Dissertation and Thesis Resources

There are University–wide requirements and procedures pertaining to the completion of your thesis or dissertation. Colleges and departments may also have their own requirements and procedures and, therefore, you should work with your advisor and committee to ensure all requirements are met.

Policies

The University Catalog includes thesis and dissertation requirements for Master’s Degrees and Doctoral Degrees. All students should be familiar with these policies.

University Dissertation & Thesis  Services

For graduate students and or faculty supporting students who seek to submit a thesis or dissertation, they must follow the proper guidelines and protocols through the University Library.

"These are the major steps you must complete in order to prepare, format, complete, and submit your thesis or dissertation. Steps 1, 2, 3, and 5 are required of all graduate students writing theses and dissertations. Not all Master's students are required to defend; please check with your college/school/department to confirm."

Please click on the links below to read more specific information about each step.

Research Development, Integrity & Safety

Conducting your research properly and safely is important to Mason. Numerous resources to help you do just that:

  • Research & Economic Development – provides an overview of Mason's research focus areas and a list of resources to assist with research development and conducting research with integrity.
  • Environmental Health & Safety – provides resources pertaining to health and safety while working in art studios and workshops and laboratories.
  • Research Subject Protections – works with students to ensure research is conducted following ethical standards, and governmental and University regulations to protect human and animal subjects of research.

Dissertation Completion Grants

The Provost's Office offers Dissertation Completion Grants to doctoral students in their final semester of their dissertation. The Grant enables a student to focus full time on research and writing, improving quality of the work and shortening the time to complete the degree. Dissertation Completion Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. The application process is open during the Fall, please refer here to learn more.

Libraries

Mason’s libraries offer a wide range of support services for students including liaison librarians who provide specialized assistance in their areas of expertise supporting academic programs. The Library also offers e-Journals, research databases, and research portals.

FAQ

Unlocking Travel Funds for Research  

In addition, to the Research Development Academy professional development series, we are excited to announce that students who complete all 3 workshops in the series in each semester may be eligible to receive up to $1000 in conference funding through the Graduate Student Travel Fund (GSTF)! These funds are designed to support your attendance at conferences, seminars, and other scholarly events that will enrich your academic journey and broaden your professional network. Funding is limited and will be awarded each semester to the first ten (10) students to meet eligibility requirements and successfully complete the travel application process during the fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters only.  We encourage you to get your workshops done early and find your conference, symposium, or research trip soon, so you do not miss out on this incredible funding opportunity.  

How to Get Involved  

To take advantage of this initiative, check out the University Libraries workshops page for announcements and schedule. We encourage all doctoral and MFA students to seize this opportunity to advance your research and writing. Graduate students interested in receiving travel funding must complete an application through the Graduate Student Travel Fund (GSTF) portal once they have completed the 3-part workshop series. Students must indicate in the application that they have completed the T.R.I.P.: Research Development Academy (RDA) library training series. GSTF rules still apply, so please refer to the GSTF website for more information regarding the process and procedures.   

For questions or further details, please contact Sora Buck sbuck3@gmu.edu (Graduate Program Assistant)