A thesis is normally produced over the course of two semesters. A provisional "P" (pass) grade will be issued at the end of the first semester after the Adviser has approved the working draft. An initial pass is required prior to continuing further work on the thesis. When a thesis is completed a letter grade will be issued by the adviser in consultation with the second reader.

The grade for the thesis is weighted as follows:

Written Thesis - 90%

Content - 85%

• All thesis elements present
• Clear statement of purpose or hypothesis
• Appropriate methodology
• Good use of sources
• Good presentation of data
• Sound analysis
• Appropriate conclusions

Format - 5%

• Text (Appropriate typeface and size, margins, spacing, etc.)
• Documentation (footnotes or endnotes, bibliography)
• Format (title page, table of contents, tables, figures, etc.)

Thesis Defense - 10%

• Creative, incisive summary of the thesis
• Knowledgeable, gracious interaction with participants
• Ability to defend the thesis