ETD (Theses & Dissertations) Guide

Early Stages (Phase 1)

Be sure you complete the following steps before beginning any research; if not, it may delay your graduation and cause you to have to redo work and/or rewrite all or part of your manuscript.

In addition to any university dates and guidelines reference below, your school or department may also have additional requirements or milestones, so check with your advisor or committee chair early on to ensure you don't miss anything.

1. Review Marshall's Graduate Degree Timeline and identify where you currently stand.
   • Your thesis or dissertation is only one part of the timeline.  Access the online Orientation, view the New Student Checklist, learn about Plans of Study, understand the Publication (ETD) versus Assessment requirement, and find Commencement ceremony info.
2. Know each semester's Deadlines and Dates, especially during your final semester.
   • The dates for graduation, exams, thesis/dissertation (ETD) defense & submission, and other requirements are specific to each semester.
   • For example, the deadline for ETD Review Policy Check: if you miss the deadline, your ETD will not qualify you for graduation until the following semester.
     • Please note that ETDs must be complete to be considered on time [i.e., include all committee signatures, a copy of the IRB letter, etc.] .
3. Form your committee.
   • Ask your advisor how to get started. Committees must have a chairperson and at least two additional members (at least three total members).
4. Identify Your Topic. Choose the topic you will research and get your committee's approval.
5. Enroll. Discuss courses required for your project with your advisor and enroll.
6. Complete the Phase 0 requirements if you haven't already:
   • Blackboard ETD training 
     • This is mandatory and should be completed before you begin your research. An ETD will not be published or accepted if its author has not completed the training.
   • IRB Letter
     • The IRB letter is mandatory for all students completing a thesis or dissertation regardless of topic, school, or department.
     • Research conducted before you receive this documentation cannot be used in your thesis or dissertation.
     • ETDs submitted without this documentation will not be published or accepted and may need to be rewritten.

To - Do prior to Phase 2: Deliverables

1. Update your calendars with all deadlines and key dates.

2. Form your committee, identify your topic, and discuss required courses. 

3. Complete ALL Phase 0 requirements before doing any research.