Options
- Traditional Thesis
Original research or analysis encompassing literature from 2 of the 3 schools (Arts & Letters, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences). The thesis must be written in scholarly format, with the appropriate citation format and extensive references. The literature review developed for the thesis proposal should serve as the initial component of the thesis.
Typical thesis length: 50 or more pages.
- Creative Project
Students who are focusing their MIS program on a creative field may complete a creative project for their MIS thesis. Creative work may include writing, art, performance, etc. The creative work must be accompanied by an explanatory essay encompassing material from 2 of the 3 schools. The essay must be written in scholarly format, with appropriate citation format and appropriate references. The literature review developed for the thesis proposal may serve as the basis of the explanatory essay.
Typical length of explanatory essay: 20 to 35 pages.
- Peer-Reviewed Publication
Students may focus their thesis project work toward a peer-reviewed publication in a professional forum. Examples include articles in professional journals, investigative journalism published in a major newspaper, or a book published by a reputable press. The publication must be accompanied by an explanatory essay encompassing material from 2 of the 3 schools. The essay must be written in scholarly format, with appropriate citation format and appropriate references. The literature review developed for the thesis proposal may serve as the basis of the explanatory essay.
Typical length of explanatory essay: 20 to 35 pages.
- Applied Project
Students may focus their research project on their current place of employment, internship, or practicum. The applied project should be designed to benefit both the student and the employer and can be focused narrowly on a specific issue or problem relevant to the employer. Complete literature review and effectively designed method will support the value of the project.
Typical length: 50 or more pages.
- Student-Designed Thesis Project
If the student is interested in a project that does not fit into any of the previous categories, the student can propose a thesis project. The thesis proposal must outline how the project meets each of the elements of the Thesis Project Checklist. Complete literature review and effectively designed method will help the student demonstrate that the project meets the interdisciplinary graduate level requirements of the MIS program.
Typical length: 50 or more pages.
