Thesis Option

The Graduate School states that thesis option allows up to 9 of the 30 hours of credit required for graduation to be in CS5990. As a general rule in computer science, however, only 6 hours of CS5990 credit are approved for thesis work (An Example Course Plan ). In addition to completing the 30 hours of credit in approved courses (including CS5990 and up to 3 hours of CS5999 credit though not more than 9 total hours may be taken in CS5990 and CS5999 ), a student following the thesis option is expected to:

1. Prepare a written proposal describing the work plan, with emphasis on the motivation for the research and the research plan.
2. Defend the proposal in an oral seminar presentation.
3. Prepare a final thesis.
4. Defend the thesis in an oral seminar presentation.

A thesis is expected to address some current research issue(s) in some field of computer science. One heuristic in choosing a thesis topic is that a thesis focuses on extending the boundaries of computer science theory and/or practice to the extent that a publication (either a journal or conference paper) might result from the thesis work.

Given the goal that students be able to finish a masters with a thesis option in two academic years (aiming to finish in May of year 2), the department recommends the following time-table for the milestones along the way to a thesis masters. This timetable is aimed towards students pursuing full-time studies while working half-time as a supported graduate assistant. Experience indicates that failure to reach these milestones significantly decreases the likelihood of a student finishing a thesis masters in two years. (Note: items marked with a `+' are milestones; items marked with a `*' are `requirements'.)

+

A student should find a thesis advisor during the first year in the program.

+

A student should present a proposal by the end of the 3rd semester in residence (not counting summers).

*

No later than one week prior to the proposal presentation, each CS faculty member will be provided with a final version of the written proposal.

*

The presentation will include a public description of the proposed research followed by two question and answer sessions: the first consists of both students and faculty; the second being closed to the general audience consists of faculty only. In the closed session faculty will provide suggestions and air concerns regarding the proposed thesis. After the closed session, the student and his/her advisor will decide upon appropriate action given the faculty input. All CS faculty are invited to join in the discussions after the presentation and potential outside-department committee member(s) are encouraged to attend the presentation and contribute to the discussion afterward as well.

*

The entire thesis committee is to be chosen no later than two weeks after the thesis proposal is accepted. The extent to which non-advisor committee members contribute to the development of the proposal, and to the development of the thesis will be left to the individual thesis committees.

*

A ``defendable'' thesis needs to be in the hands of the entire committee no later than two weeks prior to the thesis defense. A ``defendable thesis'' is one that the student/advisor feel is ready for defense. In addition to providing a copy to each committee member the student is to provide a copy to each faculty member in CS no later than one-week prior to the defense and to make a copy available in the CS main office from other interested parties may make a copy.

*

The thesis defense will include a public description of the student's research followed by two question and answer sessions: the first consists of both students and faculty; the second being closed to the general audience consists of faculty only.