Thesis & Dissertation Basics
The Master's Degree Candidate
A thesis, when required for a master’s program, must be written on a subject approved by the candidate’s advisory committee. The thesis must be the student’s own work and must demonstrate a capacity for research and independent thought. In addition to these guidelines, master's students should also consult:
The Doctoral Degree Candidate
A dissertation is required for all doctoral programs and must be written on a subject approved by the candidate’s advisory committee. The dissertation must include the results of original and significant investigation, and it must be the candidate’s own work.
Research Must Be Open to Public Disclosure
Students are prohibited from using research (data, results, methods or other content) in their theses or dissertations that could restrict subsequent publication or public disclosure of these documents. Examples of restricted information include classified or proprietary materials.
It is important to note that these restrictions do not apply to nonthesis or nondissertation research that is approved by the student's adviser and allowed by University of Missouri policies. Questions regarding the applicability of this policy to thesis or dissertation content should be referred to the Graduate School.
Review by the Graduate School
Before manuscripts can be accepted for publication in scholarly journals, they are examined by editorial board members, for conformance to specific format style guidelines in addition to validity of content. The professional staff of the MU Graduate School, acting as the Graduate School’s editorial board, reviews each submitted thesis and dissertation for conformance to University guidelines. Failure to meet the appropriate standards will result in the rejection of your work.
Electronic Submission Basics
The thesis or dissertation is presented to the Graduate School on a high-quality CD. The thesis or dissertation must be contained in a Portable Document Format (PDF) file, with the appropriate margins and formatting. The CD must be readable on a standard PC running Windows XP. Additional electronic materials may also be included, providing they are of the appropriate file type and version. If all files will not fit on one CD, a DVD or multiple CDs may be used, as long as no single file is split between CDs.
More info on Technology and Your Thesis or Dissertation
Paper Documents That Accompany the Electronic Submission
Several paper documents must be included with the CD, including a signed Approval of the Committee form, paper copies of the Short Academic Abstract and Title Page, and copyright agreement forms. See the checklist for a complete list.
Deadlines for Submission
Deadlines for submission of the thesis or dissertation to the Graduate School are established each semester. Consult the Graduate School for these deadlines.
Style Manuals
Students are to follow the style manual recommended by their academic program.
Errors
Please note that after your manuscript has been submitted to the Office of the Graduate School, it becomes a matter of record for the University of Missouri. This includes any errors that might be in your document. Therefore, please carefully check your manuscript because once your final submission has been accepted by the Graduate School, it cannot be corrected.
Specific Questions?
Specific questions should be directed to the Graduate School, 210 Jesse Hall, (573) 882-9575 or (573) 882-3885 or 1-800-877-6312.