The Graduate School states that the 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. 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 plan describing the thesis research.
2. Defend the research plan in an oral seminar presentation or meet with committee members individually to discuss the research plan. Complete the departmental Thesis Plan Approval form. The student and her/his advisor will determine whether the plan is to be presented in a department-wide seminar, or will be presented to faculty members individually. If the plan is presented in a department-wide seminar, the entire faculty is invited to participate in a closed session after the presentation where faculty will provide suggestions and air concerns regarding the proposed project. The student and his/her advisor will decide the appropriate action given this input.
3. Prepare a final thesis.
4. Defend the thesis in an oral seminar presentation.

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 thesis plan early in the 3rd semester in residence (not counting summers).
	* 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 make a copy available in the CS main office from other interested parties may make a copy. Additionally, the M5 must be completed no later than two weeks proior to the scheduled defense date.
	* 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.