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Guidelines for Preparation and
Submission of a Master’s Thesis
The following guidelines are intended to assist students in the preparation of theses, to establish a University-wide consistency of form, and to ensure high standards of quality. Students are responsible for submitting theses that adhere to general University requirements. Students should prepare their manuscripts, including all documentation, in accordance with an accepted manual of style approved by the appropriate school or department.
Paper Quality
The original copy of the thesis must be on white 8-1/2 x 11 bond paper of at least 20 pound weight containing 25% or more rag content.
Typing
All copies of the thesis must be produced with text that is dark enough and clear enough to be easily readable. If a word processor is used, the manuscript must be the product of a letter quality printer or its equivalent. If xerographic copies are made, they must be of acceptable quality.
The thesis must be double-spaced throughout, with the exception of quotations, footnotes, illustrations, bibliographies and appendices which may be single spaced. Additionally, poems for a Stonecoast MFA thesis may remain single-spaced.
Corrections
The final copy must be clean and neat without visible corrections. Correction fluid and tape are not acceptable.
Margins
The margins of the thesis must be at least 1.5 inches from the left edge of the paper and at least one inch from the other three edges, leaving a maximum typing area of 5.75 x 9.
Required/Optional Items and Arrangement of the Thesis
The final copy of the thesis must include certain items; other items are optional. Items should be arranged in the order listed below:
1. Title Page (required, see sample)
2. Final Approval Form (required, see sample)
3. Acknowledgments (optional)
4. Preface (optional)
5. Abstract (required) (for MFA theses, 200 word limit)
6. Table of Contents (required)
7. List of Tables (required)
8. List of Figures (required)
9. Text of Thesis (required)
10. Appendix(ces) (optional)
11. References (required)
Pagination
A thesis contains two sets of numbers. The preliminary pages (items 1-8 of the thesis) should be numbered consecutively in small Roman numerals. The title page should be considered “i” but should not be numbered. Beginning with the text, all pages must be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals (items 9-11 of the thesis).
Illustrations and Inserted Material
Graphs, diagrams, photographs and other material included in a thesis must be on paper that meets the specifications described above. While photocopies of graphs, diagrams and similar illustrations are permitted, xerographic copies of photographs are not acceptable.
Copies and Binding
Two copies of the thesis, ready for binding, with all applicable signatures obtained from department and dean, must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies. All students are required to use the binding service provided through the library. Students must submit payment for binding services only in the form of a check or money order. Binding costs are as follows: first copy, for the USM Library, is free; second copy, for academic department, $25.00; any additional copies, for the student, $25.00 apiece. After receiving the thesis copies and fees, the graduation certificate form will be processed by the Office of Graduate Admissions. (Please note, Stonecoast MFA students will not have to pay this fee separately, as it is built into their final semester fees as part of their low-residency program.)
ADDITIONAL POLICIES
1. Students should prepare the manuscript for a thesis or project in accordance with the Chicago Manual of Style.
2. The preceding University policies also generally apply to the preparation of project reports.
3. If a word processor is used, students should submit a disk copy of the thesis or project in addition to the minimum of two (2) copies for binding (one copy apiece for the USM Library and the student’s academic department).
4. If students have only the project or thesis to finish, they may still participate in graduation. Diplomas will be mailed when work is complete.
Appendix A
SAMPLE MASTER’S TITLE PAGE
(Title)
A THESIS
SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF FINE ARTS
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE
STONECOAST MFA IN CREATIVE WRITING
BY
(Name)
(Year)
Appendix B
SAMPLE FINAL APPROVAL FORM
THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MAINE
STONECOAST MFA IN CREATIVE WRITING
(Date) 20__
We hereby recommend that the thesis of (Name) entitled (Title)
be accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Fine Arts.
___________________ Advisor (signature)
___________________ Reader (signature)
___________________ Director (signature)
Accepted
(signature)
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences |
