Thesis and Dissertation
Graduate students can use this page to understand the thesis and dissertation process at Cleveland State University.
Thesis and Dissertation Process
When your committee has approved your topic, complete the Proposal Approval Form. Your program will submit the completed form to Graduate Studies (masterthesis@csuohio.edu or phddissertation@csuohio.edu) for approval.
After your committee is approved, you can enroll in thesis/dissertation credit. Once you begin taking thesis/dissertation credit, you must continue to enroll in at least 1 credit hour each fall and spring semester until you have successfully defended your thesis/dissertation.
Once all edits have been made, submit your final version to Graduate Studies (masterthesis@csuohio.edu or phddissertation@csuohio.edu). Your program will submit the approval page and notice of completion (Master’s or PhD).
Follow the formatting guidelines. Begin the review process by meeting with Ms. Rodgers, who will advise you on follow-up reviews and when to set up the final review with Ms. Hill. Appointments are made through Starfish.
After the format is approved and the required documents are verified, you will receive publication instructions. A PDF of your manuscript will also be provided to you for upload. Your degree will be awarded once the manuscript is published on OhioLINK.
Guidelines and Approval Form
- Thesis and Dissertation Process (downloadable version)
- Thesis and Dissertation Proposal Approval Form
- Thesis & Dissertation Format Guidelines - Complete Document (Revised June 2019)
Completion of Master Degree
- Notice of Completion of Degree Requirements - Master's Students
Required for graduation for students who complete a Master's thesis. All students are required to complete a graduation application well in advance of their projected graduation date. - Incidental Masters Degree Completion Form
An incidental master’s degree may be awarded to a student in a doctoral program who, while completing doctoral degree requirements, fulfills the requirements for a master’s degree.
Completion of Doctoral Degree
- Notice of Completion of Degree Requirements - Doctoral Students
Required for graduation for all Doctoral students.