Thesis GuidelinesTo receive a master’s degree, the Trauma and Violence Transdisciplinary Studies Program (TVTS) and the Graduate School of Arts and Science require that you successfully complete 32 points of course work and write a thesis. These guidelines explain the thesis-writing process. What is a master’s thesis? As the final element in the master’s degree, the thesis gives the student an opportunity to demonstrate expertise in the chosen research area. It is a carefully argued scholarly paper of approximately 10,000 – 13,000 words (roughly 50 pages: the length and format will be determined in consultation with the thesis advisor). It should present an original argument that is carefully documented from primary and/or secondary sources. The thesis must have a substantial research component and a focus that falls within arts and science, and it must be written under the guidance of a faculty advisor. When should I start thinking about the thesis? You should be thinking about your thesis, if only abstractly, from your first enrollment in the program. At the latest, you should have a clear idea of your topic and have found an advisor by the end of the semester before the one in which you will complete the thesis (see the timetable below). Who can be my advisor? Any regular NYU faculty member can be your thesis advisor, although individual faculty are not required to advise master’s theses. It is your responsibility to find an advisor. Your advisor will provide general guidance, and will help you refine your topic and develop your argument. Most students choose faculty members they have worked with in courses. Thesis advisors must be approved by the program (along with the thesis topic). What is the process? After doing the initial research on your topic, prepare a 1-2 paragraph abstract, a preliminary bibliography (approximately ten to fifteen books or journal articles), and a brief outline before approaching a possible advisor. These will help you to convince your future advisor of the value and interest of your project. Once a faculty member has agreed to advise you, discuss your anticipated graduation date and agree on a timetable for meetings and submission of drafts. It is your responsibility to keep your advisor apprised of your progress. After you have refined your topic and your advisor has approved it, complete and submit the “Application for Approval of Master’s Thesis Topic.” This form must be submitted by the thesis due date for the semester before the one in which you intend to graduate (e.g., December 16 for May graduation). You will hear from the program's associate director only if we have questions about your proposal or advisor. Do not start writing the thesis until you have an advisor who has approved your topic. In most cases, students and advisors need to meet three or four times: initially, to finalize a topic, and to review the first or second draft. Keep in mind that your advisor must have enough time to read and evaluate your work before returning it to you with comments, and that you must have time to incorporate those comments. Don’t expect your advisor to return your thesis in a day or two, whether it is an early draft or the final copy. It is appropriate to ask your advisor when you can expect comments, but not to pressure her or him to respond quickly. You should also be prepared for the possibility that your advisor will request substantial changes in the thesis. Do not expect that your draft will require only minor corrections, or that the proposed final version you submit will necessarily be approved without further changes. It is your responsibility to see that the final copy is free from spelling and grammatical errors; your advisor is not responsible for line-by-line editing.
Are there particular thesis formatting requirements? Yes, theses must conform to the following guidelines:
How do I submit the thesis? You must first give a clean copy of the finished thesis to your advisor. After your advisor has read and approved the thesis, it is your responsibility to submit the final copy, signed by your advisor on the cover page, to the Associate Director at TVTS by the deadline listed below. You must also submit two Thesis Reader Sheets (one signed by your advisor) and a thesis abstract. Your advisor is the first reader and the Program will provide a second reader, usually one of the directors or associate director. Students must have met all graduation requirements, including timely submission of the thesis, to participate in commencement ceremonies. What is a typical thesis-writing timetable?
Thesis Deadlines
* It is your responsibility to apply for graduation via Albert. For more information, click here. **Or the next day on which the TVTS office is open, should these dates fall on a weekend or holiday. |
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