Graduate Studies - Thesis, Dissertation & Specialist Projects

Begin Preparing Your Manuscript Early

Students in programs requiring a thesis, dissertation or specialist project are encouraged to begin writing the document as early as possible.  The student should work with their project supervisor to develop a timeline for rough drafts and a date for the finished document.  The writing phase of the project typically takes much longer than the student originally estimates.  Unfortunately many students fail to receive their degree in a timely manner due to unexpected delays and difficulties with writing and assembling their manuscript.

The following are a few tips designed to make writing these documents less stressful and more enjoyable. 

• Begin reading the literature in your discipline early.  Read broadly across the discipline to help you understand your sub-discipline and read comprehensively (deeply) within your sub-discipline.
• Meet with your advisor regularly to discuss your progress.
• Read the formatting guidelines throughly and review the sample documents early in your studies.  WKU allows some flexibility regarding the font, sections included, etc, so deciding early how to construct your document will allow more time to focus on writing later.  
• Visit the WKU Writing Center for help with grammar and sentence/ paragraph construction challenges.
• Be keenly aware of all the deposition processes and deadlines for deposition with your advisor, department and graduate college.  Each group needs time to review and approve your document.  Students often underestimate the time required for these steps.