MS Thesis Option

Students who are considering continuing studies in a PhD program may want to consider pursuing the MS thesis option, as it will better prepare them for research. Successful completion of a master's thesis requires adequate preparation, original research, and a high degree of independence. Permission to take the thesis option is granted to qualified, motivated, and well-prepared students who are able to obtain a thesis advisor. Students are required to enroll in 6 units of CSC 910 Thesis as outlined in the MS Curriculum.

Thesis students must form a thesis committee (see below) in consultation with their thesis advisor, then discuss with them their expectations of the thesis.

Thesis students must pass a final oral examination, which consists of a defense of the thesis before the thesis committee and public (see Final Defense Instructions).

Revisions are often required by the committee, to be made subsequent to the defense. The final thesis must be submitted for archiving to the Graduate College by the stated deadline.

Note: 1) Students must email the GPC with their proposed exam date and time to reserve a room. 2) Students must send their abstract to the GPC at least one week before the defense, so a defense announcement can be sent on the colloquium email list.

Master's Thesis Committee

  1. Committee must have 3­-5 members.

  2. At least half of the committee must have primary, tenure track faculty appointments in the Department of Computer Science. (ex., 2 of 3, 2 of 4, or 3 of 5)

  3. More than half of the committee must have primary, shared, or joint (courtesy) tenure track faculty
    appointments in the Department of Computer Science. (ex., 2 of 3, 3 of 4, or 3 of 5)

  4. The advisor must have a primary, shared, or joint (courtesy) tenure track faculty appointment in the
    Department of Computer Science.

  5. Committee must meet all Graduate College Requirements.