ETD (Theses & Dissertations) Guide

Middle Stages (Phase 2)

You'll be in this phase the longest - it's when you'll conduct your research and write your manuscript. 

1. ETD Guidelines
   • Review the ETD Guidelines whenever you have questions about formatting, copyright, structure, etc.
2. ETD Template
   • If you want a stress-free experience, where all of the placeholders and formatting are done for you, download the pre-made ETD Template. (Example: Front matter in the template is preformatted as required by Graduate Studies policy.)
3. Conduct your research and write your manuscript 
   • But only if you have received the IRB approval letter, which ALL students must have in their manuscript as Appendix A. 
   • Step 3 is the most important part, and will take the longest amount of time. 
4. Review progress with your committee chair
   •  Work with your committee chair to decide when and how often to review your progress on your manuscript.
5. Get help when you need it (in-person or virtually): 
   • MUIT - MU students get free access to tools to write your ETD and meet with your committee, including:
     • Microsoft Word - use the current version of Word to ensure compatibility with the ETD template.
     • Microsoft Teams - use this tool to virtually meet with your committee and research librarians.
     • Adobe - you might need to use Adobe for your Committee Signature page, and you need to submit your manuscript as a PDF to the ETD Admin portal. 
     • Learn about all of the tools provided to you for free from the MUIT Services page: www.marshall.edu/it/services
   • Writing Center: if you need help with your writing at any stage of the process, from the brainstorming and outlining phase to the later stages of sentence structure and formatting, contact an MU Writing Center tutor.
   • Research Librarians: if you need help with any stage of the research process, such as finding, evaluating, and citing sources, contact an MU research librarian.
   • Copyediting and/or Proof-reading: These services are not provided by Marshall University because they require specialized knowledge and payment. Online platforms such as Reedsy and Fiverr can connect graduate students with experienced editors who can help them edit their manuscripts. But always disclose such services to your committee to maintain transparency. 

Have questions that your committee cannot answer? Click on the Questions and Contacts tab, above.

To - Do prior to Phase 3: Deliverables

1. Download the ETD Template and Save it as your manuscript draft

2. Determine and schedule regular check-ins with committee chair for progress reports.

3. Take note of university support services so you can easily get help when you need it.