All M.A. students must prepare a formal thesis proposal that outlines a feasible and meaningful plan for their intended research project. The proposal should demonstrate a clear understanding of the scholarly conversation surrounding the topic, identify relevant primary sources, and explain the anticipated contribution of the research to the field of history. The thesis proposal is a planning document, not an outline or summary of a completed argument. Its purpose is to guide both the student and the advisory committee in shaping a project that is methodologically sound and achievable within the scope of the M.A. program. The proposal should be 1,000 to 2,000 words in length (including footnotes, but excluding bibliography), and it must include: A clear description of the proposed thesis topic; A discussion of relevant primary sources; A discussion of methods; A brief review of the secondary literature or historiography; A discussion of the anticipated significance of the research; A tentative bibliography (not included in the word count). Students must submit a draft of the proposal to their major professor no later than October 15 of their third semester in residence (usually the fall of their second year). After receiving feedback and making any required revisions, the student must submit the updated proposal to the full advisory committee at least a week before the deadline for the advisory committee meeting. The student must schedule a meeting with their full advisory committee to discuss the proposal and receive formal approval. This meeting should be scheduled well in advance to ensure full participation and should take place no later than November 15 of the student’s third semester. If the proposal is approved, the student must submit a signed copy of the proposal approval form to the Graduate Program Administrator. If the proposal is not approved by November 15, the major professor must notify the Director of Graduate Studies. The Graduate Studies Committee will then review the student’s progress and determine whether the student remains in good standing. In cases where progress is deemed insufficient, funding may not be renewed.
