A Helpful Guide for Doing Your Master’s Thesis

The culminating projecting for most Master’s degrees is the thesis. This is the final assignment that ensures you have “mastered” everything taught as you will need to use lessons learned to delve deeper into your field of specialization.

Just from the sound of it, it is clear that the Master’s thesis is not like any of your graduate school assignments so far. This is why it helps to have a few pointers before you begin.

1. Start as early as you can

If you are still taking up graduate school classes, NOW is the time to start preparing for your thesis. You should already start reading up on topics of interest to you in your field. It is best to have two or three ideas already so you have something to fall back on in case your first idea is not acceptable.

2. Choosing the final topic

When the comprehensive exam is done, it is now time to select your final topic. Hopefully, after an early start (point #1), you have finally figured out what you would like to do. Your research questions should be achievable within your allotted time frame, and you should have a plan on how you will obtain your data.

Ensure as well that your topic has a lot of current supporting material. If the resources you found are outdated or too few, you will not be able to defend your initial proposal.

3. Take good notes

Reading becomes a waste of time if you can’t remember everything. So as you begin reading, it helps to already organize your notes. Wise students do this early on, even before they start the thesis process. Listing down the source details and the important content of everything read makes it easier to refer back to these notes as you write your paper.

4. Ask questions

Having an advisor is a requirement for your Master’s thesis. You should choose someone knowledgeable and respectable in your university. Because he or she is your advisor, it makes sense to ask a lot of pertinent questions, especially if you are stumped.

But make sure you are prepared before visiting your advisor. The advisor acts as a mentor, not as someone who will do the work for you.

5. Commit to a schedule

Although you may have been excited to begin, you will discover later on that it is tough staying focused. You need to commit to a schedule so you finish each objective on time. Remind yourself that good things await you once you have submitted the final paper.

6. Stay healthy

A lot of time will be spent completing your thesis. Stay healthy by eating right, getting enough sleep, and exercising. You need to be healthy if you wish to finish your thesis on time.

Summary

It may seem like a very daunting project, but the Master’s thesis can be completed within a reasonable timeframe if you prepare early and truly commit to it. So consider the abovementioned pointers so you can obtain your Master’s degree on time.