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INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on reaching this stage in your academic program! You are beginning preparation of your master’s thesis or dissertation for final submission to the Graduate School.

This “Guide for Preparing Theses” and ”Guide for Preparing Dissertations” will save you heartache, headache, irritation, and delay if you will read it thoroughly and completely, follow the directions carefully, and adhere to all standards and requirements.

This office highly recommends that a preliminary copy of the master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation be presented to the Graduate School to check for formatting problems and adherence to page numbering specifications. This will most likely save you time, hassle, and money in the event that any changes are needed.

Do NOT use a previous master’s thesis or dissertation as a sole model for your paper!

Because the master’s thesis and doctoral dissertation are the culmination of the student’s study and learning in a graduate degree program, this work should represent and reflect the excellence of the student’s abilities and competency.

The subject should be current and pertinent to the discipline; the language should be clear and free from jargon; the grammar should be perfect; and the style, format, and quality of paper MUST meet requirements stated in this
“Guide.”

For your convenience, there is a check-list at the end of each section of the “Guide” that you can use as a reminder of items which need your attention and a check-off for items you have completed.

If you have any questions or if you are in any doubt at all, please call the Graduate School at (479) 575-4401 before you proceed further. We prefer that you call and ask for information before you proceed, rather than have you proceed in error and be required to make what may be costly corrections and/or adjustments later, and perhaps delay completion of your degree.