city that has been sustained via foreign-born migration. In his spare time, Acosta is a State Senator for Rhode Island District 16 representing Central Falls and Pawtucket. His election in 2020 made him the first Latino to represent Central Falls in the Rhode Island Senate.

Michael Rodríguez-Muñiz  is Associate Professor of Sociology, UC Berkeley. He was born and raised on Chicago’s northwest side. Prior to graduate school, he led and participated in several Puerto Rican-focused grassroots and activist projects in the Humboldt Park/West Town area. He has published on censuses, poverty knowledge, Latino identity formation, and the relationship between critical sociologies of race and science and technology studies. He is currently engaged in a collaborative interview-based project on race and political trust. His next book project will explore the history and afterlives of political repression against Chicago’s anti-colonial Puerto Rican movements. This project involves efforts to create a community-based archive.

Doctoral Oral Exams for April 8-12, 2024

The graduate dean invites all graduate faculty to attend the final oral examinations for the doctoral candidates scheduled as follows:

Jeremy Levine , Ph.D., English, Monday, April 8, 2 p.m., South College. Dissertation: “Students Writing Under Rules, Teachers Negotiating Standards: Contextualizing the Standards System in Writing Development from High School to College.” Rebecca Lorimer Leonard, chair.

Chuchu Wei , Ph.D., Biostatistics, Monday, April 8, 1 p.m., Arnold house 330 and via Zoom. Dissertation: “Improved Use of Compositional Data Subject to Self-reporting Errors in Bayesian Models with Applications to the Estimation of Family Planning Indicators.” Leontine Alkema, chair.

Duc Hien Nguyen , Ph.D., Economics, Wednesday, April 10, 2 p.m., Crotty Hall 308 and via Zoom. Dissertation: “Three Essays on Gender and Sexuality: Heteronormativity, Femininity and Intersectionality.” M.V. Lee Badgett, chair.

Nathan Huff , Ph.D., Psychology and Brain Sciences, Wednesday, April 10, 9 a.m., Tobin Hall 423. Dissertation: “The Psychometric, Theoretical, and Experimental Contributions Toward an Integrated Understanding of Mental Health Stigma Over Time and Across Disciplines.” Linda Isbell, chair.

Josiah Foster , Ph.D., Mathematics, Wednesday, April 10, 11 a.m., Lederle 1685. Dissertation: “The Lefschetz Standard Conjectures for Varieties of Generalized Kummer Deformation Type.” Eyal Markman, chair.

Jessica McGoy , Ph.D., Molecular and Cellular Biology, Thursday, April 11, 1 p.m., Lederle 1681. Dissertation: “The Role of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins in the Regulation of Chromosome Segregation.” Thomas Maresca, chair.

April Burrage , Ph.D., Economics, Thursday, April 11, noon, via Zoom. Dissertation: “Three Essays on Innovation Policy and Inequity.” Ina Ganguli, chair.

Nader Akoury , Ph.D., Computer Science, Friday, April 12, noon, via Zoom. Dissertation: “Three Essays on Innovation Policy and Inequity.” Ina Ganguli, chair.

Thomas Cook , Ph.D., Statistics, Friday, April 12, 11 a.m., Lederle 143. Dissertation: “Sequential Experiment Design via Investing.” Patrick Flaherty, chair.

How Institutional Entrepreneurship Leads to Gradual Institutional Change in Cureaucracies

Alexander Hertel-Fernandez and Daniel Carpenter

Columbia University and Harvard University

March 1, 2024 1:30PM Minda de Guzman Center for European Studies, Harvard

Seminar on the State and Capitalism since 1800