Thesis Requirements

The terms thesis and dissertation are often used synonymously. At DePaul University, to facilitate registration and other requirements, thesis is used for the research and document required for the masters degree in many departments and programs. All forms referenced in these requirements can be found in the Forms Library. This page contains information you will need about thesis requirements from the inception to the completion of your project.

1. "A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations" by Kate L. Turabian, is the handbook which indicates the format, technicalities of form and mechanics of typing/printing required for dissertations, theses and research papers. The only exception we make to Turabian's guidelines is the format for the title page. However, if your thesis advisor determines that your thesis (excepting the title page) would be more appropriately done in another format, follow the advisor's advice.
2. There are certain other requirements you will need to follow at various stages of your project, about which your director/advisor will inform you, such as how to register for thesis credit hours, insuring candidacy continuation, taking qualifying exams, arranging a thesis defense (if necessary) and meeting various deadlines. Make sure everyone on your committee is aware of what needs to be done and when.
3. Upon the completion of the thesis, students MUST initiate the committee approval process by filling out the Final Requirements Confirmation. All committee members must approve the thesis. (Detailed instructions on how to fill out the form can be found after logging in to the Final Requirements Confirmation page.)

Required Thesis Materials

The following documents must be submitted to the LAS Graduate Student Services office by the last day of the conferral term. This is a requirement for graduation. Please complete all online forms and email additional documents to LASGraduateOffice@depaul.edu.

• An electronic PDF copy of the final thesis, fully approved and in the correct format (see Sample Title Page)
• Student-initiated and committee-approved Final Requirements Confirmation Form
• A completed Abstract & Keyword Form
• A signed copy of the ETD Approval Form (Please note: Unless you choose to embargo your thesis, it will be widely available through internet searches.)

Thesis Binding

The Graduate Student Services Office does not offer binding services. If your department requires a bound thesis, please contact someone in the department for the binding requirements and options.