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Master's Thesis Option

A thesis is not required for the MSN degree, but all students have the option to complete a thesis if desired. The thesis is appropriate for students who ultimately desire a career in research. MSN students choosing the thesis option should anticipate that their programs are typically lengthened by an average of one semester. The student electing this option is encouraged to discuss ideas for a proposal with a potential Supervising Professor early in his or her program. The Supervising Committee is typically made up of two persons: a Supervising Professor and a committee member (reader). The Supervising Professor (i.e., Committee Chair) must be a member of the Nursing Graduate Studies Committee (GSC).

Students choosing the thesis option must register for N 698A (Research and Data Collection) and N 698B (Writing).  N 698A must precede N 698B and may only be taken once. The student must register for N 698B in the semester in which he or she intends to graduate. The Office of Graduate Studies will not accept a thesis before the semester in which the student applies for graduation.

While the thesis process varies with Supervising Committees and topics, typically the student works most closely with the Supervising Professor to develop a proposal, conduct research, and write the report, proceeding only upon explicit approval. Other committee member(s) read and approve the proposal and final report and may be called upon for advice regarding the research. At the discretion of the Committee, formal meetings may be held to approve the proposal and final report, as well as to discuss other aspects of the research. Prior to conducting any research involving human subjects, formal approval must be sought from the Departmental Review Committee. Information on this process, which may take from one week to one month or more, is available in the Cain Center for Nursing Research.

A booklet describing thesis requirements can be viewed at Format for the Master's Thesis and Report (PDF Format).

If a change in the membership of the Supervising Committee becomes necessary, a student must submit a Petition for Change in Master's Supervising Committee form (PDF Format) at least two weeks before the thesis deadline specified in the Course Schedule.  The form should be submitted to the Graduate Student Affairs office so the Graduate Advisor may sign before the student delivers it to the Office of Graduate Studies.