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thesis and dissertation information

PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

Welcome to the Thesis and Dissertation Information page! The items below are offered to assist students beginning their research and completing theses or dissertations. Much of the information has been taken from the Thesis & Dissertation Guide which is being revised. Doctoral students should also consult their program handbooks for specific forms.

The thesis or dissertation represents the culmination of your academic program. It is a major achievement, reflecting your development as a professional in your chosen field. It provides you with an opportunity to demonstrate your intellectual capabilities through the production of an original piece of research. While you will have the assistance of many others in completing this project, including faculty and fellow graduate students, the finished thesis or dissertation reflects your work, your effort, and your intellectual development. You should exercise great care in preparing your thesis or dissertation in order to produce a study of which you and Valdosta State University can be proud.

Summer 2012 Deadline Fall 2012 Deadline Spring 2013 Deadline
Friday, July 13 3:00 pm Tuesday, November 20 5:00 pm Friday, April 19 3:00 pm
Graduation: July 27 Graduation: December 7 Graduation: May 3

Helpful Hints for Submitting a Thesis or Dissertation to the Graduate School

Final drafts (already defended) of theses and dissertations are to be submitted to the Graduate School for review no less than two weeks before graduation of each semester. This means the Graduate School will have up until the time of graduation to review theses and dissertations and for students to make corrections (if any) for the Graduate School. Fall's deadline accommodates the Thanksgiving holiday. See the "Helpful Hints" link below.

NEW DEAN INFORMATION! Please use the following information for the Dean of the Graduate School signature line:

Alfred F. Fuciarelli, Ph.D.

Professor of Chemistry

The following guides, handbooks, and forms will provide further assistance, but students should work closely with their committee members to complete the process from beginning to end.

Forms
  • Thesis Committee Appointment Form (PDF format) Note: Submit to the Graduate School at least 3 semesters before graduation! Doctoral students should submit committee forms as found in respective program handbooks.
  • Library Binding Fee Form (PDF format) Must accompany copies to be bound to Odum Library.
  • V-Text Form (permission form for submitting electronic copy of thesis or dissertation to Odum Library Archives - submit when dropping off hard copies of theses and dissertations to be bound) Word format
Information Links
Procedural Checklist:

Click here for details about items on the checklist

  • Consult advisor for program-specific requirements
  • Develop tentative proposal
  • Consult with major professor/committee chair
  • Consider committee options
  • Conduct preliminary feasibility study
  • Select committee
  • Submit Appointment of Committee form (at least 3 semesters before graduating)
  • Draft proposal
  • Register for credit
  • Begin research and writing
  • Make changes suggested by committee
  • Prepare defense draft
  • Write abstract
  • Receive approval for defense
  • Schedule defense (recommended around mid-term)
  • Perform defense
  • Make changes from defense
  • Prepare final version
  • Proofread final version
  • Obtain committee signatures on signature pages
  • Pay binding fees
  • Submit final draft and all signed signature pages, plus a copy of fee receipt to Graduate School by assigned semester deadlines
  • Submit final paper copies to be bound with the Binding Fee form AND bring a CD or Zip drive with an electronic PDF copy of your thesis or dissertation to the Odum Library Acquisitions Office; fill out and sign the Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Permission form in Acquisitions
  • Celebrate with family and friends!
Component Checklist:

Click here for component (formatting) details and sample pages

(Page order for a thesis or dissertation. Items with asterisks (*) are optional. )

  • Title Page
  • Copyright Page
  • Signature Page
  • Fair Use and Duplication Release Form
  • Abstract
  • Table of Contents
  • List of Figures or Illustrations
  • List of Tables
  • *Preface
  • *Acknowledgments
  • *Dedication
  • Body of Text and Nontext Elements
  • Endnotes/Footnotes/Text References
  • Bibliography/Reference List
  • Appendix/Appendices (if applicable)
  • *Autobiographical Statement

 

Many forms are in PDF format. To update your PDF software click below:
Link to Adobe PDF Reader.