Thesis preparation, writing and defense normally take place over three semesters. The thesis coordinator manages the process and should be consulted as questions arise.

Year Prior to Graduation

(Dates assume a spring graduation. Dates for fall are in parentheses)

Participate in Thesis Preparation Workshops

Topics covered include orientation to writing a thesis, choosing a topic, and creating a proposal.

Select an Adviser

The student should indicate their area and topic of interest to the thesis coordinator who will assist the student in identifying a faculty adviser for the thesis. The student will consult with that faculty member to determine if they will act as the adviser. Final approval of the adviser is made in consultation with the academic dean.

Prepare and Present Thesis Proposal

The student will work with his or her adviser to prepare an acceptable proposal. The proposal will be submitted to the thesis coordinator who will bring it to the Academic Committee. The student and adviser will be expected to meet with the committee to present the proposal and respond to questions. Following the meeting, the Academic Committee will respond to the proposal, approving it or requesting clarifications or changes. Upon approval, the academic dean will confirm the adviser and assign a second reader. This will occur in the Academic Committee meetings following April 1 (November 1).

For Your Year of Graduation

Register for Thesis

Students may register for 3 units of Thesis in two consecutive semesters (e.g., Fall and Spring), OR register for 6 units in the final semester. M.F.C.C. students may elect to register for 3 units of Advanced Family Studies and 3 units of Thesis.

Note: Theses are not defended in the summer (May-August).

Thesis Writing Progression

Deadlines for thesis progress are as follows:

• January 10 to (September 1)
  A working draft of a significant portion of the thesis submitted to the adviser to demonstrate progress. Failure to show sufficient progress by this date will require a change of enrollment status from Thesis to Senior Seminar, with a corresponding change from 6 to 3 units of credit. This change will need to be taken into account in the student’s plans for graduation.
• February 20 (October 10)
  A complete working draft submitted to the Adviser.
• March 18 (November 10)
  Revised full draft (including changes suggested by a grammarian) to the adviser for approval. If approved, full draft to second reader.
• by April 10 (December 5)
  Defense with abstract. NOTE: A defense will be scheduled only after the thesis has been passed for defense by the adviser.
• 12 days before graduation
  Final corrected copy to be submitted to Adviser for signature.
• 1 week before graduation
  Final signed copy to be submitted to registrar for copying and binding one (1) week before graduation.

Extensions

After registering for 6 units (either in two consecutive semesters or in one semester), a student may request an extension of one (1) semester by submitting a completed Petition Form to the Registrar’s Office. Extensions will be granted at the discretion of the Academic Dean.

A fee equal to one (1) unit of tuition will be applied to the student’s account.

Thesis Completion and Commencement

A thesis must be completed, i.e., a final signed copy turned in to the Registrar' Office for binding before graduation in order for a student to participate in commencement exercises. There will be no exceptions to this policy.