Masters Thesis Guidelines

1
Masters Thesis Guidelines

• Department of Health and Kinesiology
• College of Education and Human Development
• The University of Texas at San Antonio

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What is a Thesis?

• An original, independent research project.
• Data collection and analysis, including research
  subjects, are part of the writing process.
• Human subjects may be used as part of original
  research, with university approval.
• A thesis involves more independent thought and
  research, as well as a greater deal of
  dedication, than an Independent Study.

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What is a Thesis?, cont.

• Thesis projects usually try to answer a
  particular question or problem.
• They are an excellent way for graduate students
  to demonstrate independent thought and writing
  abilities.
• A masters thesis typically involves 2-3
  semesters of coursework.

4
Why Write a Thesis?

• Become a more competitive candidate for doctoral
  programs.
• Become a more competitive employee for job
  applications.
• Potential to publish your research paper.
• Present your research at academic conferences.
• Improve your analytical, writing, and research
  abilities through in-depth study.

5
Registering for Masters Thesis

• Students are encouraged to register for an
  Independent Study course (KAH 6953) prior to
  writing a thesis.
• You must register for KAH 6983 in any semester
  that you are working on your thesis.
• Up to 6 credit hours of KAH 6983 may count
  towards your degree.

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Registering for a Thesis, cont.

• Students cannot register for a thesis through
  ASAP.
• Graduate students will need to obtain clearance
  from their advisors and the Student Development
  Specialist prior to registering for KAH 6983.
• Submit all required thesis forms to the SDS for
  the department, who will then clear you to
  register.

7
Important Deadlines

• To see a current deadline schedule for masters
  thesis students, visit the UTSA Graduate School
  website at
• http//www.utsa.edu/graduate/CurrentStudent/td.htm

8
FAQs

• Do I have to do a thesis?
• No, a thesis is optional.
• Does a thesis count towards my degree plan?
• Yes, up to 6 hrs. of KAH 6983 (Masters Thesis)
  may be included in your degree plan.
• Are there formatting guidelines I have to follow?
• Yes, you must use APAs (American Psychological
  Association) format.
• Contact the Graduate School for thesis
  preparation guidelines.

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FAQs, cont.

• How do I choose my thesis advisor?
• You would approach one of the graduate faculty in
  the KAH department and discuss the possibility of
  doing a thesis project with him/her.
• Previous faculty that have worked with you on an
  Independent Study are an excellent way to start.
• You should try to find a faculty member whose
  research areas match your own interests.

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FAQs, cont.

• Do I need to fill out any forms?
• Yes, there are two forms that you need to
  complete and submit to Jessica Craig.
• Intent to Write a Thesis
• Appointment of Thesis Supervisory Committee
• These forms are available in the department
  office and online http//kah.utsa.edu/Programs/Gr
  aduate_Programs.htm

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FAQS, cont.

• Do I need approval to use human subjects?
• Yes. You must obtain approval from the UTSA
  Internal Review Board (IRB).
• There are deadlines that you must meet for
  approval.
• Visit the IRBs website for specific information
• http//vpr.utsa.edu/oric/irb/

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FAQs, cont.

• Can a non-UTSA faculty member be on my thesis
  committee?
• Yes, provided that the rest of your thesis
  committee are members of the UTSA graduate
  faculty.
• You will need to obtain a form from the Student
  Development Specialist for appointments to the
  graduate faculty for non-UTSA faculty.

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FAQs, cont.

• What if I dont finish my thesis?
• Your thesis committee will determine which grade
  is appropriate given the work that youve already
  completed.
• Cant I just switch over to an Independent Study
  if I dont finish?
• No. You must complete your thesis, or your
  thesis advisor and committee will decide what
  grade you will be given.

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Recommended Timeline for Thesis Completion

• 1st year of graduate study
• Begin exploring different topics that you may
  want to write about.
• You are encouraged to speak with faculty to
  discuss who would be willing to sit on your
  committee.
• Register for an Independent Study (KAH 6953) to
  begin preliminary thesis work.

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Recommended Timeline, cont.

• 2nd year of graduate study
• 1st semester
• Obtain IRB approval for any human research
  subjects
• Register for KAH 6983
• 2nd semester
• Register for KAH 6983
• Submit preliminary draft to Graduate School
• Apply for graduation arrange for thesis defense
• Submit final copy to Graduate School

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Recommended Timeline, cont.

• For a more detailed timeline, please refer to the
  departments graduate student expectations guide,
  available online at
• http//kah.utsa.edu/CurrentStudents.htm

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Questions? Concerns?

• Contact Jessica Craig, Student Development
  Specialist I
• [phone] (phone)
• [phone] (fax)
• Jessica.Craig_at_utsa.edu
• MB 3.324 (Kinesiology Department Office)