JS 0600 - Thesis

Fall, Spring 3 Credit Hours
This is an integrative course in which the student is expected to write a research paper that utilizes the research methods and subject matter studied in previous courses in the program. The course must be scheduled as a capstone project and should be taken as one of the last courses in the student’s program. The Master’s Thesis track within the Justice Studies program will have students conduct original research in the form of a thesis. During the process of writing a master’s thesis, students will explore different ways of finding information, conduct a comprehensive literature review, define the scope of the project, develop a research question(s), present a theoretical framework, develop a research design, and communicate results and findings. The thesis course will take place over two consecutive semesters, requiring the initial preparation and approval of a prospectus (preliminary planning culminating in a thesis proposal), and the presentation and defense of the thesis by a Justice Studies committee. The Thesis Defense committee will consist of graduate faculty members in the Justice Studies department, including the student’s primary Thesis Adviser, and two additional members. The chair and at least one other member must be members of the Justice Studies faculty. It is the responsibility of the student to assemble a committee of professors who have agreed to serve on the committee. The committee should be selected upon the basis of the member’s knowledge of the subject of the thesis, the methodology that will be used, and their willingness to serve. Course may be repeated for up to 6 total credit hours.