Thesis Submission

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. 19^th, 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
• Abstract with 5-7 key words
• Departmental Signature Page
• 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 3^rd 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).