"Four Easy Steps" to completing a thesis The NMSU Department of Health Science

The following list was developed by MPH faculty to assist our students who elect to pursue the thesis option. This is only a guide. Please consult your individual faculty thesis advisor.

STEP #1 (to be completed during your 1st semester of full-time study)

• identify a thesis topic
• identify a faculty advisor to serve as your thesis chair
• begin your review of the literature

STEP #2 (to be completed by the end of your 2nd semester of full-time study)

• develop a 2-page prospectus
• identify all members of your thesis committee
• have all committee members approve your prospectus
• complete your review of the literature

STEP #3 (to be completed by the end of your 3rd semester of full-time study)

• initiate all paperwork required for IRB approval of your research
• meet regularly with your committee
• complete the initial draft of chapters 1-3 of your thesis
• be sure to have your committee approve your data collection methods
• complete all data collection
• this is a great semester to enroll in MPH 579 if you have not done so already

STEP #4 (to be completed by the end of your 4th semester of full-time study)

• complete all data analysis
• complete all chapters of your thesis
• be sure to submit the final draft of your thesis to your committee at least one month prior to your scheduled defense date
• be sure to schedule your defense date in accordance with NMSU Graduate School deadlines
• don't forget to apply for graduation!