Thesis Option

Important Note About Program Exit Options

At mid-course in the program (15 credits) the student must meet with the Program Director or Graduate Director who will determine whether the student is recommended for the Thesis option or the Master's Essay (non-thesis) option. No exceptions.

If the Thesis Option is recommended, the student must take responsibility to find an advisor who will form the advisory committee and make a recommendation to the Program Director and Graduate Director.

If the Master's Essay (non-thesis) Option is recommended, the student must take responsibility to find a professor to help guide this option.

Students must take responsibility to ensure the completion of all requirements. To set up an appointment for advising, please contact Asian Studies by phone at 305-348-1914 or by e-mail: asian@fiu.edu.

Thesis Option Information

Students planning to start the thesis process should keep in mind that YOU NEED TO START ONE YEAR BEFORE YOUR ANTICIPATED GRADUATION DATE! Please plan ahead with appropriate time allocation for your thesis preparation and submission process.

The FIU Graduate School (UGS) website offers up-to-date information on Thesis deadlines; however, students should be aware that there can be discrepancies with when these forms are due and where (it is very important to check with an Asian Studies advisor and the Asian Studies Graduate Director, Dr. Stier, before taking any steps in the process). For example, the College of Arts and Sciences needs these forms due a week or more in advance of the dates listed on the FIU Graduate School website. Failure to submit any of the documents by the appointed deadlines can result in delayed graduation.

You will need to download a copy of the Graduate Thesis Dissertation Packet, which includes the following information:

  • Graduate student checklist for thesis preparation.
  • Copies of Forms M1 through M3 and ETD Final Approval Form. (forms are available at http://gradschool.fiu.edu/)
  • Schedule of deadlines. (It is the CANDIDATE'S RESPONSIBILITY to follow all the deadlines and submit ALL the appropriate forms and documentation.)
  • Sample of Thesis Announcement to be used when announcing oral defense of Thesis (attach to form M3)
  • Information on the binding of the Thesis for personal use or for distribution to committee members, etc.

The student's work is to be carried out under the direction and supervision of a major professor and committee members who will supervise it for the intellectual content. Before beginning work on a thesis, candidates must present a proposal for the approval of their major professor and committee members (Information on how to format the proposal, visit the Graduate School: Regulation Manuals page). The major professor and committee members MUST BE members of the GRADUATE FACULTY. For a complete list of eligible faculty, visit the Graduate Faculty List. Please note that Asian Studies is a part of the College of Arts and Sciences.

The Regulation for Thesis Preparation Manual is available online at the Graduate School website. It is the candidate's responsibility to follow all the requirements when writing a thesis.

In addition to these forms, you must submit an application for graduation to the Registrar's Office (Graduation Department, University Park Campus, PC 130).

For instructions on filing forms, visit the Graduate School: Forms page.

Instructions on Filing Forms:

(For the latest list of thesis deadlines click here.)

  • Form M1: To be completed at the time your committee is formed but no later than 2 semesters before the anticipated graduation semester. The following must be submitted with the M1 form:
    • Thesis Topic
    • 2-Page Proposal (single-spaced and submitted to the department)
    • 3-Member Committee Agreement (Eligible faculty include: Dr. Breslin, Dr. Heine, Dr. Katz, Dr. Kowert, Dr. Marr, Dr. Xu, Dr. Zeng)
  • Form M2: Attach a copy of the correctly formatted proposal not exceeding five pages and submit at least 1 semester before the anticipated graduation semester.
  • Form M3: Announcement of Defense, and copy of thesis MUST be submitted to the University Graduate School 3 WEEKS BEFORE THE DATE OF DEFENSE or by the deadline, whichever date is earlier. Attach a copy of the thesis with form M3 and email the announcement to ugs@fiu.edu.
  • Form M4: To be filed in the University Graduate School no later than two weeks after the defense.
  • Form M5: To be filed in the University Graduate School after final copy of thesis is approved. MASTER’S STUDENTS MUST BRING TWO (2) COPIES OF THE THESIS in a sturdy box. Tape a copy of the title page to the cover of the box. THESIS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED UNLESS BROUGHT IN A STURDY BOX WITH A COVER.

Deadlines

The following deadlines attempt to take into account the week in advance or more deadline used by the College of Arts and Sciences (which approves all these forms prior to their submission to UGS). However, students should be aware of the deadline discrepancies and keep in good communication with the Asian Studies Graduate Program Director.

Thesis Track Deadlines

Deadlines

Check on the FIU Graduate School website for up-to-date information on Thesis deadlines.