Thesis Writing Guidelines
- Define the Advisor and Reader roles; detailing what aspects of content, development, or editorial support they will be providing during the documentation process
- Create a timeline that details when each component of the paper is required for review (Advisor/Reader/Chair and Thesis Processing), and an estimated completion date that precedes graduation date
- Select a thesis/dissertation topic that is relevant and provides quality research or experimentation for current and future DOD benefit
- Create an objective that can be divided into manageable research components: Introduction, Research/Review, Methodology, Analysis of Data, Conclusions, and Recommendations
- Determine a distribution statement or level of restriction/classification based on topic and content being disseminated; verifying statement with Advisor/Chair
- Outline a structure, creating an analytical framework, stating methodology, researching a premise, and justifying a theoretical path
- Develop articulate and concise content from research, experimentation, and review of previous research or projects
- Follow through with objective and keeping a consistent voice throughout; typically using past and present tense
- Summarize achievements/conclusions within each chapter, and transitioning to next chapter
- Use resources correctly; importing images and tables that support the project and validate the research
- Cite image/table sources correctly
APA — add at end of caption (From author, date)
IEEE — add at end of caption (From [#])
Chicago — add footnote reference at end of caption
- Using software applications correctly to create mathematical equations (when applicable); sequencing equations to support paper
MathType (verify version based on MS Word version compatibility)
MS Equation Editor (not recommended; does not provide sequencing of equation numbers)
- Verify correct citation style with the department/curriculum; using style correctly; maintaining references and sources; citing references in text (or footnotes); adhering to current standards and formatting for each style
Citation style links are available on Thesis Processing Web page
- Develop a reference list that supports specific citation style and adheres to correct content structure and formatting
- Follow through with Advisor/Reader suggestions/edits, and Thesis Processing style/formatting requirements
- Acquire approval and signatures from Advisor/Reader/Chair in a timely manner, using NPS required forms, and providing signed paperwork to Thesis Processing when thesis/dissertation is complete
From the Thesis Processing Office
June 2011