1. Beginning the Adventure of Your Thesis or Project
Beginning the Adventure of Your Thesis or Project! Brought to you by Drs. Barranti and Dinis

2. Thesis or Project???
Thesis is an intellectual proposition based on original research and academic inquiry
Project involves the development of a product supported by a research process
Many of your culminating works could be both a thesis and a project.
Please note the above are definitions from Prof. Yuen, not official CSUS definitions.

3. Thesis: CSUS Catalog definition
Plan A: Thesis
A thesis is the written product of the systematic study of a significant problem. It clearly identifies the problem; states the major assumptions; explains the significance of the undertaking; sets forth the sources for, and methods of gathering, information; analyzes the data; and offers a conclusion or recommendation. The finished product must evidence originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, clarity of purpose, and accurate and thorough documentation…

4. Project: CSUS Catalog definition
Plan B: Project
A project is a significant undertaking of a pursuit appropriate to the fine and applied arts or to professional fields. It must evidence originality and independent thinking, appropriate form and organization, and a rationale. It must be described and summarized in a written abstract that includes the project’s significance, objectives, methodology, and a conclusion or recommendation.

5. What is a Thesis/Project?
Both require the all phases of the research process
Both must demonstrate social work relevance, academic rigor, and social validity and utility
Protection of Human Subjects Applications must submitted for all forms of project/thesis

6. What is A Thesis /Project (continued)
Thesis requires a second reader who works with you and your advisor
Project may include a product such as: video, manual, grant proposal, resource guide, curriculum, or research report
A Thesis or a Project is a decision you will make with your thesis/project advisor

7. The 5 Chapters of A Thesis/Project
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Literature Review
Chapter 3: Methodology
Chapter 4: Thesis Findings or Product of Project
Chapter 5: Summary and Conclusions
References
Appendices

8. Considering the “Research” of A Thesis/Project – examples:
Needs assessment for a community, a population, or a service program
Survey of providers’ or consumers’ perspectives: Questionnaire and interviews
Secondary data analysis
Program evaluation
Experimental designs
Case studies
Justification and data collection for product development and utilization

9. Human Subjects Application Process
Plan with your Advisor when you should submit your Human Subjects Application
Applications and instructions are available on the Social Work Division and Graduate Studies websites:
EVERY thesis/project requires human subjects clearance
No data collection can take place prior to human subjects approval
The Division reviews applications once a month—Schedule available on the web site

10. Selecting a Thesis Advisor (7 Steps)
Step One: Review List of Thesis Advisors and Research Interests
Step Two: Identify Advisors who match your interests, working style and availability
Step Three: Make appointments with several likely advisors to discuss interests, working styles, and “goodness of fit”
Step Four: Choose Your Advisor

11. Selecting a Thesis Advisor(continued)
Step Five: Advisors will have the sign-up forms referred to as the “VORTA” beginning Monday, February 8th
Step Six: Sign-up with your Advisor between February 8th and the end of April
Step Seven: It is the student’s responsibility to sign up with a thesis advisor by the end of the Spring semester

12. Considerations Each Thesis Advisor can take on ten students
Keep updated on Thesis Advisor openings by checking the white board in the front Social Work Office
Group Thesis/Project is limited to 2 students.

13. CSUS Thesis/Project Formatting Workshop Requirement
Attend a CSUS Thesis Formatting Workshop or review the PowerPoint online
Complete a Certificate of Workshop Completion
The certificate needs to be turned in with your
thesis/project.

14. Continuing with Your Adventure…..