Project and Thesis Forms for Nursing 596
You are responsible for knowing the policies/procedures for your project/thesis (as well as for your program of study). Please refer to the Online Graduate Handbook. The following are guidelines to assist you, but do not supercede the Handbook.
- A thesis/project is a culminating experience that demonstrates your ability to synthesize theory/research/practice (i.e., nursing science). While this may seem a daunting task, it is a unique opportunity for you to develop an idea under the mentorship of faculty. You will have guidance and support from your chair and committee members.
- This is not the same as a term paper. You, your chair, and committee members will all grow professionally from the process, and it is a process. You will all share ideas?the project is a work in progress and will change as you develop your ideas.
- How do you start? You may find your idea from a clinical experience, an article you read, or perhaps a project you completed for coursework. It may come from a question you have. Other student projects/thesis may form the basis of your project.
- Once you have a topic, it's time to consider an appropriate faculty member as a chair. Talk to faculty as well as other students. Your chair can assist in you in further refining your idea and help with your committee selection.
- Choose committee members who bring some expertise to your project?this could be theoretical, methodological, or clinical. You must have 3 committee members (which includes the chair). At times, it may be appropriate to choose a committee member who is not on the faculty, but who has particular expertise in some aspect of the project. Non-faculty committee members must have a master's degree and must be approved by the Director of the School of Nursing. The Director will need a copy of the potential committee member's curriculum vitae.
