“Dr. Foss, I would like to finish this semester.”

I love to read or hear this statement.  But how does one finish? More importantly, does the person making this declaration understand what finishing entails.  (See here for MTSU dates and formatting information Thesis and Dissertation Guidelines).

The general process for writing your master’s thesis

1. Brainstorm a few projects that suit your interests, strengths, and program.  Meet with your adviser and identify the project.
2. Develop a statement of purpose and an outline of the project.
3. Ask faculty to serve on your committee.
4. Work on the proposal, making sure that you and your adviser are on the same page.
5. Submit the IRB paperwork, if applicable.
6. Send a draft of your proposal to your thesis chair/adviser.
7. While you are waiting for feedback, work on other aspects of the thesis (i.e. setting up your study or gathering materials).
8. When you receive feedback, revise accordingly, addressing every comment and suggestion. You will very likely have several rounds of revision.
9. Defend your proposal.
10. Conduct your primary research and write up your analysis.
11. Send the findings/results and discussion to your thesis chair.
12. While you wait for feedback, revise the first half of the thesis.
13. When you receive feedback, revise, revise, revise–addressing every change. Repeat the revision cycle as needed.
14. With your chair and committee, set up the defense.
15. Defend your thesis. Bring copies of the signature form.
16. Revise the thesis per the committee’s suggestions.
17. Submit your thesis to Graduate Studies, following all of the university guidelines.