Enrolling in the Thesis Colloquium
Timeline
IRB Approval and Thesis Forms
Writing Guidelines
Thesis Presentation and Submission
Continuing Thesis Work, Graduation
Why should I do a thesis?
You have a question that interests you, makes you curious, or excites you. You want to try to answer that question. And you're motivated enough about the research to spend six months to a year pursuing it. The thesis is not a preferred option to coursework. It's just a different option.
How do I select a thesis topic?
You need to have a question in mind that inspires you to write a thesis. Your academic advisor and thesis advisor may help you shape the question to make it doable, but a thesis advisor's role is not to find a thesis topic for you.
When do I need to decide between thesis or coursework?
April 1st for subsequent fall semester thesis writers
November 1st for subsequent spring semester thesis writers
Thesis Proposal - what does it look like?
Effective March 2007, the Thesis Proposal form is your thesis advisor's approval of working with you on the thesis. Submit a completed form to the CCT Academic Program Manager to declare your thesis advisor. For those of you writing theses in Spring 2007, you must submit an approved thesis proposal to the Graduate School prior to presenting your thesis. Starting with students writing theses in Fall 2007, thesis proposal forms are due Nov. 1 for spring semester thesis writers and April 1 for fall semester thesis writers
How do I find a thesis advisor?
Ideally you'll have taken courses with a professor with whom you'd like to work, whose research interests align with your topic, and with whom you already have a relationship. Start talking to professors early if you have ideas for a thesis. One professor may not be able to work with you but may point you toward someone else who might be well-suited to help you with your topic.
How do I find a thesis reader?
Your thesis advisor will often offer suggestions for faculty who can serve as thesis readers. You might also have someone in mind who can offer specific expertise on your topic.
Who makes up the thesis committee?
Thesis advisor and thesis reader (often called second reader)
What does a thesis advisor do? What does a reader do?
Refer to the thesis advisor and reader section in the CCT Student Manual for details.
When do I need to have a thesis advisor? When do I need a reader?
April 1st for fall semester thesis writers
Nov. 1st for spring semester thesis writers
Submit a signed and completed Thesis Proposal Form to the CCT Academic Program Manager by the above dates to officially declare your thesis advisor. You do not need to have a thesis reader when you turn in the thesis proposal form. You do need a reader no later than the first month of your thesis writing semester.
Can I have an advisor or reader who isn't from CCT?
Yes, on an exceptional basis with permission of the CCT Program Director.
Can I have more than one thesis reader?
Yes, on a case-by-case basis. The thesis advisor and reader must approve, and all faculty involved must agree on their roles.
Can I change my thesis advisor or reader after I start my thesis?
In an exceptional circumstance, perhaps, but only with approval of the CCT Program Director, the original thesis advisor and reader, and the Graduate School.
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What's the Thesis Colloquium?
The Thesis Colloquium is a six-credit class (CCTP 996) taken in the thesis-writing semester. Students can't register for this class until they fulfill the curriculum requirements necessary to pursue the thesis. It is taught by the student’s thesis advisor and is comprised of all the students who are writing a thesis with that advisor. Students meet weekly, both in class and individually, to discuss research methodologies and writing styles specific to their theses. The final grade reflects the quality of the completed course requirements.
If I only take Thesis Colloquium, how can I stay enrolled full-time while writing my thesis?
Enroll in CCTP 999-03 Thesis Research. It costs nothing but keeps you in full-time status for health insurance, financial aid, Yates field house use, and official enrollment certification.
What's the timeline for thesis projects?
What's the IRB?
From the IRB website, the Board's role is to "safeguard the rights and welfare of all human subjects who participate in research projects conducted by Georgetown."
Graduate School Thesis Forms and Resources
Forms and resources on the Graduate School's website that you'll need include the following:
Thesis Proposal Form
Guidelines for Dissertation and Thesis Writers
Thesis Reviewer's Report
Masters Thesis Coversheet
Graduate Student Research Funding Information
What style should I write my thesis in?
Your thesis can be in any style that is appropriate for your discipline or work and approved by your thesis committee.
How do I format my thesis?
Refer to the formatting sections of both the Guidelines for Dissertation and Thesis Writers and the Electronic Theses and Dissertations site.
Can I do a thesis in a multimedia format instead of the traditional written format?
Yes, as long as it makes sense for the project you're doing and your thesis advisor and reader approve. The Graduate School encourages these kinds of projects for electronic theses. Video games, music compositions, film clips - conceiving of your thesis as an electronic thesis means that people can interact differently with your work than they might in a just a written format.
Should I submit my thesis electronically even if I don't have multimedia components to my thesis?
Yes. The Graduate School recommends submitting your thesis electronically. It's also easier than submitting the thesis in paper format. If you still prefer to submit the thesis in paper format, you can.
How many pages should my thesis be?
There is no fixed requirement, but theses should generally be somewhere between 60-100 pages. Your thesis advisor and reader must agree that your document is sufficient to fulfill the thesis requirement, and length is implicit in their thesis approval.
Can I include video clips, music, or other multimedia items in the thesis?
Yes, if they fall within fair use guidelines or if you have copyright permission.
How can I avoid copyright liability in connection with my thesis?
Refer to the copyright sections of both the Guidelines for Dissertation and Thesis Writers and the Electronic Theses and Dissertations site.
Other students have already stated writing, and I'm still doing research. Should I be worried?
As long as you work with your thesis advisor and reader on a weekly basis and are doing everything that they ask you to do by the deadlines they set, and they are happy with your progress, don't worry. Students progress at different rates through the thesis process, and the key is to make sure your thesis advisor and reader are pleased with where you are in the process. You can't really compare your research and progress to someone else's.
Thesis Reviewer's Report Form - what is this?
This form is your advisor and reader's approval of your thesis. You can't proceed to the thesis presentation unless you have submitted an approved thesis reviewer's report form. The form is due to the CCT Academic Program Manager, and subsequently the Graduate School, one week prior to your thesis presentation.
How do I set a thesis presentation date, reserve a room?
Check available dates first with your thesis advisor and reader. They must be at the presentation. Then call 202-687-6618 or email cctprogram@georgetown.edu to reserve the CCT conference room for your presentation. If you need another room, please specify.
What's the thesis presentation/defense like?
Check with your advisor and reader to find out their specific expectations for the presentation. Generally....
After the presentation, allow time for questions. The thesis committee then asks you and invited guests to leave the room while they confer on the grade. You're invited back in and given your thesis grade (pass, high-pass, or distinction).
Do they really measure the margins of my thesis?
Yes, if you submit the thesis in paper format. Review the Guidelines for Dissertation and Thesis Writers for formatting information.
If I don't finish my thesis this semester, can I continue to the next semester?
Yes, if...a) you are still within your three-year time limit for graduate studies and b) as long as your thesis advisor and reader agree to continue working with you. If you are at the end of the three-year limit, you'll need to request an extension from CCT and the Graduate School. Do this by email your request to the CCT Academic Program Manager.
Can I walk in the graduation ceremony if I don't finish in May?
You can't walk in a graduation ceremony unless all your graduation requirements have been completed. If you graduate in July 2007, you can't walk in the May 2007 ceremony. You can walk in the ceremony held next May, in May 2008.