Timelines for Thesis, Comprehensive Exams or Graduate Project

The following tables provide a suggested set of timelines for completing either qualitative or quantitative theses, a comprehensive exam or graduate project.

A thesis is truly a time commitment; a project that cannot be completed in a single semester. Even so, a thesis can be an exciting and rewarding experience. If you choose to complete a thesis, you will work closely with your selected chair to create a timeline that works for you.

Note: These timelines are based on Spring graduation dates. If you plan to graduate in fall or summer, you will need to adjust the suggested timeline accordingly.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Training

If your research involves human participants, you must get IRB approval. Towson University has partnered with The University of Miami's Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) to provide online training. The Towson University Office of Sponsored Programs and Research requires ALL individuals engaged in human participant research at Towson University to complete CITI’s human participant protections training.

Qualitative Thesis Process

Time Period Months Before Graduation Activity
Late spring (or early summer) 12-13

Confirm topic/method.
Recruit committee members.
Summer 9-12

IRB CITI training.
Begin writing thesis proposal
Mid- to late-September 7-8

Finalize proposal.
Proposal defense.
Submit IRB paperwork.
October-November 6-7

Begin data collection.
Simultaneously work on transcriptions, early data analysis, if appropriate.
February 3 Finish data collection.
February-March 2-3

Data interpretation.
Begin finalizing thesis draft.
Late-March to mid-April 1-2

Submit final draft to chair and committee.
Thesis defense.

Quantitative Thesis Process

TIME PERIOD MONTHS BEFORE GRADUATION ACTIVITY
Late spring (or early summer) 12-13 

Confirm topic/method.
Recruit committee members.
Summer 9-12

IRB CITI training. 
Begin writing thesis proposal.
Fall 6-8 

Finalize data collection materials.
Pre-test data collection materials, as necessary.
Finalize proposal.
 November-January  4-6   

Defend proposal. 
Submit IRB paperwork.
 January-February  3-4  Begin and finish data collection.
 February-March  2-3  

Data analysis. 
Begin finalizing results, thesis draft.
 Late-March to mid-April  1-2  

Submit final draft to chair and committee.
Thesis defense.
 Early May  0 months(!)  Final thesis submission.

Comprehensive Exams Process

TIME PERIOD MONTHS BEFORE GRADUATION ACTIVITY
Take required courses and electives 1-2 years Select courses that you will be able to write lengthy essays on.
Summer 9-12 Start gathering materials from previous classes to study.
Mid- to late-September 7-8 

Inform graduate program director of your decision to take the exams. 
Contact professors to inform them you will be taking the exam.
Meet with professors about what areas of study you should focus on.
February 3 Schedule exam with graduate program director.
February-March 2-3 Contact professors with any final questions.
Early April 1-2 

Take exams.
Professors have a three week grading period.
May 0 months(!) Graduation.

Graduation Project Process

TIME PERIOD MONTHS BEFORE GRADUATION ACTIVITY
Late spring (or early summer)
 
 12-13

Choose a client/organization and identify the
topic of interest. Start gathering materials and other relevant sources from the client and finalize the topic.
Summer 9-12 Inform the graduate program director of your decision to pursue the graduate project option for the degree.
Finalize proposal and get approval from the graduate program director, Dr. Lingling Zhang.
Mid- to late-September 7-8

Begin investigating the topic and collect data with the supervision of a graduate faculty adviser.
February-March 2-3

Finalize data collection.
Analyze and interpret findings.
Late-March - Mid-April 1-2

Submit final draft to faculty advisor for approval.
Present final report to client/faculty/students
May 0 months(!) Graduation.