Thesis and Dissertation Guidelines
Welcome
The Office of Graduate Studies would like to extend a special welcome to those of you who are undertaking the development and writing of your thesis or dissertation. This can be an exciting time in your academic preparation. The thesis or dissertation is a formal research paper presented by a graduate student to the Graduate Faculty at Mississippi State University who certify that the presented work meets the standards of the academic discipline.
This document is an update of an earlier version of the guidelines for the preparation of theses and dissertations. While there has not been a basic change in philosophy concerning the thesis and dissertation, there have been some significant changes in the document. Since the preparation of the earlier version to the guidelines, there has been considerable change in the use of technology for the preparation of documents. The new version should provide greater flexibility for the student when the thesis or dissertation is produced.
Also, the document has been made easier to use. Some difficult language has been eliminated. The examples provided in the new document differ from those in the earlier version and should considerably help an individual prepare a thesis or dissertation.
This document was developed by a committee of the Mississippi State University Graduate Council. The Office of Graduate Studies is most appreciative of the efforts of the individuals who served on this committee. The chair of the committee was Dr. Theodor Kohers of the Department of Finance and Economics. Other committee members were Dr. James Haug, Department of History; Dr. Katherine Dooley, Department of Counselor Education and Educational Psychology; Dr. Julia Hodges, Department of Computer Science; and Dr. Jerald Ainsworth, College of Veterinary Medicine. The Office of Graduate Studies would also like to express its appreciation to the members of the Graduate Council and of the Graduate Faculty who read the draft copies of the manuscript and contributed suggestions and additions.
It is the purpose of the personnel in the Office of Graduate Studies to make your research and writing a rewarding and enjoyable professional experience. The Office of Graduate Studies will always be available to assist you in understanding the various policies and procedures that must be considered in successfully completing you research project.
