M.A. Thesis Guide
Source: https://afam.ucla.edu/academics/graduate-study/m-a-program/ma-thesis-guide/ Parent: https://afam.ucla.edu/
A Guide on How to Write a Master’s Thesis in African American Studies
By Kyle T. Mays, Ph.D.
There are different ways to write a master’s thesis. However, there are general principles in how to do it. Here is a step-by-step guide to writing your thesis.
The required course sequence is designed for you to complete your proposal by the end of the first year. That proposal will serve as your guide as you conduct your research, collect the data, and then write your thesis in year two. Writing a thesis in two years is quick but not impossible. However, time moves fast so be diligent and keep at it. It is your responsibility to get it done. One way to hold yourself accountable is to form a writing group. That also means you can share your writing with your peers, someone who gives feedback before you send it to your advisor for review.
Some might ask, “How many pages should my thesis be?” There’s no specific answer to that. First, go and skim through previous master’s theses to see how long they are. Second, it depends on your discipline. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, consult with your advisor. I would say that a solid master’s thesis is roughly between 40-80 pages. This is a general range, not a specific one. A thesis will have research questions, an introduction, a literature review, a methods section, an analysis of data section, and a conclusion.
Writing a thesis is difficult. You have a responsibility to yourself to figure out what works best for you. Ask yourself these questions: Where do you write best? What do you need to write? What time of day does your brain work most optimally? Writing a thesis is like managing a large project, something some of you may or may not have done before. It has parts, and your job is to make them fit logically.
Because it’s a larger project, writing last minute is not a good practice. I would recommend writing daily. Here are various writing approaches:
- Write for 20 minutes to an hour twice a day.
- Write 1-page a day. If you do this for two months, you’ll have 60 pages or so.
- Write 100 to 250 words a day.
Fall Quarter of First Year
- Develop your research subject in consultation with your advisor.
- Read all the literature about the subject. You’re supposed to be an expert on the topic.
- Most of this work is done outside of class.
- Complete by the end of the quarter.
Winter Quarter of First Year
- Solidify your research subject.
- Develop your method.
- Write your literature review. Should be roughly 10-12 pages.
- If you’re using human subjects, complete your IRB.
- Complete by the end of the quarter
Spring Quarter of First Year
- Write your proposal.
- The proposal should be roughly 20-25 pages.
- The proposal consists of:
- Research questions.
- Literature review.
- Method section.
- An outline of chapters (includes Introduction. 3-4 chapters. Conclusion).
- A summary of the data/archives you plan to utilize for your project.
- Hypothesis section (or what you expect to argue).
- Complete by week 8 of the quarter and then submit to your thesis adviser.
Summer of Going into Second Year:
- Conduct your research over the summer.
- Collect data that you will analyze.
- Outline the chapters of your thesis.
- Finalize literature review.
- All research should be completed by the beginning of the fall quarter.
Fall Quarter of Second Year
- Write Introduction.
- Write chapter one.
Winter Quarter of Second Year
- Write chapter two.
- Write chapter three.
- Sign up for the Thesis and Dissertation Filing Workshop
Spring Quarter of Second Year
- Write conclusion.
- Turn in to your adviser and committee no later than week 2 for feedback.
- Look at the required filing date for the thesis that year.
- Submit final thesis.
Resources on how to write a Thesis and Filing
- Consult the UCLA Graduate Writing Center for more information on how to write a thesis.
- Filing the Thesis Requirements.
- Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Workshop for filing.