{"id":64,"date":"2022-10-11T00:06:07","date_gmt":"2022-10-11T00:06:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/grad-s\/?page_id=64"},"modified":"2026-04-08T15:10:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T22:10:06","slug":"thesis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/grad\/thesis\/","title":{"rendered":"Thesis or Dissertation"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":462,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-64","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"background_image_type":"custom","background":{"ID":12,"id":12,"title":"Squiggly-lines-Red","filename":"Squiggly-lines-Red-scaled.jpg","filesize":122892,"url":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/grad\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/09\/Squiggly-lines-Red-scaled.jpg","link":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/grad\/home\/squiggly-lines-red\/","alt":"","author":"462","description":"","caption":"","name":"squiggly-lines-red","status":"inherit","uploaded_to":6,"date":"2022-09-14 19:59:04","modified":"2022-09-14 19:59:04","menu_order":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","type":"image","subtype":"jpeg","icon":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/grad\/wp-includes\/images\/media\/default.png","width":2560,"height":1149,"sizes":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/grad\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/09\/Squiggly-lines-Red-150x150.jpg","thumbnail-width":150,"thumbnail-height":150,"medium":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/grad\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/09\/Squiggly-lines-Red-300x135.jpg","medium-width":300,"medium-height":135,"medium_large":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/grad\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/09\/Squiggly-lines-Red-768x345.jpg","medium_large-width":768,"medium_large-height":345,"large":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/grad\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/09\/Squiggly-lines-Red-1024x460.jpg","large-width":1024,"large-height":460,"1536x1536":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/grad\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/09\/Squiggly-lines-Red-1536x690.jpg","1536x1536-width":1536,"1536x1536-height":690,"2048x2048":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/grad\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/09\/Squiggly-lines-Red-2048x919.jpg","2048x2048-width":2048,"2048x2048-height":919,"gform-image-choice-sm":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/grad\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/09\/Squiggly-lines-Red-scaled.jpg","gform-image-choice-sm-width":300,"gform-image-choice-sm-height":135,"gform-image-choice-md":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/grad\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/09\/Squiggly-lines-Red-scaled.jpg","gform-image-choice-md-width":400,"gform-image-choice-md-height":180,"gform-image-choice-lg":"https:\/\/www.ewu.edu\/grad\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2022\/09\/Squiggly-lines-Red-scaled.jpg","gform-image-choice-lg-width":600,"gform-image-choice-lg-height":269}},"background_vertical_alignment":"center","title":"","bold_title":"Thesis or Dissertation","content":"

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","component_options_toggle":false,"component_options":{"component_options_toggle":false,"component_options":{"disable_component":false,"nickname":"","identifier":"","navigable":false}},"primary_content_copy":"

About<\/h2>\n

The final requirement in earning a graduate degree, if required by your program, is the submission and defense of the master\u2019s thesis or doctoral dissertation. Understanding the steps and deadlines in the thesis or dissertation submission is necessary to establish a successful plan and realistic timeframe to graduate.<\/p>\n

Contact your program’s department to learn more about any thesis or dissertation requirements for your degree.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","blocks":[{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion-with-notes","module_background_color":"white","accordion_position":"bottom","title":"Step #1: Preparing For and Writing Your Thesis or Dissertation","notes":"

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","include_spacing":false,"expanded":false,"sections":[{"label":"Identify Your Research Advisor or Defense Committee Chair","copy":"

Your research advisor will be the faculty member who will oversee the progress of your thesis or dissertation work. This person also serves as the Chair of your Defense Committee when you defend. Before you begin your research or creative work, make sure to connect with a faculty member.<\/p>\n

If you have not already identified this person, reach out to your Program Contact<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n"},{"label":"Seek Approval of Human\/Animal Subjects in Research","copy":"

If you plan to use human or animal subjects in your thesis research, there are laws you must follow. An approved IRB must be on file first. For more information on getting this clearance, please visit the Human Subjects Research: Institutional Review Board (IRB)<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n"}],"component_options_toggle":true,"component_options":{"disable_component":false,"nickname":"Preparing and Writing","identifier":"preparingandwriting","navigable":false}},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion-with-notes","module_background_color":"off-white","accordion_position":"bottom","title":"Formatting and Margins","notes":"

Any easily readable standard type of font is acceptable. Fonts should be consistently at least 10-13.5 points throughout the document.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The text must be double-\u2010spaced; however, block quotations, footnotes, figure captions, table titles and notes, and individual citations in the references may be single-spaced. If single spacing of reference citations is chosen, then double space between each citation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tables should be uniformly titled and numbered at the top and figures captioned at the bottom. Tables and figures should be inserted following their first mention in the text, but no later than the page immediately following the mention.<\/span><\/p>\n

Left-hand margins must be one and one-half inches. Top, bottom, and right margins should be one inch. <\/span>This is particularly important if your department requires a bound copy, margin widths must be carefully observed to provide for adequate binding space. <\/b>Students who will be binding may be asked to reprint if margins are not correct. See the Margins, Paper, and Font drop down in the Printing & Binding Your Thesis section below.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","include_spacing":false,"expanded":false,"sections":[{"label":"Organization and Pagination","copy":"

Most simple errors are found in page numbering, especially in the preliminary pages.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Page Reference<\/b><\/td>\nFormatting Rule<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Title Page<\/span><\/td>\nNo page number<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Signature Page<\/span><\/td>\nNumber as page ii<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Abstract (optional)<\/span><\/td>\nNumber with lowercase roman numerals (example: iii, iv, v, vi)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Acknowledgements (optional)<\/span><\/td>\nNumber with lowercase roman numerals (example: iii, iv, v, vi)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Introduction (optional)<\/span><\/td>\nnumber with lowercase roman numerals (example: iii, iv, v, vi)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Table of Contents<\/span><\/td>\nNumber with lowercase roman numerals (example: iii, iv, v, vi)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
List of Table (required if more than two figures)<\/span><\/td>\nNumber with lowercase roman numerals (example: iii, iv, v, vi)<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Main Content<\/span><\/td>\nNumber with standard numerals (1,2,3); except your first page. This page should not have a number. The first numbered page should begin with 2.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

References<\/span><\/td>\nNumber with standard numerals<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Appendices (as needed)<\/span><\/td>\nNumber with standard numerals<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vita<\/span><\/td>\nNumber with standard numerals<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n"},{"label":"Title Page","copy":"

A title page must be included in the document. The student’s full legal name is required. Note that title is presented in an inverted pyramid style and no page number appears, though it is page i of the document. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"Sample<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n"},{"label":"Signature Page","copy":"

The signature page should bear the signatures of all your committee members, however only the committee chair and second committee members are required.<\/span> <\/b>Place committee members’ names underneath the signature lines. Committee members should sign only when they are satisfied that the thesis or dissertation meets the standards of the university.<\/span>\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

\"Sample<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n"},{"label":"Abstract (optional)","copy":"

An abstract should be no more than 350 words. The abstract is a condensed summary of the paper and includes a description of the research and significant results.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Sample<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n"},{"label":"Acknowledgements\/Introduction (optional)","copy":"

There are no length requirements or restrictions. This page is optional. Please remember that the purpose of this page is to recognize those who most contributed to the research and writing of the document. The language used in the acknowledgment should be consistent with that used in acknowledgments in journal articles in your field. The manuscript is an academic document. This is not the appropriate place to thank friends, relatives, or companion animals that had nothing to do with the content or research.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Sample<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n"},{"label":"Table of Contents (optional)","copy":"

The table of contents lists chapters and other main divisions (first-order subheadings, references\/end notes, and appendixes). The title of each entry and chapter numbering method must correspond exactly to that within the main body of thesis or dissertation. Page numbers must be specified for all the listings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Do not list “Table of Contents” in the body of the Table of Contents. The first item listed in the Table of Contents is the abstract (if included), then the acknowledgments page (which is optional). Any List of Tables and\/or a List of Figures should be included in the Table of Contents.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Sample<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n"},{"label":"List of Tables\/Figures (optional)","copy":"

Although a list of tables and\/or figures is not required in all documents, they must be included if you have more than two tables and\/or two figures.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n"},{"label":"Main Content","copy":"

The final content, academic quality, and correct style and formatting rests with you and your graduate committee.\u00a0 Reach out to your program for more specifications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n"},{"label":"References","copy":"

Formatting of references and citations should follow your style guide. References cited in the text must appear in the references list (including personal communications). Conversely, each entry in the reference list must be cited in the text. Do not include works in the reference list that you have not cited in the text. Regardless of the style selected, direct quotes cited in the text must include page citations.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

Appendixes as needed.<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n"},{"label":"Vita","copy":"

Your Vita is required.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Sample<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n"},{"label":"Headings","copy":"

Be sure to check with your director for appropriate headings.<\/span><\/p>\n

Section headings must correspond to the table of contents; heading type or print and location on the page should be consistent and parallel throughout the thesis or dissertation.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n"},{"label":"Captions and Illustrations","copy":"

Captions should match the type or print style used in the main text. Locate captions according to the standard of the publication style that is being used for the thesis or dissertation. Any variation of the quality of paper, page size, or reproductive process to accommodate illustrations and supplementary materials should have the approval of your committee chair. If photographs or other non-printed illustrative materials are to be included, they should be permanently mounted.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n"}],"component_options_toggle":true,"component_options":{"disable_component":false,"nickname":"Formatting & Margins","identifier":"formatting","navigable":false}},{"acf_fc_layout":"accordion-with-notes","module_background_color":"white","accordion_position":"bottom","title":"Step #2: Preparing Your Defense","notes":"

This section will help ensure you are prepared ahead of your final defense well before your final term.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","include_spacing":false,"expanded":false,"sections":[{"label":"Apply to Graduate","copy":"

In order to be eligible for your degree, you will need to pay all outstanding fees and apply to graduate.<\/p>\n

To apply for graduation, follow these steps:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Open\u00a0EagleNET<\/a>.<\/li>\n
  2. Select \u201cStudent Records\u201d and click \u201cApply to Graduate.\u201d<\/li>\n
  3. Read and follow all instructions.<\/li>\n
  4. The first page (Curriculum Term Selection) will ask you to select a term. Select the most recent term showing in the menu and click Submit. This term does not reflect the term you intend to graduate. You will choose that term later in the application process.<\/li>\n
  5. The second page will ask you to select your Graduation Date. (This is the date that will be printed as your degree award date on your transcript and on your diploma.)<\/li>\n
  6. The graduation fee will be charged to your student account.<\/li>\n
  7. Once submitted, be sure to check your Degree Works audit and contact your faculty for additional questions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    If you need to change your Graduation Date, please complete a\u00a0Request to Move My Graduation<\/a>\u00a0form. Graduation application must be on file in order to move your graduation date.<\/div>\n

     <\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n"},{"label":"Confirm You're On Track","copy":"