Thesis or Project
Types of Culminating Activities
Most graduate programs require their students to complete a culminating activity to demonstrate their mastery of the discipline as well as their ability to integrate the learning from multiple courses. In some departments, students conduct a research project and write a Master's thesis. In other departments, student completes Master's projects, portfolios, or take comprehensive exams. Students must consult with their graduate coordinator, as well as carefully reviewing the requirements for the program in the University Catalog.
Master's Thesis/Project Special Instructions
Formatting Instructions:
The final preparation of a master's thesis or project is regulated by policies established by the Graduate Council and requires that specific University and departmental format criteria be met: Formatting Instructions: The final preparation of a master's thesis or project is regulated by policies established by the Graduate Council and requires that specific University and departmental format criteria be met:
A Guide to Graduate Studies: Policies, Procedures, and Format: This online publication provides detailed information on culminating project format requirements and graduation clearance procedures.
Private Formatters and Editors: Formatters and Editors offer their services as private contractors to assist with formatting your master's thesis or project, or with the permission of your graduate advisory committee, with editing the content. This links to a list of local formatters.
CSU, Chico Thesis Editor: The Thesis Editor, Chris LaVerne, may be contacted at the Office of Graduate Studies if you have questions concerning the formatting of your document. Preliminary edits for candidates formatting their own document are offered throughout the early part of each semester (generally up to four weeks prior to the submission deadline for the semester). Only one formal edit will be done on a document submitted for a final approval by the Office of Graduate Studies.
Submission Instructions:
Each candidate must submit one printed copy of their master's thesis/project. In addition, the thesis must be accompanied by the following:
- Thesis/Project Submission Form (complete and signed by candidate)
- Two approval pages with the original signatures of each committee member
- A CD containing an identical copy of the master's thesis/project. All CD labeling must be done either by laser-printing directly to the CD or a disk-safe label must be used. DO NOT hand print information directly on to the CD. The CD containing the PDF of a thesis/project should be labeled with the candidate's name, the department honoring the degree, the semester of graduation, and the exact title of the thesis or project. If a title is too long to fit on the CD label, please type as much as possible and end the title with a series of four ellipsis points.
For specific information on format requirements, copyright permissions, and the use of Human Subject in Research, candidates are encouraged to refer to A Guide to Graduate Studies: Policies, Procedures, and Format.
Submission Deadlines:
Deadlines: To meet the submission deadline, all master's theses/projects must be in final format, be signed by all committee members, and submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies by 5:00 p.m. The oral defense of the thesis/project should also be completed by this date.