Graduate students completing a master's thesis must submit two copies of the signed thesis to the Library and have the Library approve its format. Library approval is a TWO STEP process. Submit your thesis for the preliminary review and schedule your final appointment. Please schedule your final appointment well in advance to ensure that there is adequate time to review and accept your thesis.
1. A preliminary review and approval of the format by the Thesis Reviewer of your thesis before your defense. The last day to drop off your Thesis for preliminary review is Nov. 19th, 2009; but you should drop off your draft by Nov. 12, 2009. Please include the following items for preliminary review of your thesis:
- At least one chapter or up to 10 pages of your thesis. This does not have to be a final draft. Include any appendices, tables, charts, or graphs that you have completed at this time
- A draft abstract, if required by your department, and 5-7 key words for cataloging your thesis.
- Completed draft of Departmental Signature Page (without signatures)
- 1 sample page of your 100% cotton paper (watermarked, 20 or 24lb, white) to be used for the final printing
Students may drop-off their thesis for preliminary review at the check-out desk on the 3rd floor of the Library. Please allow up to one week for review and you will be notified when your thesis is ready to pick up.
2. Once the formatting for the draft copy is approved by the Thesis Reviewer, and after a successful thesis defense, the student must prepare two official copies of the manuscript.
Schedule a final appointment to submit the thesis to the Library for final approval, and pay the $65 processing/binding fee. Although every effort will be made to accommodate students during the last week of classes, appointments cannot be guaranteed unless they are made at least one week prior to the final deadline. The deadline for making an appointment with the library for final review is December 3rd for Fall 2009 semester (the deadline for final Library approval is Dec. 10).
For your final appointment you will need to bring the following items:
- Two (2) original copies of the thesis printed on the cotton paper
- Two (2) original Signature pages with original signatures on the cotton paper
- The Thesis Certification form with original signatures of your Thesis Committee Chair and your Department Graduate Program Coordinator. (Regular paper is fine). (link)
- A check to cover the processing/binding cost, made out to "CSUSM Library" (the current fee is $65.00, as of Spring 2009).
- Please bring 6 extra blank pieces of cotton paper, to use as spacers for your thesis (3 blank pages for each copy).
The Thesis Reviewer will ensure that the thesis meets the required standards.
1. The student should bring to the FINAL appointment with the Thesis Reviewer:
Left margin: 1.5"
Right margin: 1.25"
Top margin:
- Page numbers: 1" FROM TOP; 1.25" FROM RIGHT EDGE
- Text: 1.25" minimum, 1.5" maximum
Bottom margin: 1.25" minimum, 1.5" maximum
If the thesis is acceptable and the student has the processing/binding fee, the Reviewer will take the two copies of the thesis, the processing/binding fee and the Master's Thesis Certification Form. A copy of the Master's Thesis Certification Form (with the Reviewer's signature) is given to the student as a receipt, certifying that the Library has accepted the submission of the thesis.
2. Once the Library has accepted the final copies of the Thesis, the Library will notify the Departmental Graduate Program Advisor/Coordinator that the student has completed all Library thesis requirements.
Please fill in highlighted areas and print out on 100% cotton paper. You must submit two signature pages with original signatures with two copies of your thesis for final submission to the Library.
Thesis Signature Page (Word document)
Please fill in the highlighted areas and obtain original signatures of your Thesis Committee Chair and your Department Graduate Program Coordinator. Submit this form at your final appointment with the Library.
Thesis Certification Form (Word document)
Project Certification Form (Word document)
Exam Certification Form (Word document)
- Determine if your work is a Thesis or a Project; submit Theses to the Library; submit Projects to your Department. Your Department will forward your formatted Project Abstracts and Signature Pages (2 copies each, on 100% cotton paper) to the Library.
- For checking your margins, it's best not to rely on your computer's settings, but to use a ruler to measure all margins, following the thesis guidelines:
Left margin: 1.5"
Right margin: 1.25"
Top margin:
- Page numbers: 1" FROM TOP; 1.25" FROM RIGHT EDGE
- Text: 1.25" minimum, 1.5" maximum
Bottom margin: 1.25" minimum, 1.5" maximum
- Signature pages must be on 100% cotton paper (20 to 24 pound bond, with a watermark stating '100% cotton' or 'pure cotton'), and must have original signatures in dark blue or black ink. Print two copies on the cotton paper, and take these to your defense to obtain signatures from your committee. If you are intending to make additional personal copies, you might want to take additional Signature pages on cotton paper, to have your committee sign.
- The Thesis Certification Form can also be downloaded from the website and modified, and printed on regular paper (does not need to be on cotton paper). It should also be taken to your defense and also requires original signatures, including the signature of your Department Graduate Program Advisors. You may need to schedule an appointment to have this signed.
- All original printing should be on a laser printer, directly from a disc or memory stick (not photocopied onto the cotton paper).
- If you have any questions, please e-mail the Thesis Reviewer: thesisreviewer@csusm.edu
(Revised Oct.2009)