The M.A. thesis must demonstrate the student’s ability to conduct independent research using primary and secondary sources, construct a sustained historical argument, and place their findings within an appropriate historiographical context. It should be clearly written, properly documented, and conform to the professional standards of the discipline. The body of the thesis should be between about 25 and 45 double-spaced pages (roughly 7,000-12,000 words), including footnotes but excluding the bibliography. The thesis must adhere to the most recent edition of Kate L. Turabian’s Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations or the most recent edition of the Chicago Manual of Style as well as the formatting requirements established by the UGA Graduate School. Thesis Timeline The student must submit a complete draft of the thesis to their advisor no later than six weeks before the projected defense date. The advisor is expected to return comments on the thesis within two weeks of receipt. The student and advisor will agree on any necessary revisions, which must be completed before the thesis is shared with the full committee. Once the advisor approves the thesis for committee review, the student must circulate the revised draft to all committee members no later than three weeks prior to the scheduled defense date. Committee members who believe additional revisions are required before the defense should notify the student and the advisor within one week of receiving the draft. The final oral examination (thesis defense) must take place no later than three weeks before the Graduate School’s posted deadline for final thesis submission—typically mid-April for spring graduation. This means the thesis defense should take place before the last week of March. The student should schedule the defense and announce it to the Graduate Program Administrator, providing at least two weeks’ notice. All post-defense revisions must be submitted to the entire committee at least one week before the Graduate School’s final submission deadline, and all Graduate School formatting and approval procedures must be completed by that deadline. See Graduate School guidelines. Thesis Defense The defense is scheduled during the student’s final semester and must be held while the student is enrolled in HIST 7300 (Master’s Thesis) for a minimum of three credit hours. The oral defense normally lasts no more than two hours and will focus on the thesis and its broader historiographical context. The major professor chairs the examination and must attend in person. The student must also be physically present. Other committee members may attend remotely as long as they follow current Graduate School guidelines for virtual participation. The defense will consist of a public presentation followed by a private defense during which only the student and advisory committee will be in attendance. The advisory committee must approve the student’s thesis and defense with no more than one dissenting vote. Abstentions are not allowed.
