THESIS

Master of Arts Graduate Program in Communication and Leadership

Program Director, Dr. J. M. Noe

 

Communication and Leadership Pages

Dr. Aitken's Advisees: Capstone of Reflection or Project or Thesis - Comprehensive Exams - Defense of Thesis or Project

 

General Info: Books & Course Materials - Courses to Take Next - Ethics - Expectations of Students - Facebook Group - Graduation Faculty and Staff - Home - Online Learning Help - Program Requirements - Park University Russian-American Academic Program - Registration - Success for Grad Students

 

 

NOTE:  I am not on staff during the summer term.  Please do not ask me to direct your thesis, meet with your committee, or read comprehensive exams during the summer or between term breaks.

Download FORMS by Going Here and Right Click!      

This location:  http://onlineacademics.org/CA797/

 

DURING THIS PROCESS, please NEVER FORWARD MY EMAIL OR ANYONE'S EMAIL!

 

Read this information carefully and follow it.  Do NOT send daily, or multiple daily emails to your advisor or anyone else on campus.

 

For the student, you may feel frustrated at times, but you have a better chance of success if the faculty, IRB, graduate school, and director of the library has a positive attitude toward you.  As in any organization, some parts of this process require knowledge and diplomacy of organizational politics. I know campuses where students have to wait 6 months for faculty to read theses.  At Park, I've seen faculty give students responses in just weeks, which is amazing compared to what I've seen elsewhere.

 

Organize yourself! Be efficient on the front end  when you have control, so there is plenty of time near your graduation date (when you have no control).

 

 

SUBMITTING ASSIGNMENTS TO YOUR COMMITTEE

Send your committee versions along the way.  Make sure you attach the thesis file with each communication with your committee.

Begin the file name with your last name and include the version at the end, such as

AitkenJoanProjectProposalVersion1.doc  AitkenJoanFinalProjectVersion1.doc

Only use a single, .doc or .txt file.

Make sure the version changes each time, including when I add comments. 

For the PowerPoint for the defense, use a small .ppt file, with the text outline of what you plan to say in the defense. Avoid pictures, although you may use charts.

 

ABSOLUTE FINAL TERM 1 COURSE DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, WEEK 8 and for TERM 2, FRIDAY, WEEK 4.

Term 1 Sunday  Deadlines

Final Term Sunday  Deadlines

Week 2

Proposal Draft

Week 2

Final Thesis to Advisor, send to committee, schedule defense meeting.

Week 5 Upload Final Thesis Proposal to Advisor

Week 5 Send finished thesis and signed forms to Grad School, etc.

Week 6 Send Proposal to Committee.

Complete Comprehensive Exams.

 

Week 7 Upload Human Subject Certification and IRB application draft.

Week 7 Submit final copy to library, etc.

Week 8 With committee approval, submit IRB proposal.

 

CA797 IMPORTANT GRADUATE THESIS INFORMATION

 

 

 

Make sure you complete all admission and graduation requirements before beginning this course:  http://onlineacademics.org/DoIt/

All assignments are due by Sunday night of the assigned week.

 

Make sure you have taken care of all admission and graduation requirements.  Admission requirements were due within 60 days of beginning the program.

 

Grading is based on submission of quality work, meeting deadlines, and faculty approval.

 

Term One:  The thesis proposal is due week 5.  The revised thesis proposal needs to be sent to your committee by week 7. IRB submission, if required, is needed by Monday of week 8.

 

Final Term Enrolled:  The final thesis is due to your advisor week 1 of your final term.

 

Weekly attendance is based on your direct communication with your professor.  Send a progress email each week.

 

Consult the Graduate Catalog and Graduate School Procedures. These requirements are the ones that must be followed.

 

Supplemental help is available for the thesis:  http://onlineacademics.org/CA797/

 

http://onlineacademics.org/DoIt/

 

Select an Advisor--

 

Do NOT expect faculty to be available over holiday weeks, Winter break, between term breaks, or during the summer when they are not on staff.

Dr. Joan E. Aitken:  816-584-6785 joan.aitken@park.edu

Aitken has expertise in Communication Studies, including research in interpersonal, educational, organizational, public, Internet, public relations, media, and intercultural communication.  Leadership studies can be a broad field that fits into this area.  Only research clearly relevant to human communication will be acceptable.

 

Important Links

 

Dr. Aitken's Forms:  http://onlineacademics.org/CA797/Forms/

Course Syllabus: http://www.park.edu/syllabus/list.aspx

Research on Human Subjects Tutorial: http://onlineacademics.org/IRB

Online Database Tutorial for Review of Literature: http://onlineacademics.org/LibraryTutorial/

Writing in APA Style: http://onlineacademics.org/APA.html

 

Please contact the College of Graduate and Professional Studies at (816) 842-6182 ext. 5525 or by e-mail gradschool@park.edu, if you have any questions.


G11.05 - Master’s Thesis Procedures
G11.06 - Academic Honesty
G13.01 - Minimum Requirements for a Master’s Degree

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Copyright Management Center at Indiana University

United States Copyright Office

 

You must meet the mandatory deadlines from the Graduate School

 

 

Term one CA 797. Prepare thesis proposal.  Do NOT sign up for this course unless you have completed a major paper on the topic and received advisor approval in advance.

 

YOU WILL WANT TO COLLECT DATA AND WRITE THE THESIS BETWEEN enrollment terms. The thesis must be COMPLETE WEEK 2 of your last term. The 8-week sessions move very quickly. Thus, the thesis needs to be completed before you enroll in CA 798 for the last 3 credit hours. The process of defending, revising, and submitting to the thesis to the graduate school will take the whole final 8 weeks.

 

Term two CA 798 Do NOT sign up for term 2 unless your thesis draft is complete!  Your thesis is due to your advisor week 1 and to the committee week 2!

 

See Department Guidelines for Thesis Requirements.

 

DEPT. & PARK RULES. The student has the responsibility of finding out and following departmental and Park University rules. You will find those in the graduate catalog. Your advisor cannot over-ride departmental or university rules. The department and university requirements supersede faculty requirements.

 

GRADUATE RECORD EXAM (GRE).  Park University requires that you complete the GRE and submit your scores to the Graduate School.  You cannot graduate from the program without completing this step. See http://www.ets.org/

 

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMS. The department or university requires separate comprehensive exams of graduates.  This exam is in addition to the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).  Comps need to be PASSED at least 8 weeks prior to graduation.  Exact requirements are up to the faculty involved.  Typically, you will receive the questions via email, and you will have 24 hours to write and return the exam.  Typically the comps are not proctored, so you can use any books or materials, but you canNOT use help from any person.  Here is Dr. Aitken's information about comps http://onlineacademics.org/comps/

 

APPLICATION FOR GRADUATION.  Go to the Park website, find and complete the online form (Application for Graduation), and pay fees for graduation.
 

August Completion or December Commencement Deadline: April 1

 May Commencement Deadline: November 1

 

THESIS OR PROJECT? The thesis should be original research that makes a contribution to the learning in the field.  The thesis will be bound and made available to the general public through the library. If you plan to do research on human subjects, please do the thesis option.

 

TOPIC. Select a topic you love, which you have been studying in the program so far. The topic must relate to human communication or leadership.

 

COMMITTEE. You will present your thesis and defend your work, perhaps with other enrolled students during a meeting set up by the department.  This meeting can be conducted by teleconferencing for distance students.

 

Your thesis needs to be completed and your committee needs to be on-board . 

 

 

Application for Graduation Deadlines

 

August Completion or December Commencement: April 1 

 

 

May Commencement: November 1

 

 

Departmental Requirements

 

Nothing in these course materials can over-ride Department or Graduate School requirements.  Consult the Graduate Catalog and Graduate School Procedures Manual for additional information on thesis procedures. A minimum of 36 hours is required under this option, including five to six hours of CA797 Thesis design and research.

 

Graduate School Requirements

 

 

The writing of a thesis is a highly valued academic exercise and has been traditionally regarded as the culminating activity in a master’s degree program. Students may earn up to six hours of graduate credit for writing a thesis, by enrolling in 700 and 701 courses, sequentially. Continuous enrollment for an additional 1 hour is possible, with the approval of the Committee Chair. Due to the demanding nature of research and writing, all theses hours will be offered only in the traditional 16-week format.

 

Students should carefully plan their activities, in order to ensure that they develop a workable proposal, conduct the research, write the thesis, and get it approved by the Committee, in a timely manner. A copy of the completed thesis should be submitted to the major advisor no later than six weeks prior to the date of commencement. The Graduate School should receive a copy for final approval no later than three weeks prior to the day on which the degree is to be conferred.

 

Thesis Committee

Candidates should consult their major advisor in forming a Committee and clarifying the role of the Committee members in the research and writing process. The primary responsibility for directing the thesis resides with the major advisor. The Committee should consist of a minimum of three approved graduate faculty, including the major advisor in the discipline area. It is advisable to include additional faculty member(s) from outside the discipline, because faculty external to the discipline can bring fresh perspectives or provide valuable assistance in the conduct of research.

 

Enrollment in XX 700 (3 credit hours)

The candidate must register for a 700-level course in order to begin the process of developing a thesis proposal. The registration allows the student to receive advice from a member of the faculty and to utilize University facilities in preparation for the thesis. While enrolled for this course, the student is expected to be actively working on developing a formal proposal related to an area of research interest, under the direction of a faculty member who will be the major advisor or the Committee Chair.

At minimum, the research proposal should identify the problem, clarify the thesis statement, select an appropriate research methodology (including the data gathering instruments and data analysis techniques) and provide an effective overview of the scholarly literature. The following general outline may be helpful in developing a proposal.

 

·         Key concepts and definition of the project. Concisely and clearly state what the project intends to accomplish. What are the basic questions to be explored?

 

·         Significance of the study. Why should the scientific community be interested in this study? What contribution will it make to the discipline, the profession and the society?


 

·         Review of relevant literature. How does your research relate to the work of others? Where are the gaps in literature? What do you hope to add to the literature?

 

·         Methodology. How do you plan to approach the subject? What is your methodology and what instruments or procedures will you use to gather the data/information that you would need to address the questions? What is the justification for the use of this methodology? Do you have the resources to conduct the study, such as access to people, data, archives, collections, time, etc.?

 

·         Plan of work and timetable. Present a realistic timetable including specific dates by which you plan to complete specific facets of the research. It would help you and the Committee to decide if you can realistically complete the project.

 

·         Bibliography. Present a working bibliography that includes scholarly books and articles. Naturally, you will revise and expand this bibliography as you continue with your project.

 

Proposal Defense and Submitting the proposal to the Graduate School

When the proposal is ready for defense, the student must work with the Chair in setting a date for the proposal defense. The defense must be conducted at least a semester prior to graduation and the proposal must be submitted to the Graduate School once it is approved by the Chair and all members of the Committee.

 

Submitting the Proposal to the Graduate School

The student must work with the Chair in submitting the proposal to the Committee members for their approval. Once approved by the Committee, the Chair will forward the proposal to the Graduate School office at least a semester prior to the semester in which the student is expected to graduate.

 

Human Subjects Protection and IRB review

In preparing the thesis proposal, students must be aware that any research which involves human subjects must be approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University in order to assure compliance with applicable federal regulations and University policies. The proposal must be reviewed and approved by the IRB according to the University procedure. Failure to gain the IRB approval will result in denial of the proposal. It is a violation of the procedures to contact human subjects prior to the IRB approval of the proposal. It is highly recommended that the IRB approval be received prior to the submission of the proposal. Additional information related to the IRB may be found at: http://captain.park.edu/irb/index.aspx.

 

Enrollment in XX 701 (3 credit hours)

Following the approval of the thesis proposal, students may enroll in 701 and begin data gathering. Data may be collected using qualitative, quantitative, participatory, documentary, or

action research methodologies, as may be appropriate. The writing of the thesis may then begin, with the guidance of the Committee Chair. Students are encouraged to consult the Chair regularly, to ensure that they receive timely and useful feedback throughout the research and writing process.

 

Thesis Defense

An oral defense of the thesis must be satisfactorily completed and approved by the Committee, and the result of the defense must be submitted to the Graduate School, three weeks prior to graduation. Thesis defense is open to the University community.

 

Enrollment in XX 799 (1 credit hour)

When additional time is needed to complete the thesis work, enrollment in XX 799 is permitted, in consultation with the Chair.

For additional information on the thesis procedure, please consult the Director of your graduate program, or the Executive Director for the Graduate School.

 

 

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

 

Buy an APA Manual and use it! 

Buy and use the APA manual!  

The APA manual contains all the information you need about what goes into the thesis and how to write.  For my summary on writing, see my APA Style Requirements.  For my summary on formatting and organization, see below.


 

APA (2009). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. 6th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

 

IDEAS from other universities

 

The Master’s Thesis will address an appropriately phrased research question of interest to the student. The student may seek to answer a question through one of the following.

 

1. A strategy for solving a specific communication problem
2. A communication environment
3. An investigation of theoretical or experimental issues
4. Test of a specified hypothesis
5. A case study of an organization
6. A quantitative, experimental study
7. A qualitative analysis of some texts
8. Field research and analysis of observations made
9. A historical study of some “communication events” or person(s)
10. A critical analysis of some “communication events” or texts
11. A theoretical essay, critiquing current theory and/ or directed towards developing new theory
12. A theoretically informed and data-driven case study of some “communication problem” and interventions attempting to solve it
13. A theoretically informed and data-driven proposal for a new curriculum or training program to meet a specific need

 

The subject of study may come from two general sources:

1. The communication environment, with which the student has first-hand experience.

2. A traditional research investigation of a particular aspect of corporate or organizational communication or leadership. In some cases, the subject may be a combination of the two sources.

TERM 1 SCHEDULE

WEEKLY REQUIREMENTS

DEADLINES

T 1 Wk 1 Abstract

  1. Ask faculty to be on your committee.

  2. Decide the exact topic and title (see APA 1.06 Title Page
    Write an abstract that includes the research question and method.  (see APA 1.07 Abstract of 250 words)

  3. Read some interesting articles about writing research proposals (University of Maryland), click here.

Title Page & Abstract Due

T 1 Wk 2 Problem

  1. Write problem statement chapter essence (APA 1.08), about 5 pages long.

  2. Begin reading and writing the review of literature.  You may need to broaden or narrow your topic.  When the thesis is done, expect to have about 100 sources cited to show you have a comprehensive review.

 

Chapter 1:  Defining the problem.

Due

T 1 Wk 3 Lit Review

  1. Conduct review of literature. Library Database Tutorial

T 1 Wk 4 Lit Review

B. Review of Literature: Theory Building (Group according to ideas, NOT according to research articles).
1. Paragraph about first idea from review of literature.
2. Paragraph about second idea from review of literature.
3. Paragraph about third idea from review of literature.

 

Right now, you need 25 peer-reviewed, scholarly journal articles from communication, but you need about 100 when you are done.  No popular press materials.  No websites.  No newspapers.  No magazines.  No books.  Only peer-reviewed journals permitted Everything in the reference list must be cited.  Everything cited must be in the reference list.  Every direct quotation must have a page number cited.  Everything paraphrased must be cited. 

Chapter 2:  Survey of literature. Due

T 1 Wk 5 Method

  1. Deadline for full proposal submitted to advisor including the method. Take everything you have so far and add: APA 1.09 II. Method, APA 1.13 References. APA 1.14 Appendix (e.g., survey, measure or unpublished test and its validation).

Full Proposal Due, including problem statement and method.

T 1 Wk 6 Proposal

Deadline: Entire revised proposal together and HARDCOPY submitted/mailed to each committee member.  Advisor will forward to the committee.

Revised Proposal Due.

T 1 Wk 7 IRB

Student needs to complete the human subjects certification and IRB proposal.  See tutorial, IRB/

Proposal defense to faculty committee.  Submit your proposal to your committee and receive their written approval. The Committee should consist of a minimum of two approved graduate faculty including the major advisor in the discipline area and one additional faculty member. It is advisable to include additional faculty member(s) from outside the discipline because faculty external to the discipline can bring fresh perspectives or provide valuable assistance in the conduct of research. 

Human Subjects Certification &

IRB application draft due.

 

T 1 Wk 8 Data

Divide what you have into the chapter format.  Broaden your review of literature to include another 30 peer-reviewed, scholarly references.  Read one a day and integrate the information into your thesis.

 

Write two or three pages a day and you will have the essence complete in 30 days.

 

Begin data collection AFTER you receive IRB approval.  The IRB may require changes in your method.

 

Read APA appendix A, p. 331.

If not already done, complete objective style comprehensive examination.

Submit IRB application after committee's approval.

 

Forward the approved thesis proposal with the Park Graduate School Thesis Proposal Form signed by everyone.

BETWEEN CA 797 & 798

 

  1. If you conduct research using human subjects, you need IRB approval. That includes everything, even benign newspaper-reporter style interviews. Even if you are exempt, you must have their approval because only the IRB can decide you are exempt. If using human subjects, complete the training course first. If using human subjects, submit your proposal to the IRB Application.

  2. Collect Data. Once you have a prospectus meeting--collectively or individually--proceed with your data collection as soon as you obtain IRB approval.

  3. Analyze Your Data

  4. Write the Discussion

  5. Check the Thesis requirements and add all the preliminary data.

  6. Format the Thesis according to the guidelines.

  7. Meet regularly with your advisor as you begin analyzing the data and writing up your results, and revising other chapters..

  8. Send a preliminary summary of results and discussion to committee members.

  9. Write the thesis. Remember to complete everything in the APA format.

  10. Contact the graduate school about any questions.

  11. Take your thesis to the Academic Support staff for help BEFORE submitting to Dr. Aitken.

  12. Send your work as it stands to all committee members so they know where you are.  Send any new chapter major revision to all committee members as you go along.  You must keep your committee up to date.

Comprehensive Exams due.

TERM 2 SCHEDULE

WEEKLY REQUIREMENTS

 

To graduate, the thesis draft needs to be submitted to your advisor week 1 of this term!

THESIS DEADLINES

If you miss a deadline, you will not graduate this term and will need to enroll in additional hours.

 

T 2 Wk 1 Draft

Submit final thesis to advisor.  In addition to previous content, this includes the APA 1.10 Results, and APA 1.11  Discussion.

Schedule defense committee meeting.

Have the Academic Support Services staff or someone proof everything before submitting to me.

 

Thesis Draft Due

T 2 Wk 2 Thesis

CRUCIAL DEADLINE
A copy of the completed thesis should be submitted to the major advisor no later than six weeks prior to the date of commencement.
 

Revised Thesis for Committee Due

T 2 Wk 3 Formatted

Meet with advisor to go over any final changes, then revise, and submit to committee.

 

MAIL OR DELIVER HARDCOPY TO EACH COMMITTEE MEMBER! The committee must have at least two weeks to read the final hardcopy, which is actually a rather unreasonable request.  The more time, the better.

Formatted Thesis Due

T 2 Wk 4 Defense

Oral defense.

Make needed changes.

Submit to graduate school by final deadline.

Oral Defense Due

 

 

T 2 Wk 5 Grad School

 

CRUCIAL DEADLINE Week 5

Submit completed thesis to graduate school.

Submit copies to library for bindery.

Submit Thesis and scanned copy of the signed form to Graduate School. FINAL DEADLINE

Enroll in CA 798 only if your thesis draft is finished, and you are ready to graduate. Otherwise, you will find yourself paying extra tuition for continuous enrollment (CA799)!

 

Thesis Organization

 

Blank page or copyright page
Abstract
Approval page
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations (if figures/graphs/etc. are used) List of Tables (if manuscript has tables)
Acknowledgments (if used)
Preface (if used)
Dedication (if used)
Abstract.
 

See Appendix A, p. 331 APA Manual.

 

Chapter 1: Defining the problem. (5 pages)

  1. Introduction – This is the background to the problem.

  1. A brief history of interest in the area.

  1. Specify unresolved issues, theoretical questions, and/or social concerns.

  2. Rationale for the study.

 

Chapter 2: Survey of literature.  (30-50 pages)

  1. Review of the Literature -- This is a survey of the theory and research related to the problem. It should provide the following:

  1. Define key variables.

  2. Critique and summarize prior research. This is a review of how the variables have been

studied and includes results, conclusions, and weakness.

  1. Establish the basis for your study, which isolate issues that merit further research.

 

Chapter 3: Problem Statement. (5 pages)

  1. Problem Statement -- Drawing from the literature review of 20-50 sources, explain the ideas you plan to investigate. Include the following:

  1. Identify variables (dependent and independent variables).

  2. Delineate the research problem to explain the relationships expected among variables (research questions or hypotheses).

 

Chapter 4: Method (5 pages)

  1. Method

    1. Describe why the research method (e.g., survey research) is used.

2. Instruments or measures

    1. Operational definitions of dependent and independent variables

    2. Instrument – rationale for the measure to be used (e.g., questionnaire, focus group, interview).

  1. Participants and procedures

    1. Selection of subjects (i.e., who and how to get them -- sampling procedure).

    2. Explain how materials will be distributed.

    3. Describe how data will be collected.

    4. Describe how data will be analyzed.

Chapter 5:  Results (5 pages).  Just the facts.

 

Chapter 6:  Discussion (10-30 pages).  See the APA manual.


References (Only peer-reviewed, scholarly journal articles in APA style)
Appendices
Vita

 

 

Thesis and Project Requirements Communication Arts Department Requirements

 

The M.A. in Communication and Leadership has two program options.  The first is the thesis option, which will provide students with the knowledge and skills to further research interests or gain entry into a Ph.D. program in communication or related areas.  The second is the project option, which provides the opportunity for practicing professionals to sharpen their skills or change careers.  The project may be a video, an information campaign, or media kit, for example. 

 

Both options require the completion of a prospectus/proposal and the same level of ethical standards and rigor.  Additionally, IRB procedures must be followed for both the thesis and the project options.

 

Typically, Thesis or Project hours cannot be started until the student has completed CA500, CA501, CA516, and CA517.

 

Option 1: Thesis

 

Option 1 requires a graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher after 10 hours of graduate courses.

 

Consult the Graduate Catalog and Graduate School Procedures Manual for additional information on thesis procedures.  A minimum of 36 hours is required under this option, including five hours of CA797 Thesis Design and Research.

 

The thesis is original scholarship that includes an exhaustive review and evaluative synthesis of literature or documentary evidence and the collection and analysis of data not previously available.

 

Park University faculty believe the Master's thesis is a major part of the student's educational experience. An acceptable thesis

  • demonstrates independent thought and research,

  • contributes to understanding or potential resolution of an issue in communication, and

  • communicates effectively to a relevant audience.

 

Students in the thesis track are expected to prepare a high quality thesis. Ideally, the thesis should be suitable for submission to a peer reviewed journal or equivalent publication. 

 

The department recommends this option for students planning to pursue graduate study at the doctoral level.

 

Under this option, the department expects each student to present a satisfactory thesis and defend it before a thesis committee of three members of the graduate faculty (one member may be from another department).  Non-graduate faculty may be committee members if they possess expertise in the area under study.

 

 

The Process

 

The first step is the selection of a thesis advisor.  Student-thesis advisor relationships are established in one of two ways. Either the student becomes interested in a topic then selects a thesis advisor on the basis of his/her interest and competency in the area, or the student first becomes interested in the work of a particular faculty member, and then decides to write his/her thesis in that area. Either approach is acceptable. The important thing is that the student feels free to approach any member of the graduate faculty concerning the question of thesis advising.

 

The thesis subject should be selected by the student and approved by the thesis advisor who will direct the research and writing.  Through consultation with the advisor, the student will chose the additional members of the committee and contact them to obtain their commitment to assist the student.  Typically, a committee has three members from the graduate faculty, and may include one member from outside the department. 

 

The student should complete the prospectus while talking the initial two hours of CA797 Thesis Design and Research.  The thesis advisor will assist the student until both advisor and student are satisfied with the prospectus.  The student will then submit the prospectus to the other members of the committee for comments and revisions.  The faculty believe a well-developed prospectus is essential for smooth development of the thesis, so students are urged to be thorough in developing the prospectus.

 

The prospectus should indicate (1) the purpose of the study, (2) a justification of the study, (3) a review of the literature, (4) a research supported explanation of the method to be used, (5) a timeline for completion, (6) an outline of the chapters and (7) a bibliography.  The committee members will act on the prospectus in group conference.  It is best if the student attend the meeting, although attending via phone is acceptable. 

 

After comment and revision to the committee’s satisfaction, the student may take the final three thesis hours.  After the advisor approves each chapter, it should be submitted to the other committee members for comments and revisions.  If the student does not complete the thesis after five hours of class credit, the student must remain enrolled in CA 799—Thesis Continuing Enrollment, until the Thesis has been approved by the committee.

 

Instructions regarding the preparation of the thesis may be obtained from the Graduate School.  The department uses APA style.  Please note that it is the responsibility of the student to comply with the thesis regulations established by the graduate school.  Failure to comply with regulations may result in delay in awarding the degree.

 

Once the final draft has been received and read by the thesis committee, the student will undergo an oral defense of the thesis.  Students must come to campus to present and defend their thesis.  If this represents an extreme hardship, the student’s committee may elect to make other arrangements (e.g., a videoconference).  The thesis advisor will serve as a chairperson of the examination session.  The grade is pass/fail.  The thesis committee has the option to: accept the thesis, reject the thesis, or request revisions. 

 

Following the defense, the committee will meet in private in order to evaluate the final work.  The committee may decide to accept it as is, reject it, or require revisions or further work.  Grades are on a pass/fail basis.

 

NOTE:  The student should continue work on the thesis even if not enrolled in thesis hours.  Typically the thesis will take about six months to complete. Students are advised to consult the current university catalog regarding dates and deadlines related to graduate work. 

 

 

Option II: Applied Learning Project

 

Option II requires a graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher after 15 hours of graduate courses.

 

A minimum of 36 hours is required under this option including two to five hours of CA 700—Graduate Project.   

 

The project is intended for students who are mid-career or who would gain academically and/or professionally from a course of study other than the intensive research and writing experience required in a thesis. 

 

Under this option each student must demonstrate the ability to engage in independent study resulting in a creative or research endeavor involving the formulation of new problems, the elaboration of new implications, or the development of new relationships.   The student should consult with their advisor to determine the number of hours appropriate to their project.  For example, developing a business plan and web page for a home business should take only two credit hours but developing two training and development programs or media kits may require the full five hours of credit.

 

Students may prepare a degree project that could take a variety of forms, including a place-based problem solving exercise, a specific policy proposal, a website, business communication training materials, a creative video or photography exhibit, business promotion materials, or a videotaped program or other project that is not predominantly written material.  Such projects must meet the same standards of academic excellence as the traditional thesis. 

 

An example project is to create two training and development programs.  These may be instructional units on topics relevant to the student’s employment or developed through consultation with area nonprofit organizations.  Another example would be to create two media kits, which contain an array of promotional writing and mediated materials designed for at least two different nonprofit organizations.  For example, a student might have the goal of starting a business to develop media kits for non-profit organizations.  The student’s idea for the project is to develop a media kit for a woman’s shelter where he/she volunteers.  Because the student completing this project has not demonstrated the ability to work for a variety of different non-profit organizations, he or she needs develop at least two different media kits for the project to help the student reach his/her business goal.  In all cases a student must also submit a summary of the research and/or data collection that was necessary for the completion of the project.

 

 

Project Process

 

The project subject should be selected by the student and approved by the advisor who will direct the research, writing, and practical work.  Through consultation with the advisor, the student will chose the two additional members of the committee (this can include one member from outside the department and/or one member with subject-matter expertise) and contact them to obtain their commitment to assist the student.

 

The student should complete the initial stages of the project while talking the first few hours of CA700—Graduate Project.  The student will first develop a proposal.  The project proposal should match the complexity of the project itself.   At a minimum, the proposal should indicate (1) the purpose of the project, (2) a justification of the project, (3) a clear explanation of the project, and (4) a timeline for completion.  Larger projects may require a literature review and bibliography.  The project advisor will assist the student until both advisor and student are pleased with the work.  The student will then submit the work to the other members of the committee for comments and revisions.  The committee members will act on the prospectus in group conference.  It is best if the student attend the meeting, although attending via phone is acceptable.  The department will schedule meetings during the second week of Fall I and Spring I and the fourth week of Fall II and Spring II for project review.   Students are advised to plan ahead to finish their work for consideration at these meetings. The faculty believe a well-developed plan is essential for smooth development of the project, so students are urged to be thorough in developing the prospectus.

 

A Project Committee may include one faculty member who does not have graduate standing, if his/her expertise is relevant and necessary for the specific project.

 

After comment and revision to the committee’s satisfaction, the student may take additional hours of CA700—Graduate Project as determined by their advisor.  The final work will be presented by the students at a meeting of graduate students, the project committee, and other faculty members.  The department will schedule meetings during the second week of Fall I and Spring I and the fourth week of Fall II and Spring II for project review.   Students are advised to plan ahead to finish their project for consideration at these meetings.

 

Students must come to campus to present and defend their project.  If this represents an extreme hardship, the student’s committee may elect to make other arrangements (e.g., a videoconference). 

 

Following the public presentation, the committee will meet in private in order to evaluate the final work.  The committee may decide to accept it as is, reject it, or require revisions or further work.  Grades are on a pass/fail basis.

 

Students are advised to consult the current university catalog regarding dates and deadlines related to graduate work.

 

 

Comprehensive Exams

 

All graduate students will be required to take comprehensive exams in order to graduate.  The comprehensive exam is designed to assess the student learning and the success of the program.  Students are reminded to read the statement on academic honesty in the graduate catalog before beginning the exam.

 

Students should expect four to eight questions which will be derived from the program goals.  They should consult their advisor about which faculty will submit and grade exam questions.  The program director will obtain the questions from the faculty and pass them on to the student.  Students will have 24 hours to complete the exam.  If students have difficulty with particular exam questions, they should contact the faculty submitting the question.  Exam questions will be graded by the faculty member who submitted the question and returned, with comments, to the program director.  Results will be returned to the students within two weeks. If the student does not meet expectations, they may be asked to rewrite portions of the exam or address additional questions.  Such revisions must be completed within one week of student receipt of the request for revision.  At that point, students will either pass or fail the exam.  Exams must be passed at least eight weeks before graduation.  Students are advised to plan ahead to meet deadlines.

 

PARK UNIVERSITY

PROCEDURES

 

G11.05 – MASTER’S THESIS PROCEDURES

Effective 2007

 

I. Master’s Thesis Procedures

 

    1. Purpose of a Master’s Thesis

 

                                                            1.      The writing of a thesis is a highly valued academic exercise and traditionally regarded as the culminating activity in a master’s degree program. The procedures that follow will guide students in pursuing this option.

 

a.       Students may earn up to six hours of graduate credit for writing a thesis by enrolling in thesis level courses. Continuous enrollment for an additional 1 hour is possible with the approval of the Committee Chair.

 

b.      Students should carefully plan their time to ensure that they develop a workable proposal, conduct the research, write the thesis and get it approved by the Committee in a timely manner. A copy of the completed thesis should be submitted to the major advisor no later than six weeks prior to the date of commencement. The Graduate School should receive a copy for final approval no later than three weeks prior to the day on which the degree is to be conferred.

 

    1. Thesis Committee

 

1.      Candidates should consult their major advisor in constituting a Committee and clarify the role of the Committee members in the research and writing process.  The primary responsibility for directing the thesis resides with the major advisor.  The Committee should consist of a minimum of three approved graduate faculty including the major advisor in the discipline area.  It is advisable to include additional faculty member(s) from outside the discipline because faculty external to the discipline can bring fresh perspectives or provide valuable assistance in the conduct of research. 


 

 

    1. Thesis Activities

 

                                                            1.      The candidate must register for a 7XX-level course in order to begin the process of developing a thesis proposal. The registration allows the student to receive advice from a member of the faculty and to utilize University facilities in preparation for the thesis. While enrolled for this course, the student is expected to actively work on developing a formal proposal related to an area of research interest under the direction of a faculty member who will be the major advisor or the Committee Chair.

 

                                                            2.      At minimum, the research proposal should identify the problem, clarify the thesis statement, select an appropriate research methodology (including the data gathering instruments and data analysis techniques) and provide an effective overview of the scholarly literature. The following general outline may be helpful in developing a proposal.

 

a.       Key concepts and definition of the project. Concisely and clearly state what the project intends to accomplish. What are the basic questions to be explored?

 

b.      Significance of the study. Why should the scientific community be interested in this study? What contribution will it make to the discipline, the profession and the society?

 

c.       Review of relevant literature. How does your research relate to the work of others? Where are the gaps in literature? What do you hope to add to the literature?

 

d.      Methodology. How do you plan to approach the subject? What is your methodology and what instruments or procedures will you use to gather the data/information that you would need to address the questions? What is the justification for the use of this methodology? Do you have the resources to conduct the study, such as access to people, data, archives, collections, time, etc.?

 

e.       Plan of work and timetable. Present a realistic timetable including specific dates by which you plan to complete specific facets of the research. It would help you and the Committee to decide if you can realistically complete the project.

 

f.        Bibliography. Present a working bibliography that includes scholarly books and articles. Naturally, you will revise and expand this bibliography as you continue with your project.

 

                                                            3.      When the proposal is ready for defense, the student must work with the Chair in setting a date for the proposal defense. The defense must be conducted at least a semester prior to graduation and the proposal must be submitted to the Graduate School once it is approved by the Chair and all members of the Committee (see Appendix C).

 

                                                            4.      In preparing the thesis proposal, students must be aware that any research that involves human subjects must be approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University in order to assure compliance with applicable federal regulations and University policies. The proposal must be reviewed and approved by the IRB according to the University procedure. Failure to gain the IRB approval will result in denial of the proposal. It is a violation of the procedures to contact human subjects prior to the IRB approval of the proposal. It is highly recommended that the IRB approval be received prior to the proposal defense to avoid the need for substantial revisions based on the IRB review.  Additional information related to the IRB may be found at:
http://www.park.edu/irb/

 

                                                            5.      Following the approval of the thesis proposal, students begin data gathering. Data may be collected using qualitative, quantitative, participatory, documentary, or action research methodologies as may be appropriate. The writing of the thesis may then begin with the guidance of the Committee Chair. Students are encouraged to consult the Chair regularly to ensure that they receive timely and useful feedback throughout the research and writing process.

 

                                                            6.      An oral defense of the thesis must be satisfactorily completed and approved by the Committee and the result of the defense must be submitted to the Graduate School three weeks prior to graduation (see Appendix C). Thesis defense is open to the University community.

 

    1. Enrollment in 799 (1 credit hour)

 

1.      When additional time is needed to complete the thesis work, enrollment in 799 is permitted in consultation with the Chair.

 

 

    1. Style and Format

 

1.      Style:  The writing of the thesis should consistently follow the style manual approved by the department/school. Recommended style manuals for some disciplines are given below.  Always consult the latest edition of the manual.  You may wish to peruse the style used in a refereed journal in the discipline for clarification since a thesis is expected to be written in such a way as to be publishable in a professional journal in the discipline.

 

Examples:

 

Business

 

Communication Leadership

American Psychological Association.   Publication Manual, latest version published by the Association.

 

Education

American Psychological Association.   Publication Manual, latest version published by the Association.

 

Public Affairs

MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, latest version.

 

Healthcare Leadership

American Psychological Association.   Publication Manual, latest version published by the Association.

 

 

2.      Font and Type: The text of the thesis must be 12-point in a standard font such as Times New Roman. 

 

3.      Margins: The margins for each page shall be as follows:  Left margin, one and one half inch; all other margins, one inch.

 

4.      Spacing: For the body of the text, use a space and half or double-spacing. Spacing of footnotes, long quotes, bibliography, figures, tables and appendices should follow the style manual you are using.

 

5.      Abstract: Every thesis must include an abstract that summarizes the content of the thesis in no more than 350 words.  Abstract may be single or double spaced.  (See attached example for suggested format.)

 

6.      Footnotes/Endnotes: Footnotes can be placed at the bottom of the page or at the end of the chapter, depending on the manuscript style you are using.  Do not footnote the title page.  Footnotes can be single-spaced.  Use footnotes judiciously.  They are used to elucidate an idea without interrupting the movement of thought in the main body of the text. 

 

7.      Assembly of Materials: Assembly of materials in the manuscript will be in the following order: 

a.       Blank sheet

b.   Title Page (do not number)

c.    Signature Page (Roman numeral ii)

d.   Copyright Page (if desired)

e.    Abstract

f.     Acknowledgements (if applicable)

g.    Table of Contents

h.    List of Tables (if applicable)

i.      List of Figures (if applicable)

j.     Text/chapters (begin Arabic numbering)

k.   Literature cited (may be titled Bibliography, References, or Literature Cited)

l.      Appendices (if applicable)

m.     Permission to copy (if applicable)

n.    Vita

o.   Blank Sheet

(Please see Appendix C for example.)

 

8.      Numbering of Pages:  The two blank pages are not numbered; all other pages of the manuscript must be numbered.  All preliminary pages are numbered with small Roman numerals beginning with the title page, but the number does not appear on the title page.  The signature page is given page number “ii.”  The body of the manuscript beginning with Chapter 1 through appendices, and bibliography and vita are to be numbered consecutively with Arabic numbers.  The first page of each major division of the manuscript (such as the Table of Contents, Acknowledgments, Bibliography, etc.) and the first page of each chapter must be numbered in the center of the bottom of the page, one line below the one-inch margin.  Number all other pages at the top, right-hand side. 

 

9.      Format of Title page, etc. The format of the title page, signature sheet, abstract and vita shall follow the guides attached to this procedure. 

 

10.  Copyright.  If a copyright page is used, it will be numbered number “iii.”  Center “Copyright@year” as shown below:

 

Copyright 2004

John T. Goodfellow

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

 

Registering your thesis for copyright is not required, but you may wish to do so.  The Director of the Library will assist you in this process.  To register for copyright, send the three pieces of information mentioned below to:

 

                  Register of Copyright

                  Copyright Office

                  Library of Congress

                  101 Independence Avenue, S. E

                  Washington, D.C., 20559-600

 

1.      A completed application form.

2.      A $45.00 payment to “Register of Copyrights.” (Please check the fee as it may change).  The fee is non-refundable. 

3.      One non-returnable copy of the work to be registered.

 

Your registration becomes effective on the day the completed application and other required items are received by the Copyright Office.  You can expect to receive a certificate of registration in 4-5 months.  For additional information, please consult:

 

http://www.copyright.gov/reg.html

 

11.  Charts, Graphs, Figures, Photographs, Diagrams.  All such items must be clear, clean and relevant.  If photographs or pictures are used, use of black-and-white copies is preferable to color unless color photographs are necessary.  When color photographs or other pictorial items are used, all copies of the thesis must contain original color photographs or pictorial items. 

 


 
    1. Frequently Asked Questions (see Appendix C)

 

    1. Thesis Proposal Form (see Appendix C)

 

    1. Sample Abstract (see Appendix C)

 

    1. Sample Title Page (see Appendix C)

 

    1. Sample Vita (see Appendix C)

 

    1. Checklist for Thesis Students (see Appendix C)

 

    1. Submission of Thesis

 

1.      Only theses that have the approval pages properly endorsed by the Chair and the Committee members will be accepted by the Graduate School.  Before the manuscript is bound, a complete copy must be submitted to the Graduate School, five weeks before commencement, for scrutiny and approval.  The manuscript must be accompanied by:

 

a.       Four signature pages on 100 percent cotton bond, minimum 20lb. paper with each page signed by the Chair and Committee members.  No photocopied signatures will be accepted.

 

b.      Binding and copyright fees if applicable.

 

The Director of the Library will handle binding and copyright.

 

2.      Corrections: Corrections offered by the appropriate School or its representative must be made before the Senior Academic Officer can approve the thesis.  After making the corrections, make the final four copies on a good grade of bond paper.  Check each copy for order and copy quality before submitting them to the School.  Four copies are required to be bound and they will be distributed as follows:  One copy for your department/school; one copy for your major advisor; one copy for the University library; one copy for you.  If you wish to have additional bound copies, please make arrangements for binding through the Graduate School.  The library copy will be placed on the open library shelves and it will be accessible to the public. 

 

 CONTACT FOR INTERPRETATION:  Executive Director for the Graduate School


 

 

Appendix C


 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Q.  To what extent should my research be original?

 

A.  A thesis is an original piece of work.  However, no work is so original that it does not build on research that has already been done.  A careful review of scholarly literature will reveal that scholars have wrestled with some of the same issues in different ways long before you thought about them.  Originality is matter of approach, filling gaps in literature, examining the same issue in light of additional new information, re-testing a hypothesis, challenging the validity of given wisdom, advancing knowledge to a new level, or making a contribution to professional practice.  Raising new questions about the subject is a mark of originality. 

 

Q.  What is the appropriate length for my thesis?

 

A.  Although size is not necessarily a measure of a work’s quality, size does matter for a thesis.  The length of a master’s thesis will depend on the subject matter and the discipline.  In humanities, education, and social sciences a thesis may range from 60 to 150 pages.  In natural sciences it may be shorter.  You are not expected to produce a thesis that is longer than a 100 pages of text.  A thesis that is less than 60 pages in length excluding initial pages, bibliography and appendices is likely to be too short. 

 

Q. What is the style of a thesis as a genre of writing?

 

      A thesis should emulate professional/scientific writing: concise, clear, cogently argued, well-referenced, and objective.  This does not mean that a thesis should make boring reading.  Your passion in the subject must not bias your research, but it should energize your writing.  Have someone check the spelling, grammar, and presentation before presenting the final draft. 

 

The arrangement of chapters and the overall structure of the thesis are as important as its writing style.  Does the thesis tell a good story of your research with a clear beginning and an interesting ending? 

 

Q. How long does it take to write a good thesis?

     

A.  It depends on a variety of circumstances including your work habits.  Write a few pages everyday.  As in other forms of writing, there is no substitute for writing when the idea needs to be put down in writing.  Do not attempt to make your first draft the perfect document.  Share your writing chapter-by-chapter or section-by-section with your major advisor to receive feedback.  You may consult other Committee members as needed, but it is your major advisor who should direct and guide you in your work. 

 

Q.  What does the thesis Committee look for in a thesis?

 

A.  Keep in mind that during the thesis defense, the Committee wants to know the following sorts of things: Do you really understand the topic you are writing about?  Are you glossing over a problem or area of which you are unsure?  Can you place your research within a wider context and explain its significance to people outside your field? Are you familiar with the literature?  Have you consulted not only recent studies but also classics in the field?  Can you defend your methodology?  Do your conclusions logically follow from the data?  How careful are you in interpreting the data?  What are the limitations of your study? What are the possibilities of additional research? 

 


 

Thesis proposal form

 

 

 

 


 

Sample Abstract

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABSTRACT

(as appropriate for designated style)

 

 

TITLE OF THESIS

(as appropriate for designated style)

 

 

Begin abstract, summarizing your thesis.  It should not exceed 350 words.  Include the purpose, research procedure, results, and conclusions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roman numeral for page number


 

Sample Title page

 

 

 

TITLE OF THESIS

 

(Center title between the left and right margins.  Succeeding lines of title must be shorter than the preceding line.  Use one space and a half or double-space consistent with the body of the thesis)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

 

YOUR NAME

 

(Placed approximately in the middle of the page)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Toward the bottom of the page)

Submitted to the Department/School/Division of ____________

Park University

in partial fulfillment of the degree of

YOUR SPECIFIC DEGREE IN CAPS (no abbreviation)

Month, Year

 

 

(No page number)

Vita

 

 

 

VITA

 

(Limited to 350 words)

 

            Begin vita by stating when and where you were born, your educational history, brief description of your professional accomplishments, and any other relevant information. 

           

 


 

Graduate School Checklist for Thesis Students

 

 

Student name: ________________________________________________________

 

Current Mailing Address:_______________________________________________

 

                                         _______________________________________________

 

                                        ________________________________________________

 

Current Phone Numbers _________________ (H)  _________________________ (W)

 

Proposal defense Date ____________________

 

Thesis Defense Date:______________________

 

Thesis submitted to Graduate School for approval: _______ (Yes) ________ (no)

 

Four Copies of thesis submitted on good quality bond paper_______ (Yes) _______ (No)

 

Additional copy submitted if copyright is requested _____ (Yes) _______ (No)

 

Copyright application form completed _______ (Yes) ______ (No)

 

Copyright fee paid _________ (Yes) ________ (No)

 

Fee for binding of the thesis paid ________ (Yes) ______ (No)

 

 

Web Resources

Dr. Aitken's Tutorials: APA Style Requirements - Course Expectations - IRB  - Library Database Tutorial

 


Dr. A's APA writing expectations: http://onlineacademics.org/APA.html  Please read this information so you can do your own editing.

 

Heffner, (2003). Research methods. All Psych Online. 

There are few areas in education that are covered on the Internet as well as research, so you may find this choice most helpful. Many of the test questions come from Heffner, which is totally available online. http://allpsych.com/researchmethods/researchcontents.html


Additional online books about research, which you may help you in this course (from http://www.slais.ubc.ca/resources/research_methods/online.htm )

Air University Sampling and Surveying Handbook

Cognitive Aspects of Survey Methodology: Building a Bridge Between Disciplines: Report of the Advanced Research Seminar on Cognitive Aspects of Survey Methodology [online book]

Evaluation Cookbook


Know Your Audience: a Practical Guide to Audience Research

Listener Survey Toolkit

The Little Handbook of Statistical Practice, by Gerard E. Dallal

Marketing Research and Information Systems
, by I.M. Crawford

Methods in Behavioral Research, by Paul C. Cozby [site includes support materials, but not complete text]

The Qualitative Methods Workbook, by David W. Stockburger

Questionnaire Design and Analysis Activities, by Allison Galloway

Questionnaire Design and Analysis: A Workbook by Alison Galloway [excellent source]

Research Methods, 3rd edition, by Anthony M. Graziano and Michael L. Raulin [site includes support materials, but not complete text]

Research Methods Knowledge Base by William M. Trochim [excellent source]

Sampling: A Workbook, by Alison Galloway

Simple Data Measurement: A Workbook, by Alison Galloway

Six Phases of the Research Process, by Marion Joppe

The Whole Art of Deduction: Research Skills for Allied Health Scientists by Rodger Marion

 

Grading

 

 

Term 1: 100% of the thesis grade is based on the advisor's evaluation of the proposal/project submitted by week 6 and revised by Monday of week 8.

 

Term 2: 100% of the project/thesis grade is based on the advisor and committee decision on the quality of the final proposal submitted to the department/graduate school week 5 of term 2.

 

No incompletes.  If you don't plan on meeting deadlines, you will want to use a different advisor.

 


YOU MUST BE OFF PROBATION AND HAVE FULLY COMPLETED YOUR APPLICATION AND ADMITTANCE TO THE PROGRAM.

 

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMS need to have passed your comps BEFORE your final term.

 

DUE WEEK TWO OF LAST TERM BEFORE GRADUATION

 

MAIL or deliver HARDCOPY TWO WEEK IN ADVANCE
Make sure you get a hardcopy to all your committee members about a week before the defense. Hardcopies of your revised thesis must be submitted to all committee members no later than six weeks prior to the date of commencement. That gives your committee only two weeks to read your thesis and for you to defend it. At most universities, they are given MONTHS to do this, so even two weeks is an unrealistic expectation.  Make sure you warn the committee of your deadlines in advance, and you will want to send materials as you go along so there is less for them to read and respond to at the end. If you wait too long, you may not be able to graduate. During holiday times, between terms, and summer, please do not expect faculty to read, correspond with you, or meet.  

 

Please be sure to send an electronic copy of each chapter to each committee member as soon as it is done.  Tell them you just want them to see your progress, and you welcome any suggestions or corrections.

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PAGE
Of course you can say whatever you want, but usually people thank each committee member in the first paragraph. Then they thank key family and friends in the next paragraph (e.g., for their support, proofing of the manuscript). I've seen thanks to other university people who have helped, like a librarian. Don't thank the the company where your research was done,  but if you thank someone from the company, do so in generic terms to no one can they they were part of the study. It's considered bad form to thank pets. (grin)

 

DEDICATION

Again you can say whatever you want, but for an author's first book, the dedication is traditionally to parents.  Some people select their significant other.  It's considered bad form to dedicate to animals, causes, or things.

 

THESIS DUE TO GRADUATE SCHOOL WEEK FIVE OF LAST TERM
We have no control over this deadline, so meet it! This means the thesis is in final form. 

 

Send an electronic version to Dr.  sending them the electronic version.

 

, all corrections made, on the correct paper, with forms signed. The Graduate School should receive a copy for final approval no later than three weeks prior to the day on which the degree is to be conferred.

 

IRB NOTIFICATION OF CONCLUSION OF RESEARCH

 

You are required to notify the IRB that you finished by contacting

Dr. Kerkman of the IRB saying something like this.

This email is notification that my research on human subjects entitled _____________ , tracking number __________________ is completed.  I have finished collecting collecting data.  Thank you for your help with this work.

 

ORAL DEFENSE

 

 

Binding

 

 

Make sure your advisor has four copies of the signature page on 100% cotton for the oral defense meeting.

 

Your advisor will send you changes to your thesis after the committee meeting for the oral defense.  Go back and REREAD THIS PAGE, particularly being careful to comply with the Park Procedures listed on this page.  You have to proof your final version carefully because no one will proof it for you.  You may want to hire a proof-reader to double-check everything.  You need to make sure everything is correct and in proper order.  Then send an electronic version to the Director of the Graduate School with the email copied to your advisor. 

 

Contact Dr. Schultis and do exactly what she says.  No arguments.  She is an important and well-respected person at this university.  Be respectful!

 

Dr. A. Schultis

Director of Library Systems

Park University Library

8700 NW River Park Dr.

Parkville, MO   64152-3795

ann.schultis@park.edu

ph: 816-584-6704

fax: 816-741-4911

 

She will probably tell you something like the information below.

 

Houchen Bindery was used in 2008 and 2009. http://odp.houchenbindery.com/

 

Print your copies of your thesis on high quality bond--acid free paper--and mail to Dr. Schultis with a check. 

 

Be sure to include a copyright page, if you plan to obtain a copyright.

 

Where to go for printing?

I recommend you go to some place like Office Max or Kinkos and talk to them about making your copies. You want acid free paper because you don't want pages to yellow. But someplace I went said all their paper is now acid free. Make sure you ask about the acid free part. Tell them you're having a thesis bound and ask for their advice about a good quality paper. 100% cotton is hard to work with, too thick, and very expensive, and I don't think you'll be happy with it. There's no reason to spend hundreds of dollars on this, you just want a nice copy that will last.  Then you deliver or ship them to Dr. Schultis.

 

How many copies?

One for the library.

One for the department.

One for you.

Aitken does not want/need another hardcopy, so don't have one printed.

Check to see if the Director of the Program (Dr. Noe) wants one. 

 

The only professionally bound copy you absolutely MUST have is the one that you give to the library.

 

Finish on time!

 

 

Aitken's Homepage http://onlineacademics.org/

Guidelines for Students http://onlineacademics.org/Guidelines.html

Late Work http://onlineacademics.org/Guidelines.html#BE_ON_TIME

Office Hours http://onlineacademics.org/Guidelines.html#OFFICE

Teaching Philosophy http://onlineacademics.org/Guidelines.html#PHILOSOPHY

 

Additional Guidelines for Dr. Aitken's Thesis Advisees -- The Writing Process Guidelines are taken from UMKC and are just that:

 

Formatting Details Guidelines, click here. 

 

The main principle is consistency.  I have been a journal editor and can help with the APA style.  To begin, just write, then you can worry about formatting when you near completion. 

 

Please do NOT use software designed to convert your thesis to APA style because it can introduce errors in formatting.

The Perfect Finish

http://www.posters.com/pv-402530_The-Perfect-Finish.html

Text Box: 1

Photos from Microsoft Office for use only in course presentation materials for enrolled students.

 

Page reference: Aitken, J. E. (2008). Thesis design and research. Kansas City, MO: OnlineAcademics.Org. Retrieved month day, year, from http://onlineacademics.org/CA797

 

 

These pages are provided by Dr. Joan E. Aitken to supplement official information available through Park University. This page is provided as a free service, without the authority of any institution or organization. OnlineAcademics.Org. Copyright 2005-2010. All Rights Reserved.

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