Overview of the Thesis Journey

The thesis represents a significant milestone in a graduate student’s academic journey, offering a culminating experience that showcases their depth of knowledge, originality, and intellectual maturity. From selecting a research topic and identifying a faculty advisor to conducting research and defending the final work, the thesis process is a structured, yet flexible path designed to encourage scholarly inquiry and personal growth. Each step: proposal development, data collection, analysis, and writing; builds on a foundation of academic rigor and close mentorship, guiding students from idea to completion with institutional support at every stage.

Beyond the final document, the thesis journey is a transformative experience that cultivates essential academic and professional skills. Students strengthen their ability to think critically and solve complex problems, engage deeply with existing scholars, and communicate ideas with clarity and precision. Through the iterative process of drafting, revising, and defending their work, students refine their writing and research capabilities, skills that are not only crucial for academic success but also highly valued in careers across industry, government, and the nonprofit sector.

Requirements for Thesis Submission 

Students whose plan of study requires completion of a thesis should be enrolled in GR 699 the semester they plan to complete the thesis and oral exams. That semester should also be the semester in which you apply for graduation. Students should work closely with their advisor while meeting deadlines and completing the thesis and thesis defense. 

• The process begins when the student submits the Topic Approval Form for their thesis or creative project through the Smartsheet submission system. In this form, the student will provide a brief and tentative description of the proposed topic and enter the names and email addresses of all committee members, including the Committee Chairperson, Second Committee Member, and Third Committee Member, as well as the Department Chairperson. The student must also upload their proposal document when submitting the form.

• Once submitted, the form will automatically be routed to all committee members, the department chair, and the Dean of Graduate Studies for review and electronic approval. The Topic Approval Form should be completed no later than the semester before the student plans to complete the thesis.

• Students will then begin working closely with the committee chair and advisor to ensure all deadlines are being met. Deadlines are available on the Student Resources section of this website. 
• When the thesis is completed, students will defend their thesis before the thesis committee.  

• After a successful thesis defense, the student must submit the Acceptance Sheet Form through the Smartsheet submission system, attaching the final thesis manuscript (PDF). The form will automatically route to all committee members, the department chair, and the Dean of Graduate Studies for electronic approval.

• Once the thesis has been received, the administrative assistant for the Graduate Studies will forward it to the thesis reader. The thesis reader will check it for context, format, and grammar. The Graduate Studies office will return the thesis to the student if corrections are needed. Check Deadlines
• The Acceptance Sheet will be signed by Graduate Studies after the revised thesis manuscript has been submitted, reflecting recommended changes by the thesis reader.
• When the thesis is approved, the student will be contacted and will then be able to upload his/her thesis to ProQuest.Do not submit your thesis to ProQuest until you have final approval to do so and a signed acceptance sheet by Graduate Studies. In addition, the acceptance sheet will also need to be uploaded in the correct placement in the paper, which can be done in ProQuest.  Student resources for uploading to ProQuest
• Submit your Thesis by selecting the following link and following the instructions.
• If any further questions arise, please feel free to contact the Graduate Studies Office at (573) 651-2192 

Thesis Checklist 

The following checklist is provided as a general tool to check the format of a thesis; however, the format of each thesis may vary.

• Title Page 
  • Use a professional font 
  • Include the following: Title, Student name, “Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment”, Degree, University, Date.
• Acceptance Sheet 
  • Can be a placeholder in the initial draft and inserted once approved and signed
• Dedication (optional)
• Abstract – Required 
  • Must be between 150 and 300 words.
• Table of contents 
  • Look for consistency;  
  • Paragraph and selection headings should be included.
• Appendices  
  • Look for consistency;  
  • Make sure all appendices are referenced and correctly labeled in the paper.
• List of tables (If any tables) 
  • Look for consistency;  
  • Make sure all tables are referenced and correctly labeled in the paper.
• List of figures (If any figures) 
  • Look for consistency;  
  • Make sure all figures are referenced and correctly labeled in the paper.
• Flow and Organization of the manuscript
• Formatting Consistency
• In-text citations match the reference list
• Consistency with MLA/APA format
• Checked for cliches, jargon, etc.
• Author Interpretation 
  • Avoid “Stacking” - multiple citations/summarizations without the current author’s interpretations.
• Plagiarism check
• Reference check 
  • All references must be cited in text and appear to be relevant.
• Proofing and Editing 
  • Do not forget to proofread thoroughly and spell check.

Guidelines and Templates

Preparing a thesis involves strict adherence to formatting standards, academic conventions, and institutional expectations. Please follow the guidelines set by your department (if any) or the standard formatting styles like MLA, APA, Chicago, etc. 

Defense process, tips, and what to expect

The thesis defense is the final step in your graduate journey – a formal presentation and discussion of your research before a committee of faculty members. It is both an academic milestone and an opportunity to showcase the depth of your work.

What to Expect

• Presentation: You will typically begin with a 15 – 30 minute presentation summarizing your research question, methodology, findings, and implications.
• Question and Answer Session: Committee members will ask questions to clarify, challenge, or extend your ideas. These questions may range from highly technical to conceptual or reflective.
• Deliberation: After the discussion, you will be asked to step out while the committee deliberates. They may approve your thesis, approve it with minor revisions, or request significant changes.

Tips for Successful Defense

• Know Your Thesis Inside Out: Be prepared to explain your choices, defend your conclusions, and discuss the implications of your research.
• Anticipate Questions: Think critically about potential weaknesses or gaps in your research and prepare reasoned responses.
• Practice: Rehearse your presentation multiple times, ideally with peers or your advisor.
• Stay Professional and Open: Listen carefully to feedback, respond respectfully, and show your willingness to refine your work.
• Bring Materials: Bring printed copies of your thesis, handouts, and any necessary visuals or equipment.

The defense is a scholarly conversation. Treat it as an opportunity to demonstrate your growth, confidence, and readiness to contribute to your field.

Acceptance sheet for Thesis, Non-Thesis paper, or Creative Project 

Topic approval sheet for Thesis or Creative Project