Thesis Information

Master’s Thesis

A master’s thesis is an original body of empirical research or theoretical analysis. If a student selects to complete a master’s thesis, they must select a thesis committee and write a thesis proposal. Guidelines for the master’s thesis are laid out by the university and require:

  • A committee of 3 faculty who are members of the graduate faculty.
  • Completion of 3-6 credits of SOCI 799: Master’s Thesis.
  • A thesis proposal.
  • Formatting approval by University Dissertation & Thesis Services (UDTS) generally three weeks prior to the end of the semester.
  • Final submission to UTDS approximately two weeks prior to the end of the semester.

Students should choose a thesis topic that is of interest to them. Before making a final decision on a thesis topic, students should consult with faculty members. Once the student has selected a thesis topic, they can form a thesis committee and begin writing a thesis proposal. 

The master’s thesis is a major independent scholarly project. It is widely recognized as the standard product of an MA program and is similar to a dissertation in form and process. It is especially well-suited to those who wish to do professional-level research or pursue doctoral degrees. A final benefit of the thesis option, is that it provides students the flexibility of having more than one semester to complete the work.

See additional details about the thesis, including committee formation, registration, thesis work, and thesis submission in the Sociology Graduate Handbook.

Enrollment / Committee Forms

Thesis Committee Form

Thesis Enrollment Form

Thesis Re-Enrollment Form