1. Senior Capstones & Theses / Dissertations

2. The T/D : Goals “The T/D is done to provide a demonstration of the candidate’s ability to carry out, with substantial independence, a rational investigation that is significant in the field and to report the results in a sensible and understandable fashion.” -- Mauch and Birch. Guide to the Successful Thesis and Dissertation: A Handbook for Students and Faculty, 4 th edition, 1998.

3. The T/D : Structure “… essentially the same principles apply to thesis and dissertation study in all professions and academic disciplines.” -- Guide to the Successful Thesis and Dissertation. 1. Introduction / The Problem / Hypothesis 2. Literature Review 3. Methodology 4. Findings / Discussion 5. Conclusions / Recommendations 6. Bibliography / References

4. T/Ds : Where to Find Them Dissertation Abstracts Dissertation Abstracts Dissertation Abstracts Dissertation Abstracts Dissertations in Full Text Dissertations in Full Text Dissertations in Full Text Dissertations in Full Text Example: Work or Fight by Dr. Shenk Work or FightWork or Fight Also listed in : America: History & Life, ERIC, Sociological Abstracts, PsycInfo, WorldCat Also listed in : America: History & Life, ERIC, Sociological Abstracts, PsycInfo, WorldCatAmerica: History & LifeERIC Sociological AbstractsPsycInfoWorldCatAmerica: History & LifeERIC Sociological AbstractsPsycInfoWorldCat Request via ILLiad (interlibrary loan) Request via ILLiad (interlibrary loan)ILLiad

5. Increasing Complexity & Changing Audiences Essay Research Paper / Term Paper Senior Capstone Master’s Thesis PhD Dissertation Journal Article / Conference Presentation Book

6. Similarities / Differences Senior Capstone Same goals Same goals Same structure Same structure Shorter in length Shorter in length Less time to complete Less time to complete Human subjects review Human subjects review Submission / presentation Submission / presentation Optional archiving Optional archiving Bachelor’s degree Bachelor’s degree Thesis / Dissertation Same goals Same goals Same structure Same structure Longer in length Longer in length More time to complete More time to complete Human subjects review Human subjects review Defense / oral exam Defense / oral exam Mandatory archiving Mandatory archiving Master’s or PhD degree Master’s or PhD degree

7. Capstones : Where to Find Them CSUMB Capstone & Thesis Archive It takes about 20 minutes to complete the necessary form and convert your capstone to PDFform You retain copyright and can specify CSUMB-only access or open access