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Think before start selecting a Topic

What is the criteria for acceptance of a graduate paper or senior thesis?

The bachelor’s or master’s thesis or project is ordinarily the first serious attempt of a student to demonstrate the ability, under faculty supervision, to investigate, develop, and organize materials pertaining to a topic or problem in a field of interest and to exhibit findings in a scholarly statement written in clear, concise, formal English. The completed thesis or project thus provides visible and permanent evidence of the scholarly attainment of the student. Copies of the project or thesis should be placed on file in the University Library for examination by faculty members and students; and copies frequently are loaned to other libraries throughout the country for use by interested persons conducting similar research.
Before a thesis or project is officially accepted, it must meet specific and certain criteria on format, documentation, and quality of writing. Each thesis or project must include:

A. a four chapter or five chapter project format which includes an introductory chapter, a literature review, methodology section, analysis of data section, a discussion of the research section, bibliography and an appendices (when’appropriate)

B. a review of relevant scholarly or professional literature

C. a statement of the undertaking’s significance and contribution to learning in humanities or social sciences

D. bibliography and appropriate scholarly references and notations.

 These requirements are intended to assure that every manuscript will represent the highest professional standards in criminal justice and forensic sciences and related fields.

Critical and independent thinking should characterize every thesis or project. Mere description, cataloging compilation, and other superficial procedures are not adequate. The details of the study or task, the methods, procedures, and criteria used, and the supporting data must be clearly stated.

Quality of work accomplished is a major consideration in judging the acceptability of any thesis or project. The finished product must demonstrate originality, clarity of purpose, critical analysis, appropriate organization, and accuracy and completeness of documentation where needed.

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Think before start selecting a Topic

1. The topic should reflect your previous studies and experience. It should be related to your completed courses; your other research; and your political, cultural, or religious experience. 2. The necessary sources should be materially accessible. You should be near enough to the sources for convenient access, and you should have the permission you need to access them. 3. The necessary sources should be manageable. In other words, you should have the ability, experience, and background knowledge needed to understand the sources. 4. You should have some experience with the methodological framework that you will use in the thesis. For example, if your thesis topic requires you to analyze a Bach violin sonata, you should be versed in music theory and analysis.