Thesis and Dissertation Services: Additional Resources

Thesis and Dissertation Services (TDS) is a unit of the Graduate School that develops supportive services for graduate students completing a thesis or dissertation. TDS processes, reviews, and approves proposals and completed theses and dissertations by reviewing adherence to the Graduate School’s formatting requirements.

Reviewing Theses and Dissertations

The Graduate School/TDS conducts a format-only review of all proposal, dissertation, and thesis documents submitted to TDS for Graduate School approval. The department or the advisor, based on the field of study and/or type of study being conducted, will determine what style guide a student should follow when drafting the thesis or dissertation. Students, with the help of their advisors, will be responsible for adherence to their chosen style guide.

Students should begin drafting their document using the applicable Graduate School template. Templates can be found on the TDS/Resources for Writing web page under the Graduate School Templates and Guides bar. The Thesis and Dissertation Formatting Guide provides additional instructions and details for formatting the document.

Please note, whenever there are differences in format and layout between the template and/or the Thesis and Dissertation Guide and your chosen style guide, the Graduate School formatting guidelines overrule.

Graduation Reminders

Graduating dissertation and thesis students must complete all dissertation- and thesis-related requirements by the Friday before commencement to remain eligible for graduation. The dissertation- and thesis-related requirements include:

  • Receive dissertation or thesis approval from the Graduate School (students and advisors will be notified via an email from TDS)
  • Pay all student fees (including the TDS processing fee of $63 for thesis students, $73 for dissertation students)
  • Upload the final document to ProQuest

Students who do not complete the above requirements by the deadline may be removed from the graduation list.

Research Requirements

Review the Research Integrity and Compliance requirements before beginning to collect data.

Students conducting studies that do not require research compliance approval (IRB, IACUC or IBC) may begin data collection after:

  • Successfully defending their proposal
  • Completing RCR training (completed through CITI)
  • Receiving approval from their advisor and committee to do so

Students conducting studies that do require research compliance approval (IRB, IACUC or IBC) may begin data collection after:

  • Successfully defending their proposal
  • Receiving approval from the appropriate compliance committee
  • Completing RCR (completed through CITI)
  • Receiving approval from their advisor and committee to do so

Commonly Used Style Guides

Below is a list of style guides (with edition, if available) TDS consults when there is a question about style in a proposal, thesis, or dissertation. This is not a complete list of style guides, so if your department/program uses a different style guide, you may submit a copy along with your submission. The style guide you use will depend on your subject matter, field of study, and, most importantly, what you and your advisor decide is most appropriate for your document. The guides are offered as a resource for you to review and edit your own paper. The responsibility for making the document comply with your style’s guidelines and formatting lies with you, the student.

APA Style (7th edition)

MLA Style (9th edition)

Chicago Style (17th edition)

Turabian Style

AAS/ApJ Style

ACS Style (2020)

IEEE Style (2020)

AIP/APS (4th edition)

American Mathematical Society (AMS)

Journal of Wildlife Management (2011)

Journal of Animal Science

ct Thesis and Dissertation Services, 903.886.5968.

TDS Resources

Writing Resources

  • Scribendi – This is a website providing proofreading and editing services. The Graduate School does not recommend the editing services Scribendi provides; we do not have any experience with this company in that regard. However, the site provides many wonderful articles and podcasts on writing, including articles and podcasts specifically for ESL students.
  • Grammarly
  • Formatting in Word 2010 – A hyperlink to 2010 Word tutorial
  • Formatting in Word (prior to 2007) – A resource for articles on various Word tips and techniques. Most of the articles were written for Word versions before Word 2007 was released but some articles are newer. It is maintained by volunteers.
  • Word formatting for a Mac – A resource devoted to the Mac user who wishes to learn how to use or troubleshoot Mac Word.

Student Video Resources

Thesis

The videos help students understand the formatting and template requirements of the Graduate School and the submission process that must be followed.

Dissertation

The videos help students understand the formatting and template requirements of the Graduate School and the submission process that must be followed.

Faculty Video Resource

The video helps faculty understand how the submission process must be completed.

Below are YouTube videos being provided by permission from Dr. Brad Swanson, Director of Graduate Studies at Central Michigan University.

Copyright Explained

Plagiarism Explained

Graduate School Research Librarian

The Graduate School provides students access to a university librarian who is available to provide specialized one-on-one research assistance tailored to your advanced academic needs. For research guidance and research resources a research guide is available on the Waters Library website under Research Guides. The name of the guide is Research Resources for Graduate Students.

Fatemeh (Mahta) Kholoosi Raftar, Research and Instruction Librarian, can help with the following topics:

  • Resource Exploration
    • Learn about the university library’s collections and databases using advanced search techniques to locate the most pertinent scholarly materials for your topic.
  • Database Mastery
    • How to navigate complex databases effectively, ensuring you are accessing the most current and relevant research available.
  • Citation Management
    • Understand and master citation styles such as APA, MLA, or Chicago by utilizing citation management tools to effortlessly organize your references.
  • Research Organization
    • How to organize your research materials and data, making it easier for you to manage and reference as you write.

You may contact Fatemeh at email: [email protected] or by phone: 903.468.6047.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Thesis and Dissertation Process

What steps are involved in completing a thesis or dissertation?

On its web pages, Thesis and Dissertation Services (TDS) provides detailed information on and the necessary links to forms for completing the thesis or dissertation process. You may access this information through short links: thesis for information on the thesis process or dissertation for information on the dissertation process. To help you keep track of your progress and to keep up with important deadlines, TDS provides a printable thesis checklist or dissertation checklist.

Deadlines

What are the deadlines for submitting my proposal, thesis or dissertation to the Graduate School?

Deadlines are an important part of the thesis and dissertation process. Graduate School deadlines are put in place to keep you on track with your thesis or dissertation. Specific deadlines are posted on the right side of the TDS/Thesis web page and the TDS/Dissertation web page. For a general explanation of deadlines important to the thesis/dissertation process, visit the TDS/Deadlines web page.

Formatting

How should my proposal, thesis or dissertation be formatted?

Your proposal, thesis, and dissertation should follow the Graduate School’s thesis/dissertation template and the Thesis and Dissertation Formatting Guide, which together provide detailed instruction and guidance as to what TDS expects the proposal to look like when it reviews your document. You should also work with your advisor to make sure your proposal document adheres to the style guide you are using (APA, MLA, ACS, etc.). Your proposal will not be approved unless it is formatted according to the Graduate School formatting requirements.

Submitting

How do I submit my proposal, thesis or dissertation?

Your proposal, thesis, or dissertation and all related forms must be submitted via the digital forms found on the individual web page for thesis or dissertation. Forms for the proposal, thesis, and dissertation process are found under items 1 through 5 on the TDS/Thesis web page and the TDS/Dissertation web page. Click on an item number to open up a description of what is required for that step in the process; the related form(s) can be found below that text. Forms can also be found on the Graduate School's web page for Forms & Guidelines.

What happens after I submit my proposal, thesis, or dissertation for review?

TDS reviews your paper for adherence to the Graduate School’s formatting requirements, as set forth in the applicable template and formatting guide. It is your responsibility, along with the guidance of your advisor and committee, to adhere to the requirements of your chosen style guide. The proposal document is reviewed once, and the final thesis or dissertation is reviewed as many times as needed to ensure the document meets the Graduate School's formatting requirements. TDS approvals and requests for revisions are communicated via your LeoMail email.

What is involved in the submission process?

The Graduate School recently moved to a digital forms process. Consult the Thesis and Dissertation Submission Guide for instructions for using the digital forms process, as well as helpful information about the thesis and dissertation processes.

Research Compliance Training

Whom do I contact regarding questions about research compliance training modules?

Please contact Research Integrity and Compliance at [email protected] or 903.886.5766.

Why do I need to complete research training modules?

All faculty, staff, and students of East Texas A&M University are expected to uphold the highest standards of research conduct and strictly adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations involving research. To ensure integrity and compliance in research, all faculty, staff, and students involved in research activities must successfully complete training in Responsible Conduct in Research. Additional training is required for individuals whose research involves animal care and use (IACUC), biosafety, export control (IBC), or human subjects (IRB).

How do I complete the required research compliance training modules?

The modules are taken online through the Collaborative Institutional Training Institute (CITI) website. You may visit the Research Compliance web page for further information.

When should I begin the training modules?

You should begin the training modules early in your program. You must have completed your research compliance training modules by the time you submit your proposal to TDS.

Do I have to apply for research committee compliance approval?

If your research involves animal care and use, biosafety, export control, or human subjects, you are required to work with your advisor to apply for research compliance approval. Your advisor submits the required application and will receive the related approval letter from the applicable research committee. Please visit the Research Compliance web page for more information.

When should I submit my application for research compliance approval?

It is recommended that you and your advisor be prepared to submit your compliance approval application at the time of your proposal defense. However, keep in mind that your committee may request changes to your proposal, and sometimes these changes are significant. For this reason, you must first have committee approval of your proposal before submitting for research compliance approval. Once you have defended your proposal and gained approval by your committee, your advisor will submit your application for committee approval.

Whom do I contact regarding questions about research compliance approval?

Please contact the Office of Sponsored Programs: [email protected] or 903.886.5766.

Collecting Data

When can I begin collecting data for my study?

Students conducting studies not involving human subjects, animal subjects, or biological agents may begin collecting data after completing RCR training through CITI and after their advisor has granted them permission to do so.

Students conducting studies involving human subjects, animal subjects, or biological agents are required to seek and receive approval from the applicable institutional safety committee (IRB, IACUC, or IBC). Approval from the research committee is required prior to beginning data collection. You do not need proposal approval from TDS/Graduate School before collecting data.

Scheduling

Dissertation: Proposal Defense

When do I schedule my dissertation proposal defense?

Dissertation proposal defenses are scheduled through the Graduate School (Dayla Burgin). The schedule form must be received in the Graduate School by the 20th of the month prior to the month you defend your proposal before your committee. Please remain aware of the various deadlines involved with submitting your schedule form, defending your proposal, and then submitting your proposal to TDS.

How do I schedule my dissertation proposal defense?

Schedule your dissertation proposal defense with the Graduate School by completing and submitting the digital form, Schedule Form for the Dissertation Proposal Defense. The Graduate School/Dayla Burgin must receive the completed and fully approved form by the 20th of the month prior to the month of your scheduled proposal defense.

Dissertation: Final Defense

When do I schedule my final dissertation defense?

You must schedule your final dissertation defense through the Graduate School (Dayla Burgin) by the 20th of the month prior to the month you defend your final dissertation in front of your committee. Please remain aware of the various deadlines involved when submitting your schedule form, defending your dissertation, and then submitting your final dissertation to TDS. You must have proposal approval at least one semester prior to defending your final dissertation.

How do I schedule my final dissertation defense?

Schedule your dissertation defense with the Graduate School by completing and submitting the digital form, Final Dissertation Defense Schedule Form. The Graduate School/Dayla Burgin must receive the completed and fully approved form by the 20th of the month prior to the month of your scheduled final defense. You must have proposal approval at least one semester prior to defending your final dissertation.

Thesis: Final Defense

When and how do I schedule my final thesis defense?

You will work with your committee to set a date for your final thesis defense. Once set, you will complete the digital form, Notification Form for Final Thesis Defense. TDS must receive the completed and fully approved form no fewer than seven (7) days prior to the date of your defense.

Comprehensive Exams

As a master's student completing a thesis, am I still required to complete a comprehensive exam?

Yes, all master's students are required to complete a comprehensive exam covering all the work within their master's degree. The comprehensive exam is independent of the thesis defense and final thesis.

Copyrighting

Do I have to copyright my thesis or dissertation with the U.S. Copyright Office to be protected?

No. In general, registration is voluntary. Copyright exists from the moment the work is created. You will have to register, however, if you wish to bring a lawsuit for infringement of a U.S. work. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Copyright Registration.”

Why should I register my work if copyright protection is automatic?

Registration is recommended for a number of reasons. Many choose to register their works because they wish to have the facts of their copyright on the public record and have a certificate of registration. Registered works may be eligible for statutory damages and attorney’s fees in successful litigation. Finally, if registration occurs within five years of publication, it is considered prima facie evidence in a court of law. See Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Copyright Registration” and Circular 38b, Highlights of Copyright Amendments Contained in the Uruguay Round Agreements Act (URAA), on non-U.S. works.

Graduate School Templates and Guides

When drafting your document, you must follow one of the Graduate School’s approved templates and the Graduate School’s Thesis and Dissertation Formatting Guide. When submitting your proposal or final document, you must follow the Thesis and Dissertation Submission Guide. Please work with your advisor and your department to determine which of the templates listed below you should use when drafting your document. The templates and guides are made available to assist you in organizing and formatting your manuscript according to Graduate School formatting requirements.

Templates

Thesis/Dissertation Template (standard template)
LaTex Template (in a .zip file; used by some science departments)
Example of LaTex template finished document
Biology Thesis Guidelines and Template
Biology Template (for copying)

Guides

Thesis and Dissertation Formatting Guide
Thesis and Dissertation Submission Guide
Thesis and Dissertations (a guide provided through the Velma K. Waters Library research guides)

The Graduate School reviews proposals and final papers to ensure they adhere to the Graduate School’s formatting requirements as set out in the templates available and in the Thesis Formatting Guide and the Dissertation Formatting Guide.

For questions or concerns regarding formatting, please contact 903.886.5968 or [email protected]

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