Thesis and Project

Thesis and Project Options

To earn the 36 credits needed for the Master's degree, all matriculated students in Community Social Psychology have the option of completing either a thesis or a project. Both these requirements represent an integrative piece of significant scholarship. The thesis will be larger in scope, more formal, and more rigorous than the project, and it must involve empirical research. 

Thesis -

• Be completed over the course of two semesters (usually consecutive), counting for six credits toward the degree
• Involve a Thesis Committee of three faculty
• Be written in accordance with University guidelines
• Be defended by the student in front of the Thesis Committee at a public meeting

The thesis will always be a piece of quantitative and/or qualitative research, involving a review of literature, the clear statement of a research question, the design of an appropriate method for collecting data, and the analysis of results as the basis for drawing conclusions.

Project -

• Typically be completed over the course of one academic semester, counting for three credits toward the degree
• Be carried out under the supervision of one faculty member
• Be written in accordance with guidelines established by the graduate program
• Involve an appropriate form of public presentation

The project may also be a piece of research, though narrower in scope and more focused than a thesis (e.g., a pilot study or a program evaluation). It may also involve the development, implementation and evaluation of an action-oriented intervention.

Some students will gain most from the program by earning all their credits through coursework, but many will benefit from the opportunity to engage in the more independent work of a thesis or project. A Thesis might be a good choice for students interested in enhancing their research skills, and it might also benefit those who are thinking of going on to a doctoral program and a possible career in university teaching and research. A project might be a good choice for students interested in enhancing their program design, intervention and evaluation skills, and it might also benefit those students pursuing careers in human services and community development.

CSP students are highly encouraged to discuss the thesis or project option with their assigned CSP faculty advisors.

Guidebook and Forms

• Thesis/Project Handbook (.pdf)
• Thesis Guide
• Thesis Forms
• Project Forms