University Catalog 2023-2024

3.6 Theses and Dissertations

A. Theses

In degree programs requiring preparation of a thesis, master’s students must undertake an original investigation into a subject that has been approved by the student’s advisory committee. All theses must be submitted in accordance with the Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) Guide. Theses should be submitted to the advisory committees at least two weeks prior to the final defense.

B. Dissertations

The doctoral dissertation must present the results of the student’s original investigation in the field of primary interest. It must represent a contribution to knowledge, adequately supported by data, and be written in a manner consistent with the highest standards of scholarship. All dissertations must be submitted in accordance with the ETD Guide. Publication is expected and encouraged. Dissertations should be submitted to the advisory committees at least two weeks prior to the final defense.

C. Company-Funded Research

For thesis or dissertation research that is funded by a company, students and their advisors must ensure that there is a clear agreement as to the ability to place the results in an ETD and, should there be proprietary information, that a mechanism be in place to ensure that the ETD remains viable. Furthermore, if a company’s requires approval of the document prior to a defense, this will require additional lead time to insure that only the appropriate information is included.

D. Submission Procedures for Theses and Dissertations

  1. All advisory committee members must approve the thesis/dissertation prior to submission to the library for publication.
  2. After receiving an unconditional pass on the final oral exam, the student must submit the thesis/dissertation electronically to the ETD system.
  3. A thesis/dissertation must be submitted by the ETD deadlines as published in the Graduate School Calendar.
  4. At the time of dissertation submission, students are also required to submit the required forms and fee as outlined on the ETD website. The Graduate School will not award the degree until these forms and fees have been submitted.

E. Publication in Compliance with Nondisclosure Provisions

Theses and dissertations containing disclosures of patentable discoveries may be embargoed by submitting a request through the ETD system. They may be granted for up to one year. Placing an embargo on a thesis or dissertation until a patent application is filed will not prevent a student from graduating on time.