REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SUBMISSION OF THE THESIS/DISSERTATION PROPOSAL

A student who proposes a topic for a Master’s thesis or Doctoral dissertation must substantiate, in concise written form, the feasibility of the proposed project by presenting evidence of the soundness of the proposed methodology for accomplishing the research.  This process is accomplished by means of a formal typewritten proposal that is submitted for approval to the thesis/dissertation committee, the department/school, and the academic officer designated by the dean of the college or school. 

A proposal should contain the following elements: 

·        The proposal cover sheet, which is identical to the title page (see examples) but does not include the dean’s signature

·        The body of the proposal:

·                     Statement of the problem (thesis) and/or the hypotheses to be tested.

·                     Statement of the probable value and importance of the study for the field by relating the thesis to the literature already in the field.

·                     Statement of the research methodology indicating its appropriateness for treatment of the problem/data.

·                     Statement of the tentative outline and/or chapter titles of the thesis/dissertation.

·        Selected bibliography.

·        Appendix of supporting instruments and documents. 

The student should follow the procedures of the school or college when writing and submitting the proposal. 

Acceptance of the proposal does not commit the department/school or the college or school to accept the thesis/dissertation itself.  The completed work is subject to the review of the thesis/dissertation committee and the dean of the college or school. 

It is recognized that during the course of research the scope of the project might be altered significantly by the findings.  This might include, for example, the rejection of the methods originally proposed but should not change the nature of the major problem.  In the event of a fundamental change in the major problem, a new proposal will be required.