Completing a thesis in just 14 days might seem impossible, but with the right strategy and support, it's achievable. This guide breaks down each step you need to take, from forming your thesis committee to getting final approval. By following these steps, you can turn a daunting task into a manageable project.

Key Takeaways

• Start early and use the Student Writing Center for help.
• Follow the Guidelines for Preparation of Masters Thesis and Doctoral Dissertation closely.
• Include a blank Signature Page in your thesis.
• Use TurnItIn to check for plagiarism before submitting your draft.
• Get your mentor's permission and send a complete draft to your committee at least six weeks before your defense.

1. The Thesis Timeline

Creating a timeline for your thesis is crucial for successful completion. Mastering time management is essential to meet your thesis deadlines. Start by selecting a research topic as soon as you enter the program. Consult with your mentor to construct a timeline for the various aspects involved in the thesis. Typically, a Master's thesis requires a minimum of two semesters to complete, although it often takes longer.

A sample timeline might look like this:

Year	Fall	Spring	Summer
1	Selection of thesis topic	Library research and writing of the proposal	Oral proposal completed and approved

Remember, consistent effort and effective planning are key to staying on track. Challenges will arise, but with a well-structured timeline, you can navigate them successfully.

2. The Thesis Committee

Your thesis committee plays a crucial role in your graduate journey. The chair is responsible for guiding the student to produce graduate-level, original scholarship in the proposed topic area. This typically involves meeting regularly to discuss your progress and provide feedback.

Your mentor will help you select a thesis committee. This committee must include at least two additional faculty members. One of these members must be CCP Core Faculty, while the other must be someone who is not CCP Core Faculty. The purpose of this committee is to advise you about your research, provide feedback on your proposal, and evaluate your demonstration of knowledge and skills in research.

The student and committee ensure the quality of content and correctness of form of the thesis. You may receive ongoing evaluations from the committee, but final approval is given only on the completed document. Make sure to keep your thesis committee up-to-date on your progress to ensure a smooth process.

3. The Thesis Proposal

The Thesis Proposal is a crucial step in your journey. It consists of both a written document and an oral presentation. The written proposal should describe your project in enough detail so that the committee can judge its merit before you start. This document typically includes an introduction, a literature review, and a statement of your research question.

Once your written proposal is complete, you will present it orally to your Thesis Committee. This meeting is your responsibility to schedule and organize, including finding a location and any needed technology. The meeting is open to all core and affiliate faculty and students.

After your proposal is approved by the committee and the IRB, you can proceed with your research as planned. This successful proposal also serves as the Comprehensive Exam requirement for your MS Program. Remember to bring the Comprehensive Exam Report form to your oral proposal meeting for signatures and submission.

Here is a sample timeline to help you stay on track:

Year	Fall	Spring	Summer
1	Selection of thesis topic	Selection and approval of a thesis committee	Library research and writing of the written proposal document
2	Written proposal document provided to the committee two weeks prior to the oral proposal	Oral proposal completed and approved by the committee	Begin research as outlined in the proposal

Regularly update your committee on your progress to ensure you stay on track and receive timely feedback.

4. The Thesis Defense

The Thesis Defense is a crucial part of your graduate journey. It consists of two main components: a written document and an oral presentation. The Written Defense describes your completed project with detailed analyses and interpretations. This document must follow the formatting standards of the American Psychological Association’s Publication Manual and the Graduate School's requirements.

The Oral Defense involves presenting your completed Thesis Project. During this presentation, you will be examined on various aspects of your research, including the justification for the research, the methodology, the analysis, and the interpretation of the results. The significance of your research will also be scrutinized.

Your thesis must be defended in front of a designated examining committee. The committee will decide if you have passed or failed the examination, considering the opinions of other faculty members. A majority of the committee, including those from your major department, must approve your thesis. A unanimous decision is not required.

5. Final Steps

As you approach the end of your thesis journey, there are several crucial steps to ensure everything is in order. Submit your Final Program of Study to your department. This document outlines the courses and research you have completed.

Next, don't forget the signed title page requirement. This page must be signed by all members of your thesis committee and is a key part of your submission.

Plan the last four weeks carefully. This period is critical for final revisions and ensuring all administrative tasks are completed. Make sure to finalize your ETD submission to ProQuest. The student must submit a final, error-free PDF version of the document to ProQuest. Do not submit the PDF until all previous steps have been completed.

Finally, ensure your department submits all necessary forms. This includes any final examination requirements for your thesis master's degree. By following these steps, you can confidently complete your thesis and move towards graduation.

6. Timely Response

Responding promptly to feedback from your thesis committee is crucial. Delays in communication can lead to setbacks in your progress. Make sure to address all comments and suggestions as soon as possible to stay on track. This is especially important when balancing thesis work with other commitments. Timely responses ensure that you can meet the summer deadline of your sixth semester, which is essential for graduating on time. Failure to do so may result in delays and disruptions in your academic journey.

7. Notation of Graduation Date

Ensuring the correct notation of your graduation date is crucial for a smooth transition from student to graduate. Graduation Application is due 5/17/24 for August (Summer). If you want your name included in the commencement program, you must follow the date listed in the university's academic calendar, which is 3/26/24. This step is essential for avoiding procrastination pitfalls and ensuring your achievements are recognized on time.

Many students mistakenly believe they are not graduating until December if they finish their degree in the summer. However, you complete your degree at the end of the summer semester. You can request to take part in the spring graduation ceremony if you prefer. This flexibility allows you to celebrate your success without delay.

Here are some key deadlines to keep in mind:

Event	Summer 2024	Fall 2024	Spring 2025 (tentative)
Final date to enroll	June 5	August 23	January 21
Final date to apply for candidacy	June 14	September 9	February 10
Final Program of Study (if applicable)	May 3	August 2	December 13
Thesis or Dissertation Defense	July 12	November 15	April 18

By adhering to these deadlines, you ensure a timely and accurate notation of your graduation date, paving the way for your future endeavors.

8. Thesis Grades

At the end of each semester, you will receive a grade for your thesis course, such as PSY 599. This grade reflects the quality of your progress. Grades range from A to F. Your faculty will consider your work deadlines and progress benchmarks when assigning a grade.

If you face unforeseen circumstances that hinder your progress, you might receive an "I" for incomplete. To complete your thesis, you need a grade of "B" or higher on your final thesis course credit. This is determined by the approval of your Thesis Chair, a majority of the Thesis Committee, the Department Chair, and the Dean of the Graduate School.

Here is a simple breakdown of the grading system:

Grade	Description
A	Excellent
B	Good
C	Fair
D	Poor
F	Fail

If you fail any part of your thesis, your committee chair will provide feedback and help you prepare for a second attempt. Remember, continuous enrollment in your thesis course is often required until you complete your research.

9. Student Writing Center

The Student Writing Center is an invaluable resource for graduate students working on their theses. Located in King Library, the center offers a range of services to help you improve your writing skills and prepare your manuscript. Whether you need help with grammar, structure, or style, the center's experienced staff is there to assist you.

Available Services

• One-on-one writing consultations
• Workshops on various aspects of academic writing
• Access to writing resources and guides

How to Schedule an Appointment

To make the most of the Student Writing Center, you can schedule an appointment online or by calling 513-529-6100. Walk-ins are also welcome, but it's best to book in advance to ensure you get the help you need.

Additional Resources

The center also maintains a writing and communication resource blog & updates, where you can find the latest tips and resources to aid your writing journey. This blog is regularly updated by the center's staff to provide you with the most current information.

Contact Information

• Location: King Library, 151 S. Campus Ave., Oxford, OH 45056
• Phone: 513-529-6100
• Email: hwconline@MiamiOH.edu

10. Guidelines for Preparation of Masters Thesis and Doctoral Dissertation

The Guidelines for Preparation of the Masters Thesis and Doctoral Dissertation provide detailed instructions and examples for completing your thesis or dissertation. You should also talk with your mentor and graduate program director about specific expectations within your program.

Start early and take advantage of the Student Writing Center. Draft your thesis or dissertation according to the Guidelines for Preparation of Masters Thesis and Doctoral Dissertation. Include a blank Signature Page. Use TurnItIn to help avoid plagiarism (login required). With your mentor’s permission, send a complete draft to your committee for review, preferably at least 6 weeks before you plan to defend.

The thesis or dissertation should be presented in a scholarly, well-integrated, properly documented manner, which reports the original work done by the student under the supervision of the advisory committee. Some departments have additional guidelines for preparing manuscripts. It is your responsibility to follow department-specific guidelines together with those found in this guide when preparing your manuscript. The final responsibility for the format of your thesis or dissertation rests upon you as the author. Spelling, punctuation, and grammar must be used correctly. The Graduate School reserves the right to refuse any manuscript that does not observe these fundamentals and that does not follow the format.

11. Signature Page

The signature page is a crucial part of your thesis submission. Each thesis and project will have a departmental signature page as the first page. This page must be signed by all members of your thesis committee to validate your work. For your convenience, the library will insert the signature page for you.

Requirements

1. Ensure that the signature page is the first page of your thesis.
2. Obtain signatures from all committee members.
3. Submit the signed page along with your thesis.

Formatting

The signature page should follow the formatting guidelines provided by your department. Typically, it includes:

• Title of the thesis
• Names and titles of committee members
• Date of approval

Submission

After obtaining all necessary signatures, you must upload the signed page as part of your thesis submission. Name your document in the following format: LastName_FirstName_SignaturePage.pdf. Upload it in the supplemental documents category.

Tips

• Double-check that all signatures are present.
• Ensure the page is free of errors and formatted correctly.
• Consult your department's guidelines for any specific requirements.

12. TurnItIn

TurnItIn is a crucial tool in the thesis submission process. Before your Oral Defense meeting, your Thesis Chair must submit the final written thesis document to TurnItIn.com. This step is essential to ensure the originality of your work and to avoid any issues related to plagiarism.

The results from TurnItIn must be shared with your Thesis Committee. If there is any evidence of plagiarism, it could lead to serious consequences, including a referral for an academic misconduct charge. Therefore, it is vital to use TurnItIn to check your work well in advance.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Complete your final thesis document.
2. Have your Thesis Chair submit it to TurnItIn.com.
3. Review the TurnItIn report with your Thesis Committee.
4. Address any issues of plagiarism if they arise.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your thesis is original and ready for submission.

13. Mentor’s Permission

Securing your mentor’s permission is a crucial step in your thesis journey. Your mentor will guide you through the entire process, from the initial planning stages to the final defense. This close collaboration ensures that you are on the right track and meeting all necessary requirements.

To begin, you will need to work closely with your mentor to select a Thesis Committee. This committee typically includes at least two additional faculty members. One of these members must be a Core Faculty member, while the other can be an Affiliate Faculty member. The committee's role is to advise you on your research, provide feedback on your proposal, and evaluate your knowledge and skills.

Before you can start your research activities, you must obtain approval from your mentor and the Thesis Committee. This includes getting the green light from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) or the Animal Use and Care Committee if your research involves human or animal subjects. This approval process is essential to ensure that your research complies with ethical standards.

In some cases, you may need a letter of permission from a copyright holder if your thesis includes copyrighted material. This letter must be included in a separate appendix and an extra copy provided to the Office of the University Registrar. Remember, even if you are the author of the material, you might still need permission from the publisher.

Once you have your mentor’s permission and all necessary approvals, you can proceed with confidence, knowing that you have met all the required steps to begin your research.

14. Committee Review

The committee review is a crucial step in your thesis journey. You need to communicate with all members of your committee regularly. Schedule meetings, at least once a year in the beginning, and much more frequently as you approach your final draft. This helps avoid any surprises about your committee member’s expectations and provides structure to keep you going. Regular feedback is essential. Establish timelines your entire committee agrees upon. If there is an issue with a committee member, consider making some changes to your committee so you have the support you need.

Once your document is ready, submit it to the committee for additional review. The Thesis Committee will provide written feedback and instructions regarding the requirements and expectations you must achieve to pass the Thesis Project. If the committee rates your performance in any domain a rating of “1”, you are deemed to have failed the Thesis Project. Make major revisions recommended by the committee and secure their initial approval for the Reading Copy. Periodically update the committee regarding the progress of your research to ensure you are on the right track.

The Committee Review is a crucial step in your thesis journey. It's where your hard work gets evaluated by experts. Feeling anxious about it? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Our Thesis Action Plan is designed to help you navigate this process smoothly. Visit our website to learn more and claim your special offer today!

Conclusion

Completing a master's thesis in just 14 days is a challenging but achievable goal. By starting early, making use of available resources like the Student Writing Center, and adhering to the guidelines for thesis preparation, students can streamline their efforts. Regular communication with mentors and committee members is crucial for timely feedback and revisions. Utilizing tools like TurnItIn can help avoid plagiarism, ensuring the integrity of the work. Following a structured timeline and meeting all deadlines will pave the way for a successful defense and graduation. Remember, persistence and organization are key to mastering your thesis in a short period.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should I start working on my thesis?

It's best to start as soon as you enter your program. Early planning and using resources like the Student Writing Center can help a lot.

What should I include in my thesis draft?

Make sure to follow the Guidelines for Preparation of Masters Thesis and Doctoral Dissertation. Don't forget to add a blank Signature Page.

How can I avoid plagiarism in my thesis?

Use TurnItIn to check your work for plagiarism. You'll need to log in to use it.

When should I send my draft to my committee?

With your mentor's permission, send a complete draft to your committee at least 6 weeks before your defense.

What are some tips for writing my thesis?

Start early, stay organized, and keep in touch with your committee. Treat it like a long-distance run; it takes time and effort.

What deadlines do I need to meet?

Check the important dates and deadlines given by your university. Make sure to meet them to stay on track for graduation.

How do I format my thesis?

Follow the Guidelines for Preparation of Masters Thesis and Doctoral Dissertation. Also, ask your mentor for any specific requirements.

What steps should I take as I near my defense date?

Coordinate with your committee, address major revisions, and start planning several weeks before your defense.