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thesis and dissertation information
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Welcome to the Thesis and Dissertation Information page! The items below are offered to assist students beginning their research and completing a thesis or dissertation. 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.
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.
- Thesis Committee Appointment Form (PDF format)
- IRB or IACUC Approval Information - Office of Sponsored Programs & Research
- DPA Handbook (PDF format)
- EDD Doctoral Program Handbook (PDF format)
- Helpful Hints for Submitting a Thesis or Dissertation to the Graduate School
- Library Binding Fee Form (PDF format)
- 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
- WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SCHOLARLY CONDUCT and PLAGIARISM
The following form is "active-enter information directly to the form" then print:
- Pro-Quest (UMI) Abstract processing Form (For EDD students only)
Procedural Checklist:
Click here for details about items on the checklist
- Submit all relevant forms to Grad School (i.e., doctoral students should submit residency forms, committee forms, etc. during their first year)
- 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 (submit at least two semesters in advance of graduation)
- 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, fee receipt to Graduate School 2 weeks before graduation
- Submit final copies to be bound to Odum Library Acquisition’s Office with the binding fee form; submit electronic copy for V-text (VSU Archival respoitory)
- 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
- *Acknowledgements
- *Dedication
- Body of Text and Nontext Elements
- Endnotes/Footnotes/Text References
- Bibliography/Reference List
- *Appendix/Appendices
- *Autobiographical Statement
Many forms are in PDF format. To update your PDF software click below:
