Appendix A: Literary Thesis Application and Proposal Instructions

Appendix A: Thesis Proposal Process

If you started your MA in English at SSU in June 2014 or later and you want to write a thesis you must:

1. Have a minimum GPA of 3.75

2. Have completed 21 credits (including ENG 725)

3. Select your thesis advisor and second reader. These decisions are up to you.

a. You must have a focused thesis proposal in mind before speaking to professors. You should have a preliminary description of your topic (400-500 word description that presents the tentative thesis, describes its structure and methodology, and includes an annotated bibliography) in advance of talking to faculty so they can read it and make informed decisions about working with you

b. Talk to professors who you’ve had and whose interests and work match your thesis topic to see if they are willing and able to advise your thesis

c. Talk to professors who you’ve had and/or whose interests and work match your thesis topic to see if they are willing and able to serve as your second reader

4. Apply to the Graduate Coordinator to write a thesis (see important dates for deadlines)

a. Write a formal email to the Graduate Coordinator, with Thesis Application in the subject line, which includes:

i. Indication of intention to write a thesis

ii. Name of thesis advisor and second reader

iii. 50-word preliminary description of topic (See above).

5. Receive approval from Graduate Coordinator to write thesis

6. Complete Thesis Proposal Signature Form and Application for Thesis Registration (go_thesis_registration_Thesis_ENG998) with signatures from thesis advisor and second reader.

7. Submit completed and signed Application for Thesis Registration (ENG 998) and Thesis Proposal Signature

Forms to Graduate Coordinator (see important dates for deadlines)