Master Thesis: DSBA 6991

The Master’s Thesis pathway is designed for students interested in conducting original research and pursuing advanced academic paths, including PhD programs. This 6-credit-hour capstone (spread over two semesters) allows you to develop deep research expertise in a topic of your choosing, guided by an experienced faculty mentor.

Thesis Requirements Summary: Students must identify a thesis advisor from the SDS graduate faculty, complete a research proposal, form a thesis committee, and successfully defend their original research. The thesis pathway is strongly recommended for students seeking in-depth research experience or considering PhD programs after graduation.

The Master Thesis Pathway: three phases

Phase 1: Pre-Thesis Registration Phase (Before Starting)

During this initial phase, you’ll lay the groundwork for your thesis work:

  • Identify a thesis advisor from the SDS graduate faculty who specializes in an area aligned with your research interests
  • Consult with your potential advisor about potential thesis topics, research feasibility, and advisor expectations
  • Review faculty research interests to find the best match for your proposed research
  • Complete the Thesis Advisor Form, documenting your advisor selection and thesis topic area
  • Submit documentation through the Graduate School
  • Request authorization to register for DSBA 6991 for your first semester
  • Receive formal approval before proceeding with registration

Phase 2: First Semester – Research Phase 

During your first semester, you’ll establish your research foundation:

  • Begin comprehensive literature review: Conduct an in-depth review of existing research in your thesis topic area to understand what has been done and identify gaps in knowledge
  • Formulate specific research questions: Develop clear, answerable research questions that will guide your investigation and define the scope of your work
  • Develop research proposal outline: Create a detailed outline of your proposed research methodology, including your approach, timeline, expected outcomes, and any data sources or participants involved
  • Form your thesis committee: Work with your advisor and the Graduate School to form your official thesis committee according to these requirements:
    • The committee must have a minimum of three faculty members
    • Must include at least one SDS faculty member (or SDS affiliate faculty member as chair)
    • Other members may come from across the university or from external institutions with relevant expertise
    • Committee members should represent diverse perspectives on your research topic
  • Conduct proposal defense: If required by your department, present your research proposal to your committee for feedback and approval (note: this may also occur in your final semester, depending on departmental policy)

Phase 3: Second Semester – Thesis Completion & Defense Phase

During your final semester, you’ll complete your research and defend your work:

  • Execute your research plan: Implement the methodology outlined in your proposal, collect data, and conduct your analysis
  • Complete thesis research: Finalize all data collection, analysis, and interpretation
  • Write the thesis document: Present your research, findings, methodology, and analysis in a well-organized thesis manuscript according to Graduate School formatting guidelines.
  • Submit completed thesis to committee: Provide your finished thesis to all committee members for review, typically 2-3 weeks before your scheduled defense.
  • Allow committee review time: Give committee members adequate time to read and provide feedback on your work.
  • Schedule thesis defense: Coordinate with your committee members to schedule your public defense presentation.
  • Prepare defense presentation: Develop a clear, compelling presentation of your research (typically 30-45 minutes)
  • Successfully defend thesis: Present and defend your research before your committee and respond to questions from committee members and audience members.
  • Make revisions: Incorporate any required or recommended changes requested by your committee.
  • Final submission: Submit your final approved thesis to the Graduate School in the required format

Thesis Defense Process

Your thesis defense is a formal presentation of your research to your committee and the university community. Here’s what to expect:

The Presentation (30-45 minutes)

  • You will present your research question, why it matters, your methodology, your findings, and the implications of your work.
  • Your presentation should be clear and compelling to both experts in your field and general academic audience members.

Committee Questions (30-45 minutes)

  • Committee members will ask questions about your research, methodology, and conclusions.
  • They will probe the rigor of your work and the validity of your findings
  • Be prepared to discuss the limitations of your study and future research directions

Committee Deliberation

  • After your presentation and questioning, your committee will meet to discuss your work.
  • They may approve your thesis, approve with conditions, or ask for revisions before approval

Feedback & Next Steps

  • You will receive feedback on your presentation and written work
  • You may be asked to make minor revisions, major revisions, or substantial changes
  • Once all revisions are complete and approved, your thesis is finalized

Total Time to Completion

  • Typically 10-12 months from initial advisor selection to final approval

Semester Availability & Important Notes

DSBA 6991 is offered only in the Fall and Spring semesters. Summer thesis research is not available for this course. Plan accordingly to complete your thesis pathway. You cannot make substantial progress on your thesis during the summer if you intend to register for credit during fall or spring formally.

For detailed steps, forms, committee formation guidelines, and thesis formatting requirements, visit the Graduate School website or contact your Graduate Advisor.

For detailed steps and forms, refer to the following Graduate School websites:

  • Master’s Thesis Checklist: Step-by-step checklist to guide you through the entire thesis process from advisor selection through final submission
  • Master’s Student Forms: All required forms, including Thesis Advisor Form, committee registration forms, and thesis documentation

THESIS FAQs

Can I enroll in DSBA 6991 during the summer semester?

No, the Master Thesis Research course is offered only during the regular semesters (fall and spring).

Can I switch to the internship option after earning 6 credits from Master Thesis Research?

Yes, up to 6 elective credits from DSBA 6991 may count toward your degree.

Can I earn 6 credit hours in one semester?

No, you can earn up to 4 credit hours in a single semester. Discuss the expected workload with your advisor.

Can the proposal defense occur in the same semester as the final defense?

Yes, but it is strongly advised to defend your proposal early in the semester. The deadline for the final defense is only ten weeks after the proposal defense deadline.