General Considerations

The Thesis Proposal consists of the presentation, written and oral, of a research proposal that is based on the thesis work already begun by the candidate. For additional detailed instructions, refer to the Thesis Proposal webpage.

The thesis proposal should:

• Be based on the student's own work, not that of the research mentor

• Allow the student to organize his/her/their thoughts and plans and place them in perspective

• Allow the research mentor and the student's Advisory Committee to assess the level of scientific sophistication of the student

• Provide both the student and the Committee a measure against which to determine subsequent progress.

The Committee should evaluate the student’s ability to:

• evaluate and synthesize relevant literature

• articulate and elaborate on the aims

• show and evaluate preliminary data

• discuss experimental design as it applies to work planned.