Masters students may opt to produce a thesis rather than a comprehensive exam research project. A thesis requires significantly higher quality work and more advanced planning than the alternative. The thesis option is recommended to masters students who wish to leave themselves the option to apply for doctoral programs in the future, as many doctoral programs will not consider a candidate who cannot produce a thesis for review.

The thesis consists of a substantial research paper, typically ranging in length from 45 to 100 or more pages, on a topic related to the student's chosen specialization area. The major professor and committee members will play an active role in selection and development of the research topic and as such a student considering the thesis option is encouraged to select their advisory committee as early as possible to leave adequate time to draw on faculty expertise in the planning stages of the thesis.

Students pursuing the thesis option must complete all masters coursework before they will be authorized to register for thesis credits. Students must register for a minimum of six total thesis credits to complete the thesis, and must register for a minimum of two thesis credits in the semester in which the defense is scheduled. Contact the departmental program secretary by phone to obtain a reference number to use in registering for Masters Thesis credits.

The thesis must showcase the student's mastery of relevant research methods learned in masters coursework. The quality and style of the paper should reflect the highest standards of academic research and writing and should follow the guidelines for the masters thesis found here:

Guidelines and Requirements for Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Thesis Checklist

For additional information, please consult the Graduate and Professional Student Handbook

To see examples of theses, search the FSU Thesis Database.