Master's Thesis

Students must complete a master’s thesis as part of their graduation requirement. This is to be a scholarly piece of research dealing with some aspect of the marriage and family therapy field. Students will begin this process in CDFS 615 during the fall semester of their second year. Their CDFS 615 professor will serve as their thesis chair. Students will choose a thesis committee that will consist of three members: the chair; one member of the marriage and family therapy faculty; and a member of the Behavioral Sciences Department or a related department. Students will work with their committee members throughout their thesis project.

To complete the thesis requirement, students must submit a written thesis document to their committee and provide an oral defense. The oral defense and the thesis document will be evaluated by the committee for a thorough understanding of the subject matter and scholarly presentation. Students are responsible for arranging a date for their oral defense that is convenient for all members of their committee.