University Thesis Writing Guide
Dear Master’s Candidate:
You are about to embark on one of the most important aspects of a master’s degree, the preparation of a master’s thesis. The thesis will provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate the ideas, research skills, and creative abilities you have gained during your graduate work.
As with your previous master’s coursework, the first place to begin this new endeavor is with your department. The most important person in your department at this time will be your thesis advisor. You should select an advisor who is a good match with your research interests and with whom you have a good academic and working relationship. The selection and definition of a research topic and methodology is a key element for completing a successful thesis. Your thesis advisor is the person who will help you do this and who will guide you through the content and research requirements of the thesis.
The Office of Academic Programs and Graduate Studies will assist you with the style and format of your thesis. This University Thesis Writing Guide presents the requirements to follow when you write your thesis. Reading and following these guidelines will help you to prepare a thesis that will be in conformance with university standards and thus acceptable for format and style. Questions of content and academic quality are determined by the thesis advisor in your department.
After you have read the University Thesis Writing Guide, please call the Office of Academic Programs and Graduate Studies at (510) 885-3716 if you have any questions concerning style and format not covered in these pages. I encourage you to clear up these questions before the preparation of your final draft. When you are ready to submit your thesis, please complete the Thesis Submission form, which may be downloaded here.
Deadlines to submit your university thesis for format review and submit copies:
Quarter |
Format Review |
Revised/Multiple Copies and
|
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2012 |
November 9, 2012 |
December 7, 2012 |
| Winter 2013 |
February 22, 2013 |
March 15, 2013 |
| Spring 2013 |
May 17, 2013 |
June 7, 2013 |
| Summer 2013 |
August 9, 2013 |
August 30, 2013 |
Congratulations on your graduate work to date and best wishes on your University Thesis.
Sincerely,
Donna Wiley, Ph.D.
Senior Director, Graduate Studies and Academic Programs
Download a University Thesis Writing Guide.
Other Graduate Student Services Links:
- Graduate Admissions Events
- Graduate Opportunities and Financial Resources
- Graduate Student Services
- Change of Graduate and Unclassified Post-Baccalaureate Objective
- Dual Degree or Second Masters Degree
- Graduate Reinstatement
- Graduate Study Completion
- University Thesis and Dissertation
- Thesis Submission Form
- Electronic Thesis Library Permission Form
- Dissertation Submission Form
- University Thesis Writing Guide
