M.S. Thesis

It is not necessary to register for thesis or research credits in order to do the thesis work, though it is generally advisable to do so. A maximum combination of 9 thesis and research credits may be counted toward the 45 credits required for the MSEE degree. The thesis requirement is intended to familiarize the student with the techniques for guiding an entire project and to develop the student's creativity in solving real problems. An academic research thesis generally involves more than an industrial project in that the goal is not merely to solve the specific problem but also to understand its relevance to previous work and to the discipline in which one is working. It is expected that the thesis work will represent an advance in understanding of the state of the Engineering Art and that it will be suitable for publication in an engineering journal or for inclusion as part of a more comprehensive publication. The thesis generally takes considerably more time and effort than the nine allowed credits. The student is strongly urged as soon as possible to meet with faculty members working in the area of interest and to discuss research topics on which he/she might work. When the student and Professor agree on a program of research, the work should begin at once since M.S. thesis work usually involves more than a year's time. Upon the commencement of thesis research, the professor involved will become the student's advisor with regard to courses to be taken, plan of study, academic progress, etc.

The completed thesis is a formal document, hard bound and stored in the University library. The rules regulating printing, format and binding are available in the University Graduate Office or the library. Before acceptance of the thesis, the student is required to present and defend the results of the project at a departmental seminar (Thesis Defense). The M.S. thesis defense committee will consist of three or more faculty members, including the research advisor. A complete copy of the thesis must be given to the Graduate Programs Coordinator at least one week before the thesis is defended. Notification of the defense will be posted by the Graduate Programs Coordinator when the thesis review copy is received. Note: a receipt for the thesis must be signed by the Librarian and returned to the ECE Graduate Programs Coordinator before the student is cleared for graduation.

Policy on M.S. Thesis

Full-time M.S. students are required to do a thesis. This M.S. thesis requirement will be waived upon request if:

(1) the student has published a paper (as the first author) in a peer reviewed journal

or

(2) the student has received no TA/RA support ever.

If the student was supported as a RA/TA, his/her advisor may petition the Graduate Committee to waive the M.S. thesis requirement. Note that B.S/M.S. students will be required to do a design oriented M.S. Thesis or Senior Design.