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The MBA Thesis Explained

Before you are awarded the degree of Master of Business Administration , you must exhibit your capacity to tackle an investigation of a particular management issue and mull over and write about it in a profound manner. This is the very purpose of the MBA thesis.

What is a Thesis?

A thesis is a long piece of article that you write about a specific subject or research and is particularly done for a university degree or higher college accolade.

When you write your MBA thesis, your writing skills are put to the test. This is also your chance to present the interests, ideas, and skills that you have learned in your MBA program in a satisfying but challenging piece of writing.

As you develop your thesis, you need to investigate and analyze a specific management issue from two perspectives, the practical side and the theoretical side, using business research methods. Through your case study, you get to conduct your own research in a field you like (pending approval of a thesis adviser) that will further sharpen your skills and knowledge of that field.

The Objectives of an MBA Thesis

An MBA thesis has the following objectives:

• To authorize students to apply the knowledge they gained in their MBA studies to a particular management issue.
• To give students the chance to study and write about a specific topic that is of relevance and interest to them in a thorough, detailed, and well-researched manner.
• To expose students to the principle of the entire thesis and the process of business research and academic inquiry.
• To allow students to establish their capacity to think conceptually, communicate, and develop rational and structured thinking.

MBA Thesis: The Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding, cognitive and intellectual skills, behavioral skills.

• Initiate a critical and comprehensive understanding of your thesis topic. Ideally, you should have a level of practical experience and expertise within your topic field.
• Obtain an understanding of the application of business research. When you write your research paper, you should have a clear understanding of the limitations and uses of data analysis techniques that may be used in evaluating outcomes in the business management field.
• Before you start to work and write your own ideas for your research paper, make sure you are able to critically analyze evidence and information from both practitioner and academic sources. You should communicate and develop a cohesive argument to support theoretical models and positions.
• Students must know how to argue and evaluate alternative approaches to models and theories
• Your MBA course is also a good way for you to appreciate your skills and competencies in relation to the organization and planning of your research project. Business schools are also perfect venues for students to master their time management skills.
• As you work on your research requirements, you will understand the importance of working autonomously and how to exercise personal responsibility and initiative in achieving your stated objectives.

Thesis vs Dissertation: Is there a difference?

Are you interested in continuing your education after you complete your bachelor’s degree? If so, have you ever wondered if there is a difference between an MBA thesis and a dissertation; the papers that are usually required in master’s schools? Both generally have similarities. However, there are some differences that set both apart.

Similarities

Before looking for the differences between a thesis and a dissertation, know that both are actually very similar. Some schools, in fact, often used these terms interchangeably.

A thesis and a dissertation are simply papers given to master’s students. Because the structure of these papers is generally extensive, students are given larger windows of time to focus, develop, and write the paper they are assigned. The idea is to complete the papers during the last year of master’s study.

Before you get your graduate degree, you have to obtain a passing grade on your papers. The great news is that although you will not be working with other students, you can still get help from your thesis adviser and peers. With this many people helping you with your final paper, passing your dissertations or theses is very achievable.

But in case you fail the first time, most business schools allow you to resubmit your papers after doing more work to finally meet the requirements.

Type of Graduate Program

One difference between a thesis and a dissertation is that a thesis is required for a master’s program, while dissertations are required for a doctorate program. However, this is not always the case. There are some master’s degree programs that no longer require theses or dissertations. Instead, they are offered in two separate paths: the thesis options and the non-thesis options.

Students who later on plan to obtain a doctorate degree are encouraged to go for the thesis option to prepare them for the dissertations that they will have to write as doctorate students.

The biggest difference between theses and dissertations are the intended purpose. Usually required to get a master’s degree, the thesis is designed to test your skills and understanding of your chosen field of study. 

Most business universities require students to create and write a proposition based on the previous work created by others. The idea is to analyze and present these previous works on your paper and make a case for a particular point of view.

Dissertations are done by students in a doctorate program and focus mainly on original research. Students assigned with dissertations are required to think of a subject in the field they’re interested in but haven’t been researched yet. They have to come up with a concept and hypothesis and make original research papers to prove (or disprove) a hypothesis.

MBA Thesis: The Thesis Topic

When you begin working on your thesis topic, you can choose one in any area/industry as long as it is related to a management or business issue. You can create a new topic or develop ideas you have previously worked on in the program, an elective you studied before in various disciplines, or a module assignment. You need to establish a topic that is relevant to contemporary business and academic thinking.

There are also MBA business degree students who are provided with thesis topics by their sponsoring organization. But if this doesn’t work for you, then the development of an original one is required. You need to think about your areas of interest that you can work on. 

Since choosing a topic is already challenging and hard work itself, it’s best to go for something that will sustain your enthusiasm and motivation throughout the long process of making a thesis.

To have an idea as to what topic you can work on, here are guide questions to get you started:

• Is there a managerial/business issue/problem relating to your organization or job that you’re interested to study?
• Do you have a subject area you’re interested in that, if one day you’ll become an expert, would further improve your career?
• Have you come across a business problem that you believe you can help through your research paper?

MBA Thesis: The Research Proposal

The research proposal is the heart of the thesis. This is the outline of the research work you plan on doing for your research. It is a roadmap on which your professional and academic career depends.

The proposal stage of MBA programs will normally require you to answer these questions:

• What are the boundaries and focus of the MBA thesis topic you choose? What will it include? What won’t?
• What are the objectives and aims of your business plan/research?
• Is your proposed thesis topic feasible? Can you handle the terms of scale and scope?
• What topics will you utilize in doing your research?
• Do you have the resources, competencies, and skills to do the research and study the findings?
• What resources do you need to complete your paper?

Research Aim and Objectives

This is your general statement of your paper’s intent or direction. What are you trying to achieve?

These are the clear and specific writing of your paper’s outcomes and intentions. This must be followed by your justification (the rationale behind doing your research).

Literature Review of an MBA Thesis

In this section, you will summarize the key subject and literature that you have read so far. You will indicate the findings, business principles, and ideas you’ve read have relevance to your subject topic. You should also provide the raw data of at least 25 major academic literature references. All in all, your MBA thesis should cite at least 50 credible and relevant references.

The purpose of your literature review is to critically analyze and review documented theories and evidence relative to your topic and recognize what is and is not known in the field.

MBA Thesis: Conducting the Research

In an MBA program, the nature of your thesis will affect what type of final paper you will be writing. Although there are alternative research designs, they are usually categorized into three types:

Exploratory Research

You use this on your MBA thesis when you have a few existing ideas about the topic you are writing about. This involves observation of a previously under-researched or new topic. The research design of exploratory study uses qualitative methods and is generally not designed to test defined study hypotheses.

Descriptive Research

This is where you define a situation or phenomenon and has a very good structure. Your starting point for this paper starts with your ideas on existing hypotheses that you can then use in identifying variables to be measured. You can use quantitative methods and descriptive statistics in this type of writing.

Explanatory Research

Also called causal study, your presentation here is more on identifying and explaining the relationship between variables that affect a situation. You come up with hypotheses and collect data that supports or negates these hypotheses.

Tips To Help You Prepare and Write a Good MBA Thesis

Whether you have a thesis adviser or you get professional assistance on your analysis for your MBA thesis, making your paper is very challenging. You need the right structure and all the freshest ideas to help you complete your final paper.

To help you complete your MBA degree and its corresponding thesis and capstone projects, you need practical steps to make your business school education truly rewarding in the end. For both local and international students all over the world, here are some helpful tips to make a good MBA thesis.

Choose a topic you’re interested in.

It takes a great deal of work, time, and dedication to finish an MBA thesis successfully. So why would you want to write something you’re least interested in? One of the great benefits of an MBA thesis is that you can choose and work on your own ideas about a specific subject. From there, build a solid structure and work on your writing skills to prove to everybody how bright your ideas are.

Select a topic that has a lot of information available.

Just like the significance of choosing a topic you love, you should also go for a topic that has lots of information available. Of course, your MBA thesis is not just a mere presentation of facts and figures. You need to have readily available facts to draw conclusions.

Be creative and methodical.

An MBA thesis requires a lot of analysis so you can gather enough data to support your argument. As you gather information, be open-minded. Avoid limiting yourself to the usual methods of compiling data. We are now in a digital world where anybody can compile data in so many ways. Simply put, diversify the way you present data in your MBA thesis.

Recheck facts and details, and recheck twice!

When you’re done with your MBA thesis, make sure you recheck your facts, twice! In a business school, your thesis is the most critical part of your entire graduate school journey. Check, then re-check every detail, fact, or figure in your work.

If you can, ask a university mentor to go over your thesis: from the introduction down to the conclusion. Maybe he/she can contribute more to the effectiveness of your writing.

MBA Thesis: When Should You Pursue?

How do you stand out and make real companies feel that you can be a great addition to them? Is having a business administration education enough? What are the implications if you want to pursue a master’s? And if you do, when is a thesis-based MBA right for you?

• If you are planning to get a doctorate in business and you also want to make the most of your master’s program experience, go for a thesis-based MBA.
• If you love to write, you want to further your education, or you plan to teach, a thesis-based MBA should be considered.

How Long is the Thesis for an MBA Program?

An MBA thesis usually ranges from 100 to 300 pages– from the introduction down to the last page, excluding the bibliography. However, the length generally depends on different factors, like the method of study or the subject matter.

There is no ‘correct’ word count or page length to aim for. Your MBA thesis, instead, has to be long enough for you to correctly convey the information you need to convey in a clear manner.

Overall, the MBA thesis is designed to support the professional and academic qualifications of graduate students.

200+ Subject-Wise MBA Dissertation Topics to Check Out This Year

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Feeling the dissertation pressure mounting? Don't let writer's block turn your thesis into a 'to-do' list!  Here’s a list of 200+ MBA dissertation topics that go beyond the usual suspects.  From unique tech trends to the future of sustainability, we've got ideas to start your research passion and impress the professors. So, forget the generic, and let's craft MBA dissertation ideas that make your thesis stand out!

3 Key Considerations when Selecting MBA Dissertation Topics

Picking an MBA dissertation idea isn't everyone's favourite task, but knowing how to select the best MBA research topics is crucial. Three key things to remember when searching for MBA dissertation ideas are:

1. Choosing Unique MBA Dissertation Topics

Selecting MBA dissertation ideas may seem daunting, but don't fret if they've been explored before. The key lies in infusing your unique perspective into existing topics. Be innovative in your research approach to stand out.

2. Ensuring Availability of Secondary Data

Avoid last-minute topic changes by ensuring ample secondary data for your chosen MBA thesis topics. Don't delay the search for secondary data; confirm its availability during topic selection to streamline your research process.

3. Inculcating Quantitative Study

While textual analysis is appealing, integrating quantitative study enhances the depth of your MBA thesis topics. Numbers provide credibility and engage readers effectively. Strike a balance between theory and numerical analysis for impactful research.

Pursuing an MBA will help you advance your career in the business world. Many of the top universities and colleges in the world offer MBA programs in various fields. 

Subject-Wise Best Research Topics for MBA Students

The possibilities for MBA thesis topics are vast, covering all facets of business administration. To narrow down options, consider various subjects. Despite constraints, here's a list of excellent research topics for MBA students for your research and exploration.

Accounting 

1. Investigating the influence of industry and public knowledge on market share index fluctuations

2. Assessing the significance of auditing for large corporations

3. Analysing the country’s tax scheme

4. Factors to consider when investing in financial markets

5. Evaluating risk-taking in companies from an accounting perspective

6. Providing recommendations for circular debt management in business firms

7. Exploring the differences and similarities between external and internal auditors

8. Examining the challenges faced by external audits due to equal value calculations

9. Analysing taxation as a human rights policy and supporting it with evidence

10. Understanding the impact of the current tax structure on lower-income individuals

Operations Management Dissertation Topics

1. Defining the concept of ‘Legality’ in supply chain design

2. Exploring the role of virtual supply chains in facilitating short-term business collaborations

3. Assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of self-driving cars in supply chain management

4. Impact of big data analytics on efficient inventory management

5. Significance of RFID in Toyota's inventory management

6. E-commerce inventory management strategies

7. Production scheduling strategies in manufacturing environments

8. Production scheduling strategies in the automobile industry

9. Case study: Toyota's production scheduling strategies in the UK

10. Utilising AI for quality control: A case study of Amazon.com

Business Management Dissertation Topics

1. Strategies for supporting gender equity in traditionally male-dominated industries

2. Impact of management's socio-cultural background on leadership relationships

3. The effect of employment benefits on employee and company productivity

4. Adaptation of small business strategies to globalisation

5. Role of feedback in cultural shifts within multinational corporations

6. Assessing team performance in multinational corporations

7. Examining small business strategies in the context of globalisation

8. Analysing team performance in multinational corporations

9. Human resource management and policies in non-profit organisations

10. Role of foreign direct investment in the economy of developing countries

Finance Dissertation Topics

1. Exploring the swift expansion of international microfinance

2. Investigating the growth of microfinance within the UK banking sector

3. Analysing the impact of microfinance on emerging economies

4. Assessing the role of credit and financial services in investment

5. Examining microfinance's contribution to poverty alleviation and economic growth

6. Contrasting FDI strategies between Europe and Asia

7. Studying emerging market stock synchronicity and analyst coverage

8. Evaluating the influence of foreign direct investment on developing nations

9. Assessing the effects of European financial regulations on cross-border investments

10. Scrutinising ongoing banking sector reforms in emerging economies: the Brazilian case

We also have a list of different finance dissertation topics in brief. You can also check out these topics for more information.

Marketing Dissertation Topics

1. Evaluating the significance of personalization in digital relationship marketing during the COVID-19 era

2. A case study on UK fitness brands building customer loyalty through high-value content

3. Analysing obstacles facing Tesco’s loyalty card scheme in today's market dynamics

4. Leveraging social media for customer acquisition through relationship marketing

5. Investigating the impact of product quality on consumer satisfaction

6. Assessing consumer understanding of brand values through a Starbucks vs. McDonald’s case study

7. Using digital methods to enhance brand salience: a case study approach

8. Exploring the impact of product availability on SME brand image

9. Transitioning a brand's reputation across industries: lessons from Virgin Cola

10. Assessing beauty brands' direct marketing efficacy using YouTube

Information Technology Management Dissertation Topics

1. Predicting the future impact of information technology on global business

2. Assessing the pace of technological advancement in meeting global financial system demands

3. Analysing the impact of the Sony hack on international market transactions

4. Exploring how technological advancements enhance global trade

5. Investigating the influence of religion on IT adoption in Yemeni universities

6. Assessing the impact of mobile technology on international students in British universities

7. Examining online discussions' role in promoting interaction and collaboration in blended learning environments

8. Applying instructional techniques to improve problem-solving abilities

9. Evaluating the effectiveness of automated tools in literature reviews for students

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Strategic Risk Management Dissertation Topics

1. Exploring the Influence of Current Global Supply Chain Trends on Risk Management Strategies

2. Investigating Social Risks' Impact on Multinational Corporations and Shareholder Value

3. Assessing Liquidity and Credit Risk Management in Financial Markets

4. Best Practices in Operational Risk Management for Warehousing

5. Comparative Analysis of Risk Management in Financial Sectors

7. Critical Factors for Operational Management Success in Financial Services

8. Analysis and Mitigation of Social Risks

9. Overcoming Obstacles in Operational Risk Management

10. Utilising Risk Assessment to Manage Medical Errors

11. Long-term Risk Management in the Banking Sector

Entrepreneurship Dissertation Topics

1. Consequences of Chronic Unemployment in Major Economies

2. Government Bailouts vs. Corporate Responsibility

3. Profit Dynamics of Insurance Firms

4. Subsidised Loans and Business Practice Ethics

5. Risk and Reward in High-Risk Investments

6. Tactics for Long-term Financial Security in Small Companies

7. Real Estate Investment Risks and Myths

8. Investment Opportunities During Economic Downturns

9. Strategies for Risk-free Profits in the Stock Market

10. Factors Influencing Business Bankruptcy Probability

11. Human Resource Management Dissertation Topics

Implementing HR Philosophies in the Workplace

1. Collaboration Between Corporate Management and HR

2. Choosing Interpersonal Skills: Soft vs. Hard

3. Objectivity vs. Subjectivity in Employee Appraisal

4. Employee Engagement and Incentive Impact

5. HR Departments' Role in Organisational Change

6. Performance Improvement Strategies for Employee Evaluation

7. Employee Perspectives on Performance Reviews

8. Impact of Motivation Programs on Productivity

9. Enhancing the Employee Selection Process

E-Commerce Dissertation Topics

1. Investigating New Businesses' E-Commerce Strategies

2. Analysing Traditional Businesses' E-Commerce Migration

3. E-Commerce Strategies: Serendipity or Strategy?

4. Components of a Successful E-Commerce Strategy

5. Examining Payment Processing Models

6. Evaluating Social Media's Role in E-Commerce

7. Strengthening Customer Relationships through E-Commerce Tactics

8. The Significance of Unique Selling Points in E-Commerce Growth

9. E-Commerce Marketing Mix: Online vs. Hybrid Presence

10. Comparing Pay-Per-Click and Pay-Per-Click Advertising

Economics Dissertation Topics

1. Impact of Market Competition on Corporate Growth Strategies

2. COVID-19's Influence on Corporate Market Entry

3. Non-Profit Financing Models and Long-Term Viability

4. Privatisation's Economic Policy Ramifications

5. Challenges Posed by Digitalization in Industries

6. Brexit's Effects on UK Industrial Policies

7. COVID-19's Impact on the Entertainment Industry

8. Global Perspectives on Alternative Energy Markets

9. Shifting Consumer Preferences Over Two Decades

10. Cultural Influence on Entrepreneurial Behavior and Business Initiatives

Health Care Management Dissertation Topics

1. Examining Mid-Level Providers' Role in Healthcare

2. Telemedicine's Impact on Healthcare Administration

3. Addressing the Opioid Crisis in Healthcare

4. Growth and Consequences of Urgent Care Clinics

5. Supporting Families Caring for Dementia Patients

6. Health Literacy's Influence on Prostate Cancer Outcomes

7. Governance and Ethics in Patient Portal Use by Guardians

8. Employee Turnover Due to Tuition Reimbursement Programs

9. Follow-Up Procedures After Medical Errors

10. State Legislation's Effects on Medical Malpractice Insurance

International Business Dissertation Topics

1. Investigating the Success of Global Business Teams in Multinational Companies: Testing an Interfering Process Model.

2. Exploring Corporate Governance's Role in Globalization and Firm Performance.

3. Assessing Brexit's Impact on British SMEs: An Examination of Likely Effects.

4. Analysing Business-Government Relations: Contingency Theory Perspective.

5. Understanding Globalization's Method and Impact on Business Collaboration.

6. Retail Management Dissertation Topics

7. The Contribution of Visual Merchandising to Clothing Brand Income in UK Malls.

8. Management's Role in Revenue Generation in Automotive Retail.

9. Evaluating Store Location Effects on Apparel Brand Sales in UK Malls.

10. Assessing the Impact of Retail Promotions on Inventory Turnover.

11. Applied Retail Analysis in B2B Industries: Optimal Store Placement.

Rural Management Dissertation Topics

1. Examining Media Influence on Rural Development.

2. Rural Development and Community Health Administration: Exploring Roles.

3. Cooperative Societies' Impact on Rural Development.

4. Community Banks' Contribution to Rural Development.

5. Identifying Socioeconomic Barriers to Rural Growth.

Change Management on Dissertation Topics

1. Dissertation Topics on Managing Change

2. Incorporating Change Management Education in Universities

3. Identification of Tools and Techniques for Change Management in Construction Projects

4. Critical Analysis of Organisational Change Management in UK-based Companies

5. Impact of Change Management Processes on Performance in Mega Programme Projects

6. Change Management Perspectives among Veterinary Nurses

7. Inter-organisational System Performance and Change Management

8. Examining Africa's Change Management Approaches: The Ubuntu Values

9. The Influence of Business and IT Functions on Organisational Change Management

10. Evolution of Change Management Perspectives over Time

11. Change Management and Cultural Revitalisation Movements in Organisations

12. Change Management in Healthcare Nursing: A Comprehensive Review

13. Hexagonal vs. Pentagonal Models in Change Management

14. Significance of Grounded Theory Approach in Change Management

15. Ethics, Values, and Leadership in Change Management

1. Entrepreneurship Trends: A Recent Boom

2. Impact of Increasing Entrepreneurs on the UK Economy

3. Entrepreneurial Adoption of Cloud Technology for Quality Control and Cost Savings

4. Scope of Entrepreneurship in the UK: Implications for Competition and Productivity

5. Technological Developments and Entrepreneurship Effects

6. Gender Dynamics in Developing Entrepreneurial Skills

7. Government Policy Influence on Entrepreneurship

8. Entrepreneurial Role in Economic Development

9. Factors Influencing Entrepreneurial Creativity

10. Entrepreneurship Education's Impact on Skill Development

11. Public Support for Technology-based Ventures

12. Factors Affecting New Ventures' Growth

13. Legislative and Fiscal Policies Encouraging Entrepreneurship

14. Alternative Marketing Tactics for Small-scale Food Entrepreneurs

15. Crowdsourcing: Definition and Functionality

Logistics and Supply Chain Management Dissertation Topics

1.  Investigating the Importance of Supply Chain Management in Company Outsourcing

2. Assessing Risks within a Supply Chain

3. Analysis of Technology's Role in Present Supply Chain Structures

4. Examining the Connections Between Supply Chain and Company Logistics

5. Investigating Tax Evasion in Car Supply Chains and Its Impact on Procurement Costs

6. Challenges to Implementing an Effective Supply Management System

7. Evaluation of Information Dissemination and Sharing Among Supply Chain Intermediaries

8. Evaluating Cost Reduction Measures in China's Car Exports and Imports

9. Importance of Logistics Management in UK Clothing Reorders

10. Coping with Supply Chain and Logistics Changes: A Study on UK Businesses

So, there you have it! A diverse buffet of MBA dissertation topics to tantalise your intellectual taste buds. Remember, choosing the right one is key. Don't be afraid to get creative and explore uncharted territory. After all, your dissertation is your chance to shine, showcase your expertise, and leave a lasting mark on the business world. Dive in, research, analyse, and remember, the perfect MBA dissertation idea awaits!

Frequently Asked Questions

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MBA dissertation help: How to choose a topic, plan, and write your dissertation

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MBA dissertations and consultancy projects are the final modules on most MBA programmes . Our participants can opt for either a traditional dissertation (with a theoretical focus) or a hands-on project, which will see you consulting for a real organisation alongside a team of peers.  

Whether you choose a dissertation or consultancy project, you will still be required to submit a written exploration of a research question that is relevant to the world of business as part of the module. This guide offers MBA dissertation help that remains applicable whichever route you take on your Full-time MBA.

Read on to learn about the early stages of the process, choosing a topic, planning out your workload, and how to write an MBA dissertation or individual consulting report. Written by the MBA team here at Warwick Business School (WBS), this article also features some helpful first-hand advice from one of our MBA graduates, Kristen Rossi who studied our Full-time MBA.

An introduction to MBA dissertations and consultancy projects

Completing either an MBA dissertation or consultancy project is a requirement on Full-time MBA courses ; alternatively, participants at WBS can opt for an internship to satisfy the Capstone module .

Although this work will be completed towards the end of your programme, it’s worth getting ahead of the game. Given that your dissertation or project will contribute significantly towards your final result, we recommend learning about the requirements and how the process works even before you apply for an MBA.

As Full-time Warwick MBA graduate, Kristen Rossi, puts it: 

From the second the MBA started, there was talk of “The Project & Dissertation” – the part of the MBA that is worth the most credit, which will probably involve an outside company, and (gasp) that you will do alone!

Unless you take part in an internship in place of the module, your first port of call is to choose between an MBA dissertation or a consultancy project. Seem like a daunting decision to make? We’ve outlined the key points of difference to help you get off on the right track.

What is an MBA dissertation?

An MBA dissertation is an independent, yet supervised, research project. It is designed to demonstrate that you have assimilated your learning throughout the MBA course and that you can explore a business issue thoroughly, considering multiple perspectives on the subject.

The output from an MBA dissertation is a piece of written work that explores a research question relevant to the world of business. You could explore any one of a wide range of different topics as part of the dissertation, but your writing should have an academic focus with a strong grounding in theory and your own independent research.

At WBS, you may also choose to focus on Entrepreneurship as part of your MBA dissertation, which is a requirement if you choose the Entrepreneurship Specialism. This allows you to take a deep dive into a new business idea, tackle an existing issue, or use the opportunity to help launch your own venture.

What is a strategic consultancy project?

A strategic consultancy project provides you with hands-on experience of consulting on behalf of a real organisation and investigating a specific business challenge that it faces. Taking place for 10 to 12 weeks over the summer period, you’ll work alongside a group of your peers at the same organisation.

WBS participants can choose their own groups and, as Kristen comments, are given support in sourcing a project: 

The consultancy project and dissertation is usually supported by a client who has a topic or question that they would like to know more about. WBS provides specific, mandatory careers sessions dedicated to the consultancy project and dissertation.

The Business School has partnered with many global industry leaders as part of the consultancy projects, from Barclays to Sony and Microsoft. 

Once you’ve chosen a group and organisation, each participant selects their own distinct research question. The deliverable is then an individual consulting report addressing this question.

You can find out more about consultancy projects from Antonia in the film below:

The differences between an MBA dissertation and consultancy project

A consultancy project still requires you to produce an extended piece of written work in the form of your individual consulting report, but it differs from an MBA dissertation in a number of ways:

• A strategic consultancy project is hands-on, requiring you to engage with a business issue faced by a real organisation, whereas an MBA dissertation is more theoretical.
• The scope of the issue you explore as part of a project will typically be much narrower and more focused than a dissertation, which can investigate a much broader topic area.
• An MBA dissertation should aim to further the academic community’s understanding of a particular area of business; a consultancy project is geared towards solving a real-world business problem for a specific organisation or group of organisations.

How will a dissertation or project benefit you?

This final phase of your MBA course gives you the opportunity to explore a particular topic in great depth, enhancing your academic or practical understanding of an area of business. 

For many participants the dissertation or project is a formative experience that has a tangible impact on their future career paths, supporting their professional ambitions.

But don’t just take it from us. What does Kristen have to say?

“I can only speak for myself, but with the project and dissertation, I gained three things. Firstly, slightly superficial, I now have a fabulous new brand on my CV, Aston Martin Lagonda. 

“Secondly, through the interviews I conducted for my primary research I had the privilege to learn a lot about the luxury automotive sector, which I would otherwise have not had the opportunity to learn as much about. Writing to and setting up a conversation with the CMO of a major firm is made easier when you have WBS and the justification of a dissertation, and the information they share is priceless. 

“Thirdly, although tedious, I had the opportunity to deep-dive into a particular topic – marketing ROI best practices. This really helped me to understand the challenges and remedies of this topic in depth and will certainly help me as I make my career jump in the coming months.”

Choosing an MBA dissertation topic

Like many participants, you may feel nervous about the thought of choosing a suitable MBA dissertation topic. In reality, however, this is nothing to worry about.

As you progress through the early stages of your MBA programme, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself drawn to a particular area of study or type of business problem. The direction you take is also likely to be influenced by your pre-existing career goals and professional experience. 

On this point, Kristen recommends that you make the project work for you:

When choosing your client project and dissertation, try to focus on an industry and topic that you hope to transition into. If you are looking to move into finance, work on a project that will provide you with the knowledge to help you land the job!

It’s also worth noting that you’ll be given extensive support when it comes to picking a research question or sourcing a project. You’ll attend sessions dedicated to selecting the right topic in the run-up to the start of the dissertation or project module — and there is always additional help available at WBS.

How to write an MBA dissertation

Once you’ve chosen a topic for your MBA dissertation or project, your work on the module can begin in earnest.

As a Warwick Business School participant, you’ll be guided through the process from the outset. But if you’re still at the stage of wondering whether this is something you’d want to pursue in the first place, here’s a brief overview packed with MBA dissertation advice from one of our graduates.

Making contact with your supervisor

Kristen’s top tip for writing an MBA dissertation is not to wait to be assigned a supervisor:

“Once your project applications have been whittled down to interviews (early May for the Full-time MBA), look at the topics and seek out an academic in the school whose knowledge (and personality) you think would match the project and you. The sooner you do this the better.

“I had finalised my supervisor by the beginning of June and this head start was extremely beneficial. It allowed me to better project manage the different chapters of the dissertation and be more in control of the process.”

The planning phase

Delivering a successful MBA dissertation or consulting report is an exercise in sound project management; just one of the many ways in which it sets you up well for later working life. And it’s universally acknowledged that the best approach to take with any large-scale project is to break it down into bite-size chunks.

Kristen suggests seeking support to divide up the dissertation into smaller components, from the draft of your first chapter through to the final submission:

With the help of your supervisor, work backwards and set up a timeline to tackle each section of the dissertation. Include milestones where you will check-in with your supervisor (face-to-face is recommended) as well.

Preparing your literature review

The literature review is the all-important foundation of any dissertation – MBA-level or otherwise. 

Kristen’s experience speaks to the value of starting your research early and keeping a record of all the papers and publications you encounter along the way:

“Once you roughly know the topic of your project and dissertation, start researching. Do not wait until you have a supervisor or until your elective modules are finished. Start immediately! I recommend this for three reasons.

“Firstly, the initial articles you find will most likely not be the gems you hope them to be and it will take a lot of speed-reading and trial and error before you uncover the wisdom that will actually inform your research. 

“Secondly, once you find relevant research, it will take time to read it and most academic literature is not a page-turning detective novel (I can attest to falling asleep mid-read on several occasions). 

“Finally, I am a believer that to truly understand and process new material, you need time. Give yourself the time to read, step away and think, and come back to it. In the end, you will be grateful that you did.

Further to this point, when reading journal publications look at the references the author cites. Seek out these additional authors and their publications.”

Communicating with your client contact on a consulting project

Should you opt for a strategic consulting project, the way you manage the relationship with your client organisation is just as important as the write-up of the final report. Kristen offers this final piece of advice:

“If you are not going to their office, then from the beginning of your relationship set in place weekly 30-minute Skype sessions to keep the client up-to-date with what you are doing. This will allow you to build a relationship with them and will help you to address any hiccups along the way. 

“Sometimes after starting your research, you may find that the client’s initial request is too broad. This is okay, but you will need to bring it up and negotiate a more realistic deliverable. The weekly updates are also beneficial. As you research, you may find yourself going off in the wrong direction. Checking in with your client on a weekly basis will help you stay on track.”

------------------------

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How to write a masters dissertation or thesis: top tips.

It is completely normal to find the idea of writing a masters thesis or dissertation slightly daunting, even for students who have written one before at undergraduate level. Though, don’t feel put off by the idea. You’ll have plenty of time to complete it, and plenty of support from your supervisor and peers.

One of the main challenges that students face is putting their ideas and findings into words. Writing is a skill in itself, but with the right advice, you’ll find it much easier to get into the flow of writing your masters thesis or dissertation.

We’ve put together a step-by-step guide on how to write a dissertation or thesis for your masters degree, with top tips to consider at each stage in the process.

1. Understand your dissertation (or thesis) topic

There are slight differences between theses and dissertations , although both require a high standard of writing skill and knowledge in your topic. They are also formatted very similarly.

At first, writing a masters thesis can feel like running a 100m race – the course feels very quick and like there is not as much time for thinking! However, you’ll usually have a summer semester dedicated to completing your dissertation – giving plenty of time and space to write a strong academic piece.

By comparison, writing a PhD thesis can feel like running a marathon, working on the same topic for 3-4 years can be laborious. But in many ways, the approach to both of these tasks is quite similar.

Before writing your masters dissertation, get to know your research topic inside out. Not only will understanding your topic help you conduct better research, it will also help you write better dissertation content.

Also consider the main purpose of your dissertation. You are writing to put forward a theory or unique research angle – so make your purpose clear in your writing.

Top writing tip: when researching your topic, look out for specific terms and writing patterns used by other academics. It is likely that there will be a lot of jargon and important themes across research papers in your chosen dissertation topic. 

2. Structure your dissertation or thesis

Writing a thesis is a unique experience and there is no general consensus on what the best way to structure it is. 

As a postgraduate student , you’ll probably decide what kind of structure suits your research project best after consultation with your supervisor. You’ll also have a chance to look at previous masters students’ theses in your university library.

To some extent, all postgraduate dissertations are unique. Though they almost always consist of chapters. The number of chapters you cover will vary depending on the research. 

A masters dissertation or thesis organised into chapters would typically look like this: 

Write down your structure and use these as headings that you’ll write for later on.

Top writing tip : ease each chapter together with a paragraph that links the end of a chapter to the start of a new chapter. For example, you could say something along the lines of “in the next section, these findings are evaluated in more detail”. This makes it easier for the reader to understand each chapter and helps your writing flow better.

3. Write up your literature review

One of the best places to start when writing your masters dissertation is with the literature review. This involves researching and evaluating existing academic literature in order to identify any gaps for your own research.

Many students prefer to write the literature review chapter first, as this is where several of the underpinning theories and concepts exist. This section helps set the stage for the rest of your dissertation, and will help inform the writing of your other dissertation chapters.

What to include in your literature review

The literature review chapter is more than just a summary of existing research, it is an evaluation of how this research has informed your own unique research.

Demonstrate how the different pieces of research fit together. Are there overlapping theories? Are there disagreements between researchers?

Highlight the gap in the research. This is key, as a dissertation is mostly about developing your own unique research. Is there an unexplored avenue of research? Has existing research failed to disprove a particular theory?

Back up your methodology. Demonstrate why your methodology is appropriate by discussing where it has been used successfully in other research.

4. Write up your research

Your research is the heart and soul of your dissertation. Conducting your actual research is a whole other topic in itself, but it’s important to consider that your research design will heavily influence the way you write your final dissertation.

For instance, a more theoretical-based research topic might encompass more writing from a philosophical perspective. Qualitative data might require a lot more evaluation and discussion than quantitative research. 

Methodology chapter

The methodology chapter is all about how you carried out your research and which specific techniques you used to gather data. You should write about broader methodological approaches (e.g. qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods), and then go into more detail about your chosen data collection strategy. 

Data collection strategies include things like interviews, questionnaires, surveys, content analyses, discourse analyses and many more.

Data analysis and findings chapters

The data analysis or findings chapter should cover what you actually discovered during your research project. It should be detailed, specific and objective (don’t worry, you’ll have time for evaluation later on in your dissertation)

Write up your findings in a way that is easy to understand. For example, if you have a lot of numerical data, this could be easier to digest in tables.

This will make it easier for you to dive into some deeper analysis in later chapters. Remember, the reader will refer back to your data analysis section to cross-reference your later evaluations against your actual findings – so presenting your data in a simple manner is beneficial.

Think about how you can segment your data into categories. For instance, it can be useful to segment interview transcripts by interviewee. 

Top writing tip : write up notes on how you might phrase a certain part of the research. This will help bring the best out of your writing. There is nothing worse than when you think of the perfect way to phrase something and then you completely forget it.

5. Discuss and evaluate

Once you’ve presented your findings, it’s time to evaluate and discuss them.

It might feel difficult to differentiate between your findings and discussion sections, because you are essentially talking about the same data. The easiest way to remember the difference is that your findings simply present the data, whereas your discussion tells the story of this data.

Your evaluation breaks the story down, explaining the key findings, what went well and what didn’t go so well.

In your discussion chapter, you’ll have chance to expand on the results from your findings section. For example, explain what certain numbers mean and draw relationships between different pieces of data.

Top writing tip: don’t be afraid to point out the shortcomings of your research. You will receive higher marks for writing objectively. For example, if you didn’t receive as many interview responses as expected, evaluate how this has impacted your research and findings. Don’t let your ego get in the way!

6. Write your introduction

Your introduction sets the scene for the rest of your masters dissertation. You might be wondering why writing an introduction isn't at the start of our step-by-step list, and that’s because many students write this chapter last.

Here’s what your introduction chapter should cover:

Problem statement

Research question

Significance of your research

This tells the reader what you’ll be researching as well as its importance. You’ll have a good idea of what to include here from your original dissertation proposal , though it’s fairly common for research to change once it gets started.

Writing or at least revisiting this section last can be really helpful, since you’ll have a more well-rounded view of what your research actually covers once it has been completed and written up.

Masters dissertation writing tips

When to start writing your thesis or dissertation.

When you should start writing your masters thesis or dissertation depends on the scope of the research project and the duration of your course. In some cases, your research project may be relatively short and you may not be able to write much of your thesis before completing the project. 

But regardless of the nature of your research project and of the scope of your course, you should start writing your thesis or at least some of its sections as early as possible, and there are a number of good reasons for this:

Academic writing is about practice, not talent. The first steps of writing your dissertation will help you get into the swing of your project. Write early to help you prepare in good time.

Write things as you do them. This is a good way to keep your dissertation full of fresh ideas and ensure that you don’t forget valuable information.

The first draft is never perfect. Give yourself time to edit and improve your dissertation. It’s likely that you’ll need to make at least one or two more drafts before your final submission.

Writing early on will help you stay motivated when writing all subsequent drafts.

Thinking and writing are very connected. As you write, new ideas and concepts will come to mind. So writing early on is a great way to generate new ideas.

How to improve your writing skills

The best way of improving your dissertation or thesis writing skills is to:

 Finish the first draft of your masters thesis as early as possible and send it to your supervisor for revision. Your supervisor will correct your draft and point out any writing errors. This process will be repeated a few times which will help you recognise and correct writing mistakes yourself as time progresses.

If you are not a native English speaker, it may be useful to ask your English friends to read a part of your thesis and warn you about any recurring writing mistakes. Read our section on English language support for more advice. 

Most universities have writing centres that offer writing courses and other kinds of support for postgraduate students. Attending these courses may help you improve your writing and meet other postgraduate students with whom you will be able to discuss what constitutes a well-written thesis.

Read academic articles and search for writing resources on the internet. This will help you adopt an academic writing style, which will eventually become effortless with practice.

Keep track of your bibliography 

When studying for your masters dissertation, you will need to develop an efficient way of organising your bibliography – this will prevent you from getting lost in large piles of data that you’ll need to write your dissertation. 

The easiest way to keep the track of all the articles you have read for your research is to create a database where you can summarise each article/chapter into a few most important bullet points to help you remember their content. 

Another useful tool for doing this effectively is to learn how to use specific reference management software (RMS) such as EndNote. RMS is relatively simple to use and saves a lot of time when it comes to organising your bibliography. This may come in very handy, especially if your reference section is suspiciously missing two hours before you need to submit your dissertation! 

Avoid accidental plagiarism

Plagiarism may cost you your postgraduate degree and it is important that you consciously avoid it when writing your thesis or dissertation. 

Occasionally, postgraduate students commit plagiarism unintentionally. This can happen when sections are copy and pasted from journal articles they are citing instead of simply rephrasing them. Whenever you are presenting information from another academic source, make sure you reference the source and avoid writing the statement exactly as it is written in the original paper.

What kind of format should your thesis have?

Read your university’s guidelines before you actually start writing your thesis so you don’t have to waste time changing the format further down the line. However in general, most universities will require you to use 1.5-2 line spacing, font size 12 for text, and to print your thesis on A4 paper. These formatting guidelines may not necessarily result in the most aesthetically appealing thesis, however beauty is not always practical, and a nice looking thesis can be a more tiring reading experience for your postgrad examiner .

When should I submit my thesis?

The length of time it takes to complete your MSc or MA thesis will vary from student to student. This is because people work at different speeds, projects vary in difficulty, and some projects encounter more problems than others. 

Obviously, you should submit your MSc thesis or MA thesis when it is finished! Every university will say in its regulations that it is the student who must decide when it is ready to submit. 

However, your supervisor will advise you whether your work is ready and you should take their advice on this. If your supervisor says that your work is not ready, then it is probably unwise to submit it. Usually your supervisor will read your final thesis or dissertation draft and will let you know what’s required before submitting your final draft.

Set yourself a target for completion. This will help you stay on track and avoid falling behind. You may also only have funding for the year, so it is important to ensure you submit your dissertation before the deadline – and also ensure you don’t miss out on your graduation ceremony ! 

To set your target date, work backwards from the final completion and submission date, and aim to have your final draft completed at least three months before that final date.

Don’t leave your submission until the last minute – submit your work in good time before the final deadline. Consider what else you’ll have going on around that time. Are you moving back home? Do you have a holiday? Do you have other plans?

If you need to have finished by the end of June to be able to go to a graduation ceremony in July, then you should leave a suitable amount of time for this. You can build this into your dissertation project planning at the start of your research.

It is important to remember that handing in your thesis or dissertation is not the end of your masters program . There will be a period of time of one to three months between the time you submit and your final day. Some courses may even require a viva to discuss your research project, though this is more common at PhD level . 

If you have passed, you will need to make arrangements for the thesis to be properly bound and resubmitted, which will take a week or two. You may also have minor corrections to make to the work, which could take up to a month or so. This means that you need to allow a period of at least three months between submitting your thesis and the time when your program will be completely finished. Of course, it is also possible you may be asked after the viva to do more work on your thesis and resubmit it before the examiners will agree to award the degree – so there may be an even longer time period before you have finished.

How do I submit the MA or MSc dissertation?

Most universities will have a clear procedure for submitting a masters dissertation. Some universities require your ‘intention to submit’. This notifies them that you are ready to submit and allows the university to appoint an external examiner.

This normally has to be completed at least three months before the date on which you think you will be ready to submit.

When your MA or MSc dissertation is ready, you will have to print several copies and have them bound. The number of copies varies between universities, but the university usually requires three – one for each of the examiners and one for your supervisor.

However, you will need one more copy – for yourself! These copies must be softbound, not hardbound. The theses you see on the library shelves will be bound in an impressive hardback cover, but you can only get your work bound like this once you have passed. 

You should submit your dissertation or thesis for examination in soft paper or card covers, and your university will give you detailed guidance on how it should be bound. They will also recommend places where you can get the work done.

The next stage is to hand in your work, in the way and to the place that is indicated in your university’s regulations. All you can do then is sit and wait for the examination – but submitting your thesis is often a time of great relief and celebration!

Some universities only require a digital submission, where you upload your dissertation as a file through their online submission system.

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How to Write a Master's Thesis

Last Updated: June 1, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 610,354 times.

Students learning how to write a Master's Thesis will first learn that a central thesis question must be presented and subsequently answered. A Master's Thesis will be the most prominent piece of your graduate work up to this point, and a pertinent thesis question that forms the spine of this work elevates it from the prosaic to the significant.

Choosing a Topic

• To get a degree - topic should be difficult enough, but manageable too.
• To enjoy the work - topic that you are truly interested in, something that you will not grow bored of after a short period of time.
• To get a job afterward - if you know what specifically you want to do after your studies and/or for which company, it might be useful to choose a topic, that will help with this goal.
• To be useful - thesis might actually be useful to help to make the world a little better place.
• Try thinking about your favorite subject of study - it may be a particular author, theory, time period, etc. Imagine how you might further the study of that subject.
• You might consider skimming through papers you wrote for your graduate courses and see if there is any apparent topic that you tend to gravitate towards.
• Consult with faculty members, favorite professors. They might have some good suggestions to write about. Generally, you'll be required to meet with your thesis advisor at least once before you start working.
• Consider consulting with industry partners. Your favorite company might have some work to do which might be done as a master's thesis. This might also help you get a job within the company afterward and maybe even some money for the thesis.
• If you want to help the world to be a better place, you might want to consult with your local non-profits and charities or check the Internet for possible thesis topics to write about.
• 3 Choose the right topic. From the possible topics generated in the previous step, find the one which best fits the objectives from the first step, especially the objectives most important to you. Make sure that you have a clear, specific, and organized plan on how to write a master's thesis which you will be able to then defend.

• Make sure that your question and the answers provided will provide original content to the body of research in existence. A judicious question will also keep research focused, organized, and interesting.
• Once you've formulated your topic and direction of inquiry, try formulating 5-10 different questions around your intended research. This forces you to think flexibly about your topic and visualize how small changes in wording can change the trajectory of your research.

• Usually, your committee chair will be in place before you formally start your thesis. They can help guide you and provide input into your project, so the earlier you can get their commitment, the better.
• Nothing is more frustrating than your thesis progress being held up by a professor who has too many obligations to make time to meet with you.

Selecting Your Texts

• For example, a novel written by Ernest Hemingway or a scientific journal article in which new results are documented for the first time would both be considered primary sources.

• For example, a book written about Ernest Hemingway's novel or a scientific journal article examining the findings of someone else's experiment would both be considered secondary sources.

• Use the in-text citation format appropriate to your discipline. [3] X Research source The most common formats are MLA, APA, and Chicago.
• Create a coordinating works cited or reference entry for each source you cite in the text of your document or in a footnote.
• Consider using a citation management software such as EndNote, Mendeley, or Zotero. These will enable you to insert and move citations within your word processor program and will automatically populate a works cited or reference page for you.

Planning an Outline

• Qualitative. This type of thesis involves completing a project that is exploratory, analytical, or creative in some way. Usually, students in the humanities will complete this kind of thesis.
• Quantitative. This type of thesis involves conducting experiments, measuring data, and recording results. Students in the sciences usually complete this kind of thesis.

• Signature page (with the completed signatures of your advising committee - usually attained at the defense, or after the project is deemed complete )
• Abstract - this is a short (one paragraph or so) description/summary of the work completed in your thesis
• Table of Contents (with page numbers)
• Introduction
• Body of paper
• Works Cited or Bibliography
• Any necessary appendices or endnotes

Moving through the Writing Process

• If you do not already have a review of literature written, it’s time to do your research! The review of literature is essentially a summary of all of the existing scholarship about your topic with plenty of direct quotations from the primary and secondary sources that you’re referencing.

Finalizing Your Thesis

• Many departments or programs provide a document template for theses and dissertations. If you have one of these, it may be easiest to use such a template from the beginning of your work (rather than copying and pasting your writing into it).

• Alternatively, ask a trusted colleague or friend to read over your thesis to help you catch any minor grammar/spelling/punctuation errors and typos.

• Some institutions require you to submit your thesis for a formatting check prior to uploading the document to ProQuest. Be sure to check with your department’s Director of Graduate Studies for specific instructions.
• Be aware of thesis submission deadlines, which are often well in advance of your graduation date. Late submission of your thesis may force you to push back your graduation date, which may affect your employment or continuing graduate studies.

Masters Thesis Outline

Expert Q&A

• Remember why you are writing a Master's thesis and who will want to read and use the material. You write a Master's thesis for members of your community, so keep in mind that they will have extensive knowledge and experience before reading your work. Don't bore them with unnecessary material. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Choosing the perfect question before starting research will prevent frustration and save time. Rigorous effort on finding the perfect question is probably the most important task when learning how to write a Master's thesis. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Consult other people who have completed a Master's thesis and obtained a Master's degree. It can be a long, grueling process, and having the support and advice of someone who has already done it can be very valuable. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://umb.libguides.com/PrimarySources/secondary
• ↑ https://www.scribbr.com/citing-sources/in-text-citation-styles/
• ↑ https://www.unk.edu/academics/gradstudies/admissions/grad-files/Grad%20Files/ThesisGdlnsFinal08.pdf
• ↑ https://u.osu.edu/hackingthethesis/managing-stuff/your-content/outline/
• ↑ http://www.imm.dtu.dk/~janba/MastersThesisAdvice.pdf

About This Article

To write a master's thesis, make it a goal to write 500 words every day, which will help you meet your deadline without having to rush at the last minute. It's also helpful if you work in 25-minute increments and take a 5-minute break in between, which will make your work sessions less overwhelming. Also, figure out a writing time that works best for you, whether it's in the morning or at night, and stick with it so you're more productive. For more help writing your master's thesis, like how to make an outline, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Master and MBA Theses

Student research activities are primarily expressed by the thesis, which is a document submitted in support of candidature for an academic degree. Ideally, a master thesis establishes a link between theory and practice. 

Theses that have reached grades 90% or higher will be published here in regular intervals. By special requests of some students, their theses will be withheld for a certain time period (5 years max.) and will be published after that.

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From Risk-Seeking to Risk-Averse Behavior: differences in making private financial decisions among socio-demographic groups - Jakob Temmer ( abstract ) ( full text )

Using Sentiment Analysis on Tweets to Assess its Usefulness for Price and Purchase Signal Estimation: A case study of an NFT artwork - Sepehr Ghaffari ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Role of Digitalization on the Way Towards a Sustainable Agricultural Sector in Colombia - Maria Catalina Atehortua Ospitia ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Present and Forthcoming Influence of  AI Text-to-Image Platforms on Marketing Management - Máté Tamás Kántor ( abstract ) ( full text )

Motivational Factors for Car Use Despite Access to Free Public Transport in Luxembourg - Rick Walentiny ( abstract ) ( full text )

Unraveling the Motivations, Challenges, and Success Indicators of Social Entrepreneurs: A Comparative Study with Mainstream Entrepreneurs - Linda Oueslati ( abstract ) ( full text )

On the Gap between Awareness and Voting Behavior: Are US citizens who believe in climate change voting for Green parties? - Elmira Rezagholizadeh ( abstract ) ( full text )

Exploring the Applicability of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology to Blockchain in the Banking Sector - Ehab KhizaranT ( full text )

The Accuracy of European Policies in Fostering the Sustainability Transition - The Case of the ‘European Strategy for Sustainable and Circular Textile’ - Francesca Radovcic ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Advertising Appeals on Store Visit Intentions During Seasonal Shopping Events - Isabell Christin Sorf ( abstract ) ( full text )

Residents’ perceptions of the impact of robotaxis on society, economy, and environment: The case of Zagreb - Marlon Anthony Don Schmidt ( abstract ) ( full text )

Employee Happiness in Event Management Sector before and after Covid – 19 in Vienna - Hin Karwan Rashid ( abstract ) ( full text )

Wiener Linien in the context of Smart City Vienna, Austria - Adrian Paul Montia ( full text ) 

Consumer Perception on Proposed Food Benefits Brought by the Farm to Fork Strategy; Austria as a case study - Aleksa Mirkovic ( full text )

Critical Success Factors for Implementing AI Technologies in the Context of Startup Business Operations - Paul Kippes ( abstract ) ( full text )

Analysis and Contextualization of the Emotions and the Narrative Created on Parler Through Social Media Posts in the Days Before the Storm on the U.S. Capitol on the 6th of January 2021 - Sebastian Janke ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Psychological Importance of Green Spaces During COVID-19: A comparison between those who had access to gardens and balconies and those who did not in the Balkan region - Anaïs Janik ( full text )

Psychological Analysis of Resilience Between Women and Men in Vienna's International Working Environment - Athina Dodbiba ( full text )

The Influence of a Crisis on Food Consumption Lifestyle Trends - Johanna Schlenk ( full text )

The Role of Tactile Product Descriptions in Online Retailing - Slavko Dasic ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Role of Sensory Attributes in Stimulating Healthy Food Choices - Jennifer Yanyu Hu ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Role of Bicycling for the Resilience and Sustainability of Transport in Urban Areas in the Post-COVID-19 World - Ana Marija Udovič ( full text )

Transportation and Logistics Leadership in an Age of Digital Transformation in Austria - Sinem Ekiz ( full text )

How did Airbnb Guests Experience the COVID-19 Pandemic in Vienna? - Tommy Manes ( full text )

Why is Food Insecurity a Problem in a Country That Produces Enough Food: South Africa? - Bonnie Evert ( abstract ) ( full text )

Towards a Multidimensional Biodiversity Conservation Index for Tourism Destinations - Dulce Fabiola Vega Posada ( abstract ) ( full text )

Visualizing Instagram Data to Identify Common Tourist Hotspots within Austrian Destinations - Katharina Ladurner ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Effect of Rational and Emotional Advertising Appeals on Students’ Place Attachment and Intentions to Study Abroad - Sofía Sánchez ( full text )

The Influence of Instagram Posts on Millennials’ Tourism Destination Attitude - Muza Malova ( full text )

A Study on Low-Cost Carriers' Travellers: attitudes and tourist behaviours  - Ya-Yen Huang - ( abstract ) ( full text )

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Factors Influencing the Job Satisfaction of Employees during the Pandemic Times: A study for the Administrative Staff of the Private Sector in Kosovo - Anita M. Spahijaj ( full text )

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Have sustainable health systems met their potential benefits? (A European perspective) - Michelle Granda ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Online Dynamic Pricing Strategies on Consumers’ Trust, Fairness Perceptions, and Loyalty - Qinrui Xu ( abstract ) ( full text )

Stakeholder Perception Towards a Medication Delivery Platform in Austria and Its Impact on Different Stakeholder Groups - Daniel Mitheis ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Effect of Augmented Reality on Consumers’ Reactions to Mobile Marketing - Orsolya Schmidt ( abstract ) ( full text )

Strategic Management Approaches to Combat the Impact of COVID-19 on Urban and Rural Area Hotels - The Case of Tyrol, Austria - Lisa Unterganschnigg ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Digital Marketing on Consumer Behavior Concerning Sustainability in the Field of Plastic - Thomas Wagner ( abstract ) ( full text )

Roles and Potentials of Urban and Rural Makerspaces in the Digital and Sustainability Transition in Post-Covid Europe - Omara Ré ( full text )

Psychological Analysis into Consumer Luxury Shopping Behavior in China during and after the Covid-19 Pandemic - Bowen Tan ( abstract ) ( full text )

Adoption of Cryptocurrencies by Milllennials in Vienna: Is there a Future for Decentralized Finance (DeFi)? - Benjamin Šafarič ( full text )

Privacy Concerns - How Customers Perceive Different Privacy Policies? - Haidi Alla ( abstract ) ( full text )

An Analysis of the Influence of Political Identity, Economic Ideology and Anti-intellectualism on Climate Change Attitudes in the US - Gerard Magloire ( full text )

Support Mechanisms for Austrian Startups in achieving the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals - Max Woche ( full text )

Transition to Circular Economy in the European Union: Focus on the Machinery and Equipment Industry - Quentin Danjou ( abstract ) ( full text )

Office Space Development and Respective Effects on Productivity and Work-Life Balance - Jochen Nowak ( abstract ) ( full text )

Instagram Consumer Engagement: does the language matter? - Dariia Sharafan ( abstract ) ( full text )

Digital Transfomation in the Sports Apparel Industry: the case of Nike, Inc. - Lukas Stangl ( abstract ) ( full text )

Viability of Using a Social Business to Reintegrate Women Formerly Exploited in Prostitution into Society and the Workforce - Valerie Urdich ( abstract ) ( full text )

Application Possibilities of Blockchain Technology in Tourism - Maximilian Künstner ( abstract ) ( full text )

Sustainability Certificates of Hotel Properties - Yannick Herzberg ( abstract ) ( full text )

Crisis Management and Destination Image Repair after Terrorism - Linn Minar ( abstract ) ( full text )

Defining and assessing environmentally friendly hotel concepts and their effects on destinations - Apostolos Tsiantis ( full text )

Understanding Online Banking Adoption: interprative study in Austrian banking context - Veronika Chikhradze ( abstract ) ( full text )

What Works and What Doesn't in Social Media for University Recruitment - Diana Palnychenko ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Influencer Marketing on Brand Loyalty Towards Luxury Cosmetics Brands: comparison of Generation Z and Millenial - Karina Dogra ( full text )

Nomads Experience and Overall Well-Being: the role of co-living spaces - Jennifer Sin Hung von Zumbusch ( abstract )

Success Factors of Urban Farming Projects in Europe: a case study analysis - Victoria Felser ( abstract ) ( full text )

Finding the Airline's Sweet Spot: matching travelers' expectations and experiences - Rick Boender ( abstract ) ( full text )

Backpackers’ Expectations of Hybrid Hotels: A Text Mining Approach - Samantha Michele Mylocopos Ross ( full text )

Perceived Livability of Expatriates: The case of barcelona - Gabriela Basovska ( abstract )

Perceptions on the influence of wearable devices on life and work satisfaction - Stefan Catic ( abstract ) ( full text )

Managing Deviant Customer Behavior in an Online Context: a comparison of hotels’ response strategies - Nadine Fischer ( abstract ) ( full text )

Detroit’s Urban Revival: the influence of lower class socioeconomic groups on detroit’s urban revitalizatio n - Davis Gibbs ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact of Psychological Development in Career Choices: motivation of overachievers vs. underachievers - Kateryna Gresenko ( abstract ) ( full text )

Chalets resorts in the Alps: curse or blessing for the local communities - Michael Winkler ( abstract ) (full text)

How to Strike a Viral Video Success: a study on the influence of the emotional tone on consumer intentions and attitudes -  Vera Wanivenhaus  ( abstract ) ( full text )

The development of cultural tourism in Europe focused on the economic value of the Salzburg festival - Christina Norman Audenhove (abstract) (full text)

Factors Influencing Recipe Promotion on Facebook - Pamina Marie Strobl ( abstract ) ( full text )

Digitalisation Strategies for Art Museums - Nour Matroud ( abstract ) ( full text )

Analysis of the Factors Influencing the Bidding Process of Hotel Operators - Nicole Börner ( abstract ) ( full text )

A Stakeholder’s View on the Creation of a Sustainable Energy-Flagship Region Within the LEADER-Region Nationalpark Hohe Tauern - Nina Zitz ( abstract ) ( full text )

Effects of an Environmentally Sustainable Business Strategy on Attitudes and Behavior of Employees - Veronika Sara Veiner  ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Importance of Self-Actualization for Degrowth: Does Personal Transformation Lead to Private and Professional Alternative Lifestyle Choices? - Senka Radić ( abstract ) ( full text )

Text Classification Models in Social Media Channels owned by Pharma: Early Detection of Compliance-Relevant Information - Verena Foppa ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Role of NGOs in Integrating Ukrainian Refugee Children into the Austrian Education System in Light of the Russia versus Ukraine Conflict - Champaka Anantharamu ( abstract ) ( full text )

Applying Post-War Countries' Experience to the Reconstruction of Real Estate in Ukraine - Tetiana Marusich ( full text )

Emerging Leadership Traits in the Post-Covid Era - Angelo D’Agostino ( full text )

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A Comparative Analysis of the Diplomatic Strategies Employed in the Context of Brexit: The Causes, Implications, and Recommendations for the Future - Tristan Bernardo Breijer ( full text )

The Influence of AR Apps on Behavioural Intentions in the Fashion Industry - Ekaterina Mousa ( abstract ) ( full text )

Acceptance of Corporate Health Promotions - a case study in the health industry - Gregor Wegenstein ( abstract ) ( full text )

Predictors of Medical Destination Intention to Visit: the role of culture of destination - Iraqi patients as an example - Dr. Abdulla Ainakshabandi ( full text )

The Impacts, Concerns and Pitfalls of AI in Healthcare Diagnostics - Emma Miller ( abstract ) ( full text )

Assessing the Feasibility of Corporate Net Zero Targets : An Exploratory Inquiry - Alina Maria Moldovan ( abstract ) ( full text )

Critical Review of Smart City Concepts, Strategies and Indicators - Birthe Getzner ( abstract ) ( full text )

Effectiveness of B2B digital marketing strategies for lead generation - Case study: Lumiart, lighting company based in Guatemala - Monica Mendizabal ( abstract ) ( full text )

Finance and Fine Wine - The rare Central European Fine Wine market as an alternative investment in the view of wineries, gastronomy and retail - Sieghard Vaja ( abstract ) ( full text )

Student recruitment strategies for students originating from Balkan countries - Katrin Malcheva ( full text )

Transparency of environmental reporting in Russian and European oil and gas companies - Anastasia Kratzer ( full text )

Impact of macroeconomic variables on stock prices in Austria - Christian Kratzer ( full text )

The Consumer Perspective on Blockchain-Enabled Loyalty Programs - Elena Petrozhitskaya ( full text )

Consumer responses to (a)typical label design within standardized glass packaging shape - Charlotte Jermendy ( abstract ) ( full text )

Role models in Social Entrepreneurship - Kyle Zhung Yong ( abstract ) ( full text )

Space Efficiency in Hotel Development - Robert Suga ( full text )

Memorable Hotel Experience Design – The GM’s Perspective - Nataša Keršič Razinger ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Impact Development of Scheduled U.S. Macroeconomic Announcements on Foreign Exchange Rates: An empirical study of the nonfarm payrolls announcement and the EURUSD over the past two decades - Thomas Jandejsek ( abstract ) ( full text )

Digitization in the B2B Pharmaceutical Industry: A similar State of Technology Adoption as in the B2B Food and Beverage Industry? A comparison - Valerie Pretscher ( abstract ) ( full text )

Revenue, Yield, and Total Revenue Management – How flexible is the Viennese luxury hotel market - Gabriel Horrak ( full text )

The Influence of Smart Hotel App Features on Five-Star Hotel Guests Booking Intention - Felix Fischer ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Role of Social Media in Personal Branding - Inna Kharchenko ( abstract ) ( full text )

Student Recruitment Strategies For Students Originating From Balkan Countries - Katrin Malcheva ( full text )

Social Innovation and the Islands Energy Transition – The Case of Unije Island (HR) - Lea Perinic ( full text )

Residents' Attitudes towards Tourism and the Intentions to support/reject Tourism - Peter Johann Gatterer ( full text ) 

Hotel Chains' response to highly visited Urban Tourist Destinations: the Case of Vienna - Mubeen Thaha ( abstract ) ( full text )

A sectoral Input/Output Analyses of the Economies of the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America - Waleed Shahzad ( full text ) 

The Use of Blockchain Technology use in the Supply Chain: a case study from Austria - Marijan Stipic ( abstract ) ( full text )

Open Innovations: mapping activities in Vienna - Georg Sedlbauer ( abstract ) ( full text )

Identification of User Requirements for Prosthetic Devices by Means of Text Mining in Online User Fora - Michael Russold ( abstract ) ( full text )

Factors Affecting Successes and Failures of Entrepreneurship in Afghanistan - Jami Baktash ( full text )

Spectrum of Emotions: Fro m the evolution to the revision of the modern psychiatry and psychology - Lukas Mach ( full text )

Corporate Strategy External Communication Practices in Research Organisations - Philippa Baumgartner ( full text )

Career Expectations of Hospitality Students: A Swiss Context and Generational Effects - Tunde Bausz ( full text )

Powerful synergies: Gender equality, sustainable development and peace - Annelisa Miglietti ( full text )

Influence of Online Marketing Strategies on the Sales Success of B2B Companies - Urska Binter ( full text )

The Millennial Workforce & The Rise Of The Gig Economy - Kevin Chaudhry ( full text )

Analyzing Relations between Financial Indicators and the Public Debate Using Knowledge Extraction and Machine Learning Technologies - Wolfgang Radinger-Peer ( full text )

Hedonic pricing and the sharing economy: How profile characteristics affect Airbnb accommodation prices in Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville - Baldwin Tong ( full text )

Shopping for Innovation: A Startup Selection Guide - Martin Hammerschmid ( full text )

Impact factors on the adoption of Blockchain Technology in the Hotel Industry - David Hochschwarzer ( full text )

The Characteristics of Pro-Environmental Urban Tourists: A Market Segmentation Study Based on the New Ecological Paradigm - Jennifer Day ( full text )

The aspects of culinary tourism in Tourists’ satisfaction and tourists’ loyalty. Insights from Vienna - Thu Thuy Khuat ( abstract ) ( full text )

Perceptions of visible tattoos and piercings in the service industry - Rahul Rao ( abstract ) ( full text )

The Role of Corporate Finance in Eval-uating a Cloud Computing Strategy - A Chief Financial Officer perspective - Andreas Rynes ( full text )

A sustainable hotel concept and its contribution to the city-hinterland tourism - Carina Becker ( full text )

Social Media Influencers in the Travel Industry: an analysis - Isabel Laczkovich ( abstract ) ( full text )

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How To Write A Research Proposal

A Straightforward How-To Guide (With Examples)

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr. Eunice Rautenbach | August 2019 (Updated April 2023)

Writing up a strong research proposal for a dissertation or thesis is much like a marriage proposal. It’s a task that calls on you to win somebody over and persuade them that what you’re planning is a great idea. An idea they’re happy to say ‘yes’ to. This means that your dissertation proposal needs to be   persuasive ,   attractive   and well-planned. In this post, I’ll show you how to write a winning dissertation proposal, from scratch.

Before you start:

– Understand exactly what a research proposal is – Ask yourself these 4 questions

The 5 essential ingredients:

• The title/topic
• The introduction chapter
• The scope/delimitations
• Preliminary literature review
• Design/ methodology
• Practical considerations and risks 

What Is A Research Proposal?

The research proposal is literally that: a written document that communicates what you propose to research, in a concise format. It’s where you put all that stuff that’s spinning around in your head down on to paper, in a logical, convincing fashion.

Convincing   is the keyword here, as your research proposal needs to convince the assessor that your research is   clearly articulated   (i.e., a clear research question) ,   worth doing   (i.e., is unique and valuable enough to justify the effort), and   doable   within the restrictions you’ll face (time limits, budget, skill limits, etc.). If your proposal does not address these three criteria, your research won’t be approved, no matter how “exciting” the research idea might be.

PS – if you’re completely new to proposal writing, we’ve got a detailed walkthrough video covering two successful research proposals here . 

How do I know I’m ready?

Before starting the writing process, you need to   ask yourself 4 important questions .  If you can’t answer them succinctly and confidently, you’re not ready – you need to go back and think more deeply about your dissertation topic .

You should be able to answer the following 4 questions before starting your dissertation or thesis research proposal:

• WHAT is my main research question? (the topic)
• WHO cares and why is this important? (the justification)
• WHAT data would I need to answer this question, and how will I analyse it? (the research design)
• HOW will I manage the completion of this research, within the given timelines? (project and risk management)

If you can’t answer these questions clearly and concisely,   you’re not yet ready   to write your research proposal – revisit our   post on choosing a topic .

If you can, that’s great – it’s time to start writing up your dissertation proposal. Next, I’ll discuss what needs to go into your research proposal, and how to structure it all into an intuitive, convincing document with a linear narrative.

The 5 Essential Ingredients

Research proposals can vary in style between institutions and disciplines, but here I’ll share with you a   handy 5-section structure   you can use. These 5 sections directly address the core questions we spoke about earlier, ensuring that you present a convincing proposal. If your institution already provides a proposal template, there will likely be substantial overlap with this, so you’ll still get value from reading on.

For each section discussed below, make sure you use headers and sub-headers (ideally, numbered headers) to help the reader navigate through your document, and to support them when they need to revisit a previous section. Don’t just present an endless wall of text, paragraph after paragraph after paragraph…

Top Tip:   Use MS Word Styles to format headings. This will allow you to be clear about whether a sub-heading is level 2, 3, or 4. Additionally, you can view your document in ‘outline view’ which will show you only your headings. This makes it much easier to check your structure, shift things around and make decisions about where a section needs to sit. You can also generate a 100% accurate table of contents using Word’s automatic functionality.

Ingredient #1 – Topic/Title Header

Your research proposal’s title should be your main research question in its simplest form, possibly with a sub-heading providing basic details on the specifics of the study. For example:

“Compliance with equality legislation in the charity sector: a study of the ‘reasonable adjustments’ made in three London care homes”

As you can see, this title provides a clear indication of what the research is about, in broad terms. It paints a high-level picture for the first-time reader, which gives them a taste of what to expect.   Always aim for a clear, concise title . Don’t feel the need to capture every detail of your research in your title – your proposal will fill in the gaps.

Need a helping hand?

Ingredient #2 – Introduction

In this section of your research proposal, you’ll expand on what you’ve communicated in the title, by providing a few paragraphs which offer more detail about your research topic. Importantly, the focus here is the   topic   – what will you research and why is that worth researching? This is not the place to discuss methodology, practicalities, etc. – you’ll do that later.

You should cover the following:

• An overview of the   broad area   you’ll be researching – introduce the reader to key concepts and language
• An explanation of the   specific (narrower) area   you’ll be focusing, and why you’ll be focusing there
• Your research   aims   and   objectives
• Your   research question (s) and sub-questions (if applicable)

Importantly, you should aim to use short sentences and plain language – don’t babble on with extensive jargon, acronyms and complex language. Assume that the reader is an intelligent layman – not a subject area specialist (even if they are). Remember that the   best writing is writing that can be easily understood   and digested. Keep it simple.

Note that some universities may want some extra bits and pieces in your introduction section. For example, personal development objectives, a structural outline, etc. Check your brief to see if there are any other details they expect in your proposal, and make sure you find a place for these.

Ingredient #3 – Scope

Next, you’ll need to specify what the scope of your research will be – this is also known as the delimitations . In other words, you need to make it clear what you will be covering and, more importantly, what you won’t be covering in your research. Simply put, this is about ring fencing your research topic so that you have a laser-sharp focus.

All too often, students feel the need to go broad and try to address as many issues as possible, in the interest of producing comprehensive research. Whilst this is admirable, it’s a mistake. By tightly refining your scope, you’ll enable yourself to   go deep   with your research, which is what you need to earn good marks. If your scope is too broad, you’re likely going to land up with superficial research (which won’t earn marks), so don’t be afraid to narrow things down.

Ingredient #4 – Literature Review

In this section of your research proposal, you need to provide a (relatively) brief discussion of the existing literature. Naturally, this will not be as comprehensive as the literature review in your actual dissertation, but it will lay the foundation for that. In fact, if you put in the effort at this stage, you’ll make your life a lot easier when it’s time to write your actual literature review chapter.

There are a few things you need to achieve in this section:

• Demonstrate that you’ve done your reading and are   familiar with the current state of the research   in your topic area.
• Show that   there’s a clear gap   for your specific research – i.e., show that your topic is sufficiently unique and will add value to the existing research.
• Show how the existing research has shaped your thinking regarding   research design . For example, you might use scales or questionnaires from previous studies.

When you write up your literature review, keep these three objectives front of mind, especially number two (revealing the gap in the literature), so that your literature review has a   clear purpose and direction . Everything you write should be contributing towards one (or more) of these objectives in some way. If it doesn’t, you need to ask yourself whether it’s truly needed.

Top Tip:  Don’t fall into the trap of just describing the main pieces of literature, for example, “A says this, B says that, C also says that…” and so on. Merely describing the literature provides no value. Instead, you need to   synthesise   it, and use it to address the three objectives above.

Ingredient #5 – Research Methodology

Now that you’ve clearly explained both your intended research topic (in the introduction) and the existing research it will draw on (in the literature review section), it’s time to get practical and explain exactly how you’ll be carrying out your own research. In other words, your research methodology.

In this section, you’ll need to   answer two critical questions :

• How   will you design your research? I.e., what research methodology will you adopt, what will your sample be, how will you collect data, etc.
• Why   have you chosen this design? I.e., why does this approach suit your specific research aims, objectives and questions?

In other words, this is not just about explaining WHAT you’ll be doing, it’s also about explaining WHY. In fact, the   justification is the most important part , because that justification is how you demonstrate a good understanding of research design (which is what assessors want to see).

Some essential design choices you need to cover in your research proposal include:

• Your intended research philosophy (e.g., positivism, interpretivism or pragmatism )
• What methodological approach you’ll be taking (e.g., qualitative , quantitative or mixed )
• The details of your sample (e.g., sample size, who they are, who they represent, etc.)
• What data you plan to collect (i.e. data about what, in what form?)
• How you plan to collect it (e.g., surveys , interviews , focus groups, etc.)
• How you plan to analyse it (e.g., regression analysis, thematic analysis , etc.)
• Ethical adherence (i.e., does this research satisfy all ethical requirements of your institution, or does it need further approval?)

This list is not exhaustive – these are just some core attributes of research design. Check with your institution what level of detail they expect. The “ research onion ” by Saunders et al (2009) provides a good summary of the various design choices you ultimately need to make – you can   read more about that here .

Don’t forget the practicalities…

In addition to the technical aspects, you will need to address the   practical   side of the project. In other words, you need to explain   what resources you’ll need   (e.g., time, money, access to equipment or software, etc.) and how you intend to secure these resources. You need to show that your project is feasible, so any “make or break” type resources need to already be secured. The success or failure of your project cannot depend on some resource which you’re not yet sure you have access to.

Another part of the practicalities discussion is   project and risk management . In other words, you need to show that you have a clear project plan to tackle your research with. Some key questions to address:

• What are the timelines for each phase of your project?
• Are the time allocations reasonable?
• What happens if something takes longer than anticipated (risk management)?
• What happens if you don’t get the response rate you expect?

A good way to demonstrate that you’ve thought this through is to include a Gantt chart and a risk register (in the appendix if word count is a problem). With these two tools, you can show that you’ve got a clear, feasible plan, and you’ve thought about and accounted for the potential risks.

Tip – Be honest about the potential difficulties – but show that you are anticipating solutions and workarounds. This is much more impressive to an assessor than an unrealistically optimistic proposal which does not anticipate any challenges whatsoever.

Final Touches: Read And Simplify

The final step is to edit and proofread your proposal – very carefully. It sounds obvious, but all too often poor editing and proofreading ruin a good proposal. Nothing is more off-putting for an assessor than a poorly edited, typo-strewn document. It sends the message that you either do not pay attention to detail, or just don’t care. Neither of these are good messages. Put the effort into editing and proofreading your proposal (or pay someone to do it for you) – it will pay dividends.

When you’re editing, watch out for ‘academese’. Many students can speak simply, passionately and clearly about their dissertation topic – but become incomprehensible the moment they turn the laptop on. You are not required to write in any kind of special, formal, complex language when you write academic work. Sure, there may be technical terms, jargon specific to your discipline, shorthand terms and so on. But, apart from those,   keep your written language very close to natural spoken language   – just as you would speak in the classroom. Imagine that you are explaining your project plans to your classmates or a family member. Remember, write for the intelligent layman, not the subject matter experts. Plain-language, concise writing is what wins hearts and minds – and marks!

Let’s Recap: Research Proposal 101

And there you have it – how to write your dissertation or thesis research proposal, from the title page to the final proof. Here’s a quick recap of the key takeaways:

• The purpose of the research proposal is to   convince   – therefore, you need to make a clear, concise argument of why your research is both worth doing and doable.
• Make sure you can ask the critical what, who, and how questions of your research   before   you put pen to paper.
• Title – provides the first taste of your research, in broad terms
• Introduction – explains what you’ll be researching in more detail
• Scope – explains the boundaries of your research
• Literature review – explains how your research fits into the existing research and why it’s unique and valuable
• Research methodology – explains and justifies how you will carry out your own research

Hopefully, this post has helped you better understand how to write up a winning research proposal. If you enjoyed it, be sure to check out the rest of the Grad Coach Blog . If your university doesn’t provide any template for your proposal, you might want to try out our free research proposal template .

Psst… there’s more!

This post is an extract from our bestselling short course, Research Proposal Bootcamp . If you want to work smart, you don't want to miss this .

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30 Comments

Thank you so much for the valuable insight that you have given, especially on the research proposal. That is what I have managed to cover. I still need to go back to the other parts as I got disturbed while still listening to Derek’s audio on you-tube. I am inspired. I will definitely continue with Grad-coach guidance on You-tube.

Thanks for the kind words :). All the best with your proposal.

First of all, thanks a lot for making such a wonderful presentation. The video was really useful and gave me a very clear insight of how a research proposal has to be written. I shall try implementing these ideas in my RP.

Once again, I thank you for this content.

I found reading your outline on writing research proposal very beneficial. I wish there was a way of submitting my draft proposal to you guys for critiquing before I submit to the institution.

Hi Bonginkosi

Thank you for the kind words. Yes, we do provide a review service. The best starting point is to have a chat with one of our coaches here: https://gradcoach.com/book/new/ .

Hello team GRADCOACH, may God bless you so much. I was totally green in research. Am so happy for your free superb tutorials and resources. Once again thank you so much Derek and his team.

You’re welcome, Erick. Good luck with your research proposal 🙂

thank you for the information. its precise and on point.

Really a remarkable piece of writing and great source of guidance for the researchers. GOD BLESS YOU for your guidance. Regards

Thanks so much for your guidance. It is easy and comprehensive the way you explain the steps for a winning research proposal.

Thank you guys so much for the rich post. I enjoyed and learn from every word in it. My problem now is how to get into your platform wherein I can always seek help on things related to my research work ? Secondly, I wish to find out if there is a way I can send my tentative proposal to you guys for examination before I take to my supervisor Once again thanks very much for the insights

Thanks for your kind words, Desire.

If you are based in a country where Grad Coach’s paid services are available, you can book a consultation by clicking the “Book” button in the top right.

Best of luck with your studies.

May God bless you team for the wonderful work you are doing,

If I have a topic, Can I submit it to you so that you can draft a proposal for me?? As I am expecting to go for masters degree in the near future.

Thanks for your comment. We definitely cannot draft a proposal for you, as that would constitute academic misconduct. The proposal needs to be your own work. We can coach you through the process, but it needs to be your own work and your own writing.

Best of luck with your research!

I found a lot of many essential concepts from your material. it is real a road map to write a research proposal. so thanks a lot. If there is any update material on your hand on MBA please forward to me.

GradCoach is a professional website that presents support and helps for MBA student like me through the useful online information on the page and with my 1-on-1 online coaching with the amazing and professional PhD Kerryen.

Thank you Kerryen so much for the support and help 🙂

I really recommend dealing with such a reliable services provider like Gradcoah and a coach like Kerryen.

Hi, Am happy for your service and effort to help students and researchers, Please, i have been given an assignment on research for strategic development, the task one is to formulate a research proposal to support the strategic development of a business area, my issue here is how to go about it, especially the topic or title and introduction. Please, i would like to know if you could help me and how much is the charge.

This content is practical, valuable, and just great!

Thank you very much!

Hi Derek, Thank you for the valuable presentation. It is very helpful especially for beginners like me. I am just starting my PhD.

This is quite instructive and research proposal made simple. Can I have a research proposal template?

Great! Thanks for rescuing me, because I had no former knowledge in this topic. But with this piece of information, I am now secured. Thank you once more.

I enjoyed listening to your video on how to write a proposal. I think I will be able to write a winning proposal with your advice. I wish you were to be my supervisor.

Dear Derek Jansen,

Thank you for your great content. I couldn’t learn these topics in MBA, but now I learned from GradCoach. Really appreciate your efforts….

From Afghanistan!

I have got very essential inputs for startup of my dissertation proposal. Well organized properly communicated with video presentation. Thank you for the presentation.

Wow, this is absolutely amazing guys. Thank you so much for the fruitful presentation, you’ve made my research much easier.

this helps me a lot. thank you all so much for impacting in us. may god richly bless you all

How I wish I’d learn about Grad Coach earlier. I’ve been stumbling around writing and rewriting! Now I have concise clear directions on how to put this thing together. Thank you!

Fantastic!! Thank You for this very concise yet comprehensive guidance.

Even if I am poor in English I would like to thank you very much.

Thank you very much, this is very insightful.

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Department of Management Sciences

Master's thesis topics list in the mba program.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Download the full list of Master's Thesis topics of the years 2011 - 2018. ​Go back to " Master YOUR Thesis ".

Graduation year of 2018

"Corporate-NGO partnerships in a critical reflection​" (Dodo Mamadou Baba​, Batch 2016)

"Child protection policies and strategies as management tools of NGOs in Delhi​" (Aadhya Kaul, Batch 2016)

"Development of an effective advertising strategy for antihistamine drugs in the pharmaceutical industry in Uzbekistan​" (Valentin Khen, Batch 2012)

Graduation year of 2017

"Online Fundraising as a strategic field of work for NGOs - what can NGOs learn from the private sector?​" (Jose Luis Gomez Cruz, Batch 2015)

"Process factors in NGO Corporate Relationship Management (CRM)" ( Saskia Hedrich, Batch 2015 )

"A qualitative analysis of the success factors for entrepreneurship and SME development in Ghana-the role of education, training, consulting and advice​" (Mara Thomas, Batch 2013)

"Integration of smallholder farmer in global supply chains and development - related impacts ​" (Catharina Abs, Batch 2014)

"CSR implementation in the Dairy Industry in Vietnam​" (Tan Nguyen, Batch 2013)

"Tackling Sustainable Development: Climate Change Adaption in Cities - The cases of Rotterdam and Chennai" (Amina Schild, Batch 2014)

"Gender Responsive Monitoring & Evaluation in development projects ​" (Ayesha Hussain, Batch 2014)

"Correlation of Happiness with Social Entrepreneurship: A Bhutan Case Study ​" (Philip Schiebold, Batch 2013)

​" Measuring development: an inventory of the uses indicators and a first critical evaluation of their explanatory power in rural development​" (Ana Bruda Plasenica, Batch 2014)

Graduation year of 2016

"Change management: Leadership's Role in Moving Organizational Culture towards Corporate Social Responsibility ​" (Shay Clark, Batch 2013)

"Market Entry Strategy for German SMEs into the East African Market: The Case of Kenya's Furniture Industry" (David Elema, Batch 2014)

​"Relationship marketing and CRM systems for NGOs in Germany​" (Andrea Rickers, Batch 2012)

​" Effectiveness of the Management of School System in Eastern Nigeria​" (Stephen Okechukwu Oranuba​, Batch 2012)

Graduation year of 2015

"The importance of purchase associations for the footwear sector in Spain" (Enrique Trejo Parra, Batch 2012)

"Implementation of Sustainable Supply Chain Management - a comparison of different industry approaches​" (Ecaterina Chislari, Batch 2012​)

"Opportunities and Obstacles to Sustainable Human Development in the People's Republic of China: Success Factors of Public-Private Partnerships and Corporate Social Responsibility Approaches" (Elias Drew​ Hardwick-Witmann, Batch 2013​)

Graduation year of 2014

"Contribution of Corporate Security to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Activities" (Lana Djurkin-König​, Batch 2011)

"Characteristics of the organizations' culture within an international NGO: The case of Fairtrade International e.V." (Norma Isabel Berrio Baquero​, Batch 2011)

"Virtual Volunteering in Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)" (Yu Lun Chung​, Batch 2011)

​" Challenges and Prospects of Assessing UNCCD's Effectiveness​" (Siaham Gaiz, Batch 2012)

​ -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

​ In case of questions please contact the MBA Support team: [email protected]

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Choosing Between a Thesis or Non-thesis Master's Degree

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•       Resources       Choosing Between a Thesis or Non-thesis Master's Degree

As of 2015, approximately 25.4 million Americans held advanced degrees , with more citizens joining these ranks each year. As studies continue to show the career advancement and salary benefits of completing a master's degree, more and more students elect to pursue advanced educations. When considering their options, many question whether to enroll in a master's requiring a thesis or not. The following guide examines some of the reasons degree seekers may want to write a thesis while also highlighting why they might not. Students on the fence about this important decision can find expert advice, actionable tips, and relevant guidance to help them make an informed choice in the guide that follows.

Understanding the Master's Thesis

What is the difference between a thesis & non-thesis master's program, the decision not to do a thesis.

As students research various master's programs in their chosen discipline, it's common to find that many degrees require a thesis – especially if they want to enter a research-heavy field. While this word gets thrown around a lot in academia, some learners may want more information regarding what it entails in order to make an informed decision.

What is a Master's Thesis?

The master's thesis is an original piece of scholarship allowing the student to dig into a topic and produce an expanded document that demonstrates how their knowledge has grown throughout the degree program. These documents require significant independent research of primary and secondary sources and, depending on the subject, may require interviews and/or surveys to support the overarching argument.

Individual schools and departments dictate the length of these documents, but they typically range between 60 and 100 pages – or approximately 20,000 to 40,000 words. While tackling a document of such heft may seem overwhelming at first, learners need not fret. Each master's candidate receives a faculty advisor early in their tenure to provide support, feedback, and guidance throughout the process. Because the final thesis is expected to be of a publishable quality, learners seeking the highest marks typically send their supervisor excerpts of the document as they write to ensure they are on the right track.

When picking a thesis topic, no magical formula exists. Students should consider their interests and read extensively on that topic to get a better sense of existing scholarship. They should also speak to other academics working in that sphere to familiarize themselves with ongoing projects. Only after they feel reasonably well-read should they begin looking for uncovered angles or interesting ways of using emerging methodologies to bring new light to the topic.

When considering formatting, degree seekers should check with their specific schools and departments, as they may have unique requirements. To get a general understanding of what to expect, learners can review Simon Fraser University's guidelines on thesis formatting. After completing the thesis, some programs require an oral defense before a committee while others read the document and provide a grade. Check with your prospective schools to get a better sense of procedure.

Format & Components of a Master's Thesis

While this guide attempts to provide helpful and actionable information about the process of deciding whether to follow a thesis or non-thesis track in a master's program, readers should remember that specific components and requirements of a thesis vary according to discipline, university, and department. That being said, some commonalities exist across all these – especially when it comes to what students must include in their final drafts.

As the first section a reader encounters after moving through the table of contents and other anterior text, the introductory allows the writer to firmly establish what they want to accomplish. Sometimes also called the "research question" section, the introductory must clearly state the goals of the paper and the overarching hypothesis guiding the argument. This should be written in a professional yet accessible tone that allows individuals without specializations in the field to understand the text.

This section allows learners to demonstrate their deep knowledge of the field by providing context to existing texts within their chosen discipline Learners review the main bodies of work, highlighting any issues they find within each. Constructive criticism often centers around shortcomings, blind spots, or outdated hypotheses.

Students use this section to explain how they went about their work. While scientists may point to a specific method used to reach conclusions, historians may reference the use of an emerging framework for understanding history to bring new light to a topic. The point of this section is to demonstrate the thought processes that led to your findings.

This section allows for learners to show what they learned during the research process in a non-biased way. Students should simply state what information they gathered by utilizing a specific framework or methodology and arrange those findings, without interpretation, in an easy-to-read fashion.

After providing readers with all the necessary information, the discussion section exists for candidates to interpret the raw data and demonstrate how their research led to a new understanding or contributed a unique perspective to the field. This section should directly connect to the introduction by reinforcing the hypothesis and showing how you answered the questions posed.

Even though the previous sections give prospective degree seekers a better sense of what to expect if they decide to write a thesis during their master's program, they don't necessarily help learners decide whether to pursue a thesis or non-thesis track. The following section highlights some of the reasons students frequently choose to complete a thesis or bypass the process altogether by providing a pros and cons list.

Why a Thesis Program

• Especially when entering a research-heavy discipline, completing a thesis shows prospective schools and employers that you possess the skills needed for researching and writing long-form reports.
• Students hoping to pursue a Ph.D. stand in better stead with admissions panels if they wrote a thesis during a master's program.
• Individuals hoping to enter a field that values syntax and grammar often better their writing skills by completing a thesis.
• Students who write a thesis can submit the final product to various academic journals, increasing their chances of getting published.
• Theses expand students' understanding of what they're capable of, deepen their ability to carry out an argument, and develop their skills in making connections between ideas.

Why a Non-thesis Program

• Because they don't require a significant written product, non-thesis master's tend to take less time to complete.
• Often mirrors a bachelor's program in terms of structure, allowing learners to complete classes and take exams without a great deal of research or writing.
• Students who excel in project-based assignments can continue building skills in this arena rather than focusing on skills they don't plan to use (e.g. research)
• Provides learners the opportunity to work more closely and more frequently with faculty on real-world projects since they don't spend hundreds of hours researching/writing.
• Allows learners to take more classes and gain hands-on skills to fill the time they would have spent researching and writing a thesis.

How to Choose a Master's Program: FAQs

Within some academic disciplines and professional fields, research and writing plays a key role in work done on a daily basis. Because of this, master's programs in these fields require learners to complete theses to compete against peers and be seen as competent in their work. Other disciplines, conversely, rely on other tools to accomplish work and progress ideas – making theses less important.

Yes. Master's programs focused more on application than research typically don't require a thesis – although they may still give students the option. Examples of common non-thesis master's programs include nursing, business, and education.

Even though non-thesis students won't be writing a 100-page paper, that doesn't mean they avoid completing a significant project. In place of a thesis, most applied master's programs require students to take part in at least one internship or complete a culminating project. These projects typically ask learners to take what they learned throughout coursework and create an expansive final project – examples include case studies, creative works, or portfolios.

While students who followed a non-thesis path routinely receive acceptance to Ph.D. programs, those with theses often find the process easier. Even if a learner pursues a Ph.D. in a discipline that isn't research-heavy, admissions panels still want to get a sense of your academic interests and ability to engage in independent, nuanced thought. Students with theses can provide solid proof of these skills, while those without may struggle to demonstrate preparedness as thoroughly.

The answer to this question depends on many factors, but typically it is okay not to do a thesis if you plan to enter a field that doesn't depend heavily on research or writing, or if you don't plan to complete a Ph.D.

Students wanting to work in academic, research, or writing should always opt for the thesis track. They should also follow this path if they have any doctoral degree aspirations.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to complete a thesis rests with the individual student. Figuring out how to proceed on this front requires lots of careful consideration, and learners should ensure they consider various aspects before coming to a final decision. The following section helps students consider how they should and should not come to a conclusion.

Dos and Don'ts of Choosing a Thesis or Non-thesis Program

• Consider the longevity of your decision: will you feel the same in 5-10 years or are you making a decision based on current desires?
• Talk to others who with experience in this area. Ask them questions about their decision-making process and if they regret their choice.
• Research potential thesis topics before starting a program. Going in with a game plan can help you feel more confident and settled about the process than if you're scrambling for a topic while in school.
• Reach out to prospective schools to speak with faculty and/or current students following both tracks. This will provide knowledge specific to the school while also expanding your network if you choose to attend there.
• Research Ph.D. entrance requirements to ascertain if the majority expect learners to possess a thesis when applying. This will give you a sense of whether you may experience issues later on if you do not complete one.
• Decide not to complete a thesis simply because you have never taken on such a task and feel overwhelmed or fearful that you will fail.
• Complete a thesis simply because you think it will look good on your resume. Theses require intense devotion over an extended amount of time; learners who complete them without conviction often find the process miserable.
• Forget to research alternatives to writing a thesis. Just because you don't complete a research paper doesn't mean a non-thesis track lacks rigor or challenging coursework.
• Forget to read examples of theses by previous students. If you feel overwhelmed by the task, reading work other people have done can often make the task at hand feel less scary.
• Let yourself off easy by taking the non-thesis path. If you find you have extra time in the program, talk to your advisor about taking more classes, develop meaningful projects for yourself, or see about presenting at an academic conference.

From the Expert

Sudiksha Joshi, Ph.D. is a learning advocate. Her mission is to empower our youth to think bigger, bolder thoughts and forge a career path that will change the world. She taps into her natural curiosity and ability to identify strengths to help students and those in transition find their path from feeling lost in the traditional ways of achieving success to charting their own path. Her work has been featured in Forbes, Huffington Post, Thrive Global, Medium and LinkedIn.

Why might a student decide to follow a thesis track? Why might they follow a non-thesis track?

A student might decide to take a thesis track if she/he wants to pursue a Ph.D. Also, if the students want to focus on careers where research and writing have a strong focus, the students opt for the thesis option. Research assistantships at the graduate level are also more often available to students who opt for the thesis option.

A student who might feel that writing is not one of their strengths might choose to go the non-thesis track. Likewise, a student who has other work commitments may find a non-thesis option more convenient.

Do you have any tips for deciding on a program?

I chose a thesis option because being able to conduct independent research was a big reason to go to graduate school. Also, showing the ability that I could do research was what afforded me research assistantships which meant that my tuition was paid for and I got a stipend that paid for expenses while I was in graduate school. This also allowed me the opportunity to work closely with the faculty mentor that provided me with the support and the accountability I wanted.

I would not recommend taking a non-thesis option if all the degree requires is for you to take courses. You have little to show in terms of your learning other than your grades unless you are already working on something on the side that does that for you and all you need is a certificate.

Opt for a non-thesis option if you can still work closely with a professor or on a project and if you'd rather be involved in multiple projects rather than focus on a single project. If you already have a good (informed) reason for choosing one over the other, go for it.

What's the most important thing to consider when choosing a program?

The most important thing to consider when choosing a program is getting excited about the projects that at least one of the faculty members are involved in. Do some research and see why you are excited about a particular work that at least one of the faculty members have been involved in.

Who should students talk to when considering options?

Students should talk to other students and also reach out directly to the graduate coordinator and even individual faculty members. This means that students should have done prior homework and have some good questions ready. Asking good questions will get you at least halfway through to make the right decision.

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Category: Animal and Food Sciences

UD’s non-thesis M.S. in Animal Science prepares Kayla Pettiford for veterinary school

May 02, 2024 Written by Molly Schafer | Photos by Jeremy Wayman

Growing up with guinea pigs, hamsters, parakeets, turtles, and fish, University of Delaware alumna Kayla Pettiford planned a career in veterinary medicine from a young age. 

"It's always been what I wanted to do,” said Pettiford, an alumna of UD’s non-thesis master’s in Animal Science . “And I can't see myself doing anything else." 

Veterinary school acceptance is notoriously competitive, and the rigorous training can make for a stressful experience. 

“I know many students feel overwhelmed and stressed in veterinary school, and I didn't want to feel that way,” said Pettiford. “Everybody's journey to vet school can look a little different. I knew I needed more technical understanding and background.” 

Pettiford graduated with an undergraduate degree in pre-veterinary science from Delaware State University in 2021. Pettiford took her time researching master’s programs. UD's concentration in Veterinary Biosciences, Biotechnology, and One Health (VBBOH) stood out.

“I wanted to put myself at a university where I would gain the most experience,” explained Pettiford.

At UD, Pettiford worked closely with Behnam Abasht , professor of animal genetics, on his research into wooden breast, a muscle disorder in commercial broiler chickens.

“We hatched the eggs, cared for the chicks, performed necropsies, looked through the microscope,” Pettiford remarked. “Seeing the research from beginning to end was eye-opening. And Prof. Abasht walked me through the process.”

Pettiford found the study of histopathology, the microscopic examination of tissue and cells to diagnose disease, exciting.

“Histopathology wasn't even on my radar before the non-thesis master’s program,” she emphasized. “Now, it will become my focus; my lab and research experience at UD gave me that direction.”

After finishing her UD graduate program, Pettiford is ready for veterinary school. She is thankful to Prof. Tanya Gressley, associate dean of graduate programs, who answered Pettiford's many questions from the application process through graduation.

“She helped prepare me,” acknowledged Pettiford. “I feel confident that when I go to vet school, I will have a solid background to help me. That is the most important thing: having a solid foundation.”

Pettiford believes good communication skills are essential to succeed as a veterinarian. Her role as a teaching assistant for Prof. Gressley’s Animal Handling (ANFS 112 ) course helped her grow these skills. Communication is vital in her current role as a veterinary technician at Animal Haven Veterinary Center in Bear, Delaware. 

“I just love meeting new pet parents,” said Pettiford. “It's always a good experience to teach them new things and answer questions that they might have.”

Working with small animals and cancer patients as a veterinary technician broadened her animal handling experience. 

“I love what I do as a technician: making sure the pet is comfortable, doing the best I can for their care,” attested Pettiford “That's something I take pride in doing.”

Pettiford prepares her veterinary school applications with an eye to the future. She plans to focus on exotic animals and wildlife along with histopathology. 

“I want every day I show up to work to be unique and spontaneous!”

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Advancing knowledge on wooden breast syndrome, meet our new faculty: alexander yitbarek.

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Master of Sacred Theology

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The master of sacred theology (S.T.M.) degree provides the opportunity to gain further mastery in a chosen area of theological study. Students will attain and apply the skills needed for scholarly research in a theological discipline at an advanced level. The S.T.M. program is intended for those who may wish to prepare for graduate study at the doctoral level or for various forms of teaching, to enhance their scholarly understanding of ministerial practice, or to engage in disciplined reflection in an area of ministry. 

Students must complete a minimum of thirty semester hours of academic credit with a grade point average of 3.00 or higher. Six of the hours must be in the form of a thesis. The student, working in consultation with a thesis supervisor from the faculty of the School of Theology, will develop a proposal and write a thesis demonstrating scholarly competence, and pass an examination covering the area of the thesis and major specialization.

The normal paradigm is two classes in each of four summers and registration for thesis hours after the fourth summer. A student may not register for thesis hours until the thesis proposal has been approved. A student may choose to finish sooner by registering for the thesis hours in January after the fourth summer in order to graduate in May of that year.

Thesis and Candidacy

The student will be required to complete a thesis demonstrating scholarly competence. The purpose of the S.T.M. thesis is to demonstrate the ability to research an issue and to write in a clear and concise manner. It is not expected that every thesis will be “an original contribution to knowledge,” but it must make a significant contribution to the student’s understanding of their area of specialty.

In preparation for the thesis proposal and candidacy request, the student will consult with the director of the advanced degrees program about the general subject of the thesis. The director will work with the student to choose a supervisor for the preparation of the proposal. The supervisor will be a member of the teaching faculty of the School of Theology, and will serve as the first reader. Guidelines are provided for writing the thesis proposal, and the thesis itself.

Upon approval of a thesis proposal, the committee will select, or approve the student’s request of, the second reader. The committee will consider the thesis subject and the potential reader’s expertise, workload, and availability. Readers are ordinarily faculty of the University. On occasion, an outside scholar with particular expertise in the thesis subject may be contracted as a reader. 

Examination

An oral defense covering the area of the thesis and major specialization is also required. This may be accomplished in person, by conference call, or video conference, as circumstances may demand. A final, library copy of the thesis is submitted to the coordinator of academic affairs for binding. 

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Earn a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Public Safety

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Public Safety (MSCJPS) is a 36 credit hour graduate degree that prepares students with the analytic skills, theoretical understanding, empirical knowledge, and practical applications related to the law enforcement, courts, correctional, and private security environments.

The MSCJPS program enables students to gain advanced research skills needed to prepare them for careers as criminal justice practitioners, as well as continuing their education in doctoral programs in criminology and/or criminal justice. The MSCJPS program also offers a thesis option for students seeking advanced research careers or a doctoral degree.

The MSCJPS leverages the expertise of the O’Neill School faculty that are actively engaged in research with local and national organizations, the urban location of the university, established partnerships with the community and local criminal justice organizations, and the social, demographic and economic trends that are attracting greater numbers of students to study, live, and work in metropolitan areas.

The criminal justice field is continually evolving

New criminal justice-focused organizations are emerging at a rapid pace. Traditional police and correctional agencies are becoming more reliant on personnel with critical thinking, discretionary, and evidence-based problem solving skills. Moreover, organizations that deliver community supervision, diversion, and social services are becoming more prevalent and in demand of persons with education in the varying fields of criminal justice.

The MSCJPS curriculum not only positions student for success in these fields, but also provides a gateway for students to pursue further graduate education in the social sciences.

Degree requirements

Completing the MSCJPS requires 24 core hours in criminal justice and public safety systems and law, planning and management, theory, risk analysis, and research methods. Students also choose 12 credit hours in either criminal justice or public safety, with a required 3 credit hour internship or service credit counting toward this requirement.

Pursue a master’s thesis

The MSCJPS program also offers a thesis option for students seeking advanced research careers or a doctoral degree.

MSCJPS grad student Katie Heinz analyzed the toxicology reports of nearly 1,200 overdose victims in Marion County and compared that data with records from the Marion County Jail and Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to identify intervention points for treatment.

Attend full time or part time

You can earn your degree in two to four years with full-time and part-time options. Coursework is offered in the evenings to allow students to work full-time and earn a degree. 

78% of O’Neill Indianapolis graduate students choose to pursue their degree part time

• Empirically analyze criminal justice problems and make appropriate, theoretically informed policy recommendations to solve those problems
• Identify, analyze, and deconstruct the complex intersection of social problems related to criminal justice policy
• Evaluate criminal justice policy and generate innovative solutions to improve those policies
• Demonstrate evidence-based problem solving skills to produce data-driven recommendations
• Critically interpret and conduct technical and quantitative analyses that contribute to the understanding of contemporary crime, police, correctional, and judicial policy
• Present complex ideas clearly and systematically in verbal, graphical, and written forms

Career opportunities

• Federal, state, and local law enforcement
• Federal, state, and local corrections
• Judicial system
• Private security
• Emergency management
• Crime and intelligence analysis
• Further pursuit of graduate education

Solve problems at the crossroads of policy, management, and science.

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ISE Graduate Handbook 2024-2025: Master of Science Degree Programs

For general guidelines see  Graduate School Handbook

A. Admission Requirements

• An applicant that has completed a series of Calculus courses through Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, a Probability course, and a Statistics course, may be considered for admission to the MS program.
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required of all applicants.

B. Program Requirements

1. programs:.

Students may select the thesis option, or non-thesis option program of study. Students should design a plan of study in consultation with his/her advisor, considering such factors as time to degree, intellectual and professional objectives, educational background, and other factors. The program of study is established via signature approval of the Plan of Study form by the student’s faculty advisor and the ISE GSC Chairperson

2. Thesis Option Program Requirements:

The ISE MS thesis program requires a minimum of 30 total graduate-level credit hours (a minimum of 24 hours must be taken at OSU). A minimum of 22 semester hours of coursework, and a minimum of 4 semester hours of thesis research credit hours are required. The coursework consists of:

• A minimum of 6 semester credit hours of ISE graduate level courses in one selected sub-discipline within ISE (Operations Research, Manufacturing, or Human Factors),
• Students need to take a 3 semester hour "breadth course" that is approved by their advisor, and compliments their program. (Note: this could be from any department that provides a course deemed suitable by the advisor).
• A minimum of 3 semester credit hours of graduate level coursework focused on mathematical, statistical, or numerical methodologies,
• A minimum of 2 semester credit hours of ISE Graduate Research Seminar, and
• Elective coursework.

MS ISE students electing the thesis option must also fulfill the Graduate School thesis examination and thesis document approval requirements. Please note that it is our department’s policy that the student shall not provide food and/or refreshments at their thesis defense.

3. Non-thesis Option Program Requirements:

The ISE MS non-thesis program requires a minimum of 30 total graduate-level credit hours (a minimum of 24 hours must be taken at OSU). The course work consists of:

• Elective coursework

MS ISE students electing the non-thesis option must also fulfill the Graduate School 4-hour written exit examination requirement via the following options:

• Under the supervision of a Category M or P faculty advisor in ISE, the student conducts an independent inquiry into a topic of personal intellectual interest in ISE (typically a topic not currently available in existing courses), and writing a summary (literature review) on that topic. The written document must have required at least 4 hours in its creation. Based on the discretion of the faculty advisor and MS committee member, the student may be required to give an oral presentation of the topic.
• Under the supervision of a Category M or P faculty advisor in ISE, the student conducts an independent project of personal intellectual interest in ISE, and then summarizes the project in writing. The written document must have required at least 4 hours in its creation.. Often the project involves the student doing some laboratory work to design and/or construct hardware devices or computer models. Based on the discretion of the faculty advisor and MS committee member, the student may be required to give an oral presentation of the project activity. This option is often chosen by students in the Manufacturing Processes or Ergonomics subdisciplines of ISE.
• The student enrolls in, and passes with a B or better, an “upper level” project-based course that is available to graduate students only, and is taught by a Category M or P faculty member in ISE. The project course must involve the application or integration of materials from lower level ISE graduate courses to an ISE engineering problem. Also, a final written summary report of the project is required, along with an oral presentation. This option is often chosen by students in the Operations Research sub-discipline in ISE.
• Alternately, Operations Research students who did not receive a B or higher in a 7000-level OR course with a project requirement may instead take the M.S. Exit Examination. The M.S. Exit Examination is administered annually during the week after Spring final complete. Any ISE graduate student who achieves an overall GPA (including all courses taken at OSU) of 3.00 is eligible to take the exam. Those students who are planning to graduate in Autumn semester should take the exam in the preceding Spring semester. The process to sign-up for the exam will be announced during Spring semester. Students intending to take the exam must sign-up before the announced deadline, so there is sufficient time to check that the grade eligibility requirement is satisfied.

4. Additional Constraints:

A student with a BS degree from OSU may not double count undergraduate courses, that is, no course which was part of his/her undergraduate program may appear in his/her MS program. The only exception to this constraint would be students enrolled in the combined BS/MS program (see section XI of this handbook).

C. Other Considerations

Only the Graduate Studies Committee can grant exceptions to any of the above rules.

All decisions and revisions regarding a plan of study are to be made in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor.

A large portion of graduate education occurs outside of the classroom, in informal discussion with faculty members and other graduate students, in attendance at seminars, in research and teaching assignments, and so forth. All graduate students are expected to pursue such opportunities. These factors are considered by the Graduate Faculty and GSC when evaluating a student’s progress and development.

D. MS Examination Committee

The MS Examination Committee consists of the student’s advisor plus at least one additional graduate faculty member. Masters students can be advised by any tenure, clinical, or research track faculty members with a formal appointment or formal joint appointment in the Integrated Systems Engineering (ISE) Department that has the appropriate category M or P status within the department. Masters students can also be co-advised by a clinical, tenure or research track faculty outside ISE that has a courtesy appointment in ISE and category M or P status within the department and by an ISE clinical, tenure or research track faculty member with M or P status.

A faculty member must have at least Category M status (any program) in the graduate school to serve as a member of a MS examination committee.

For thesis students, this committee is the thesis reading committee and it administers a one-hour oral examination. The oral is not restricted to the thesis topic and may cover any aspect of the student’s program of study. It is the final validation of performance for that degree. Please note that it is our department’s policy that the student shall not provide food and/or refreshments at their thesis defense.

For non-thesis students, the committee oversees the Graduate School 4 hour written examination requirement, or equivalent evaluation of the student's knowledge of their field of study. It is the final validation of performance for that degree.

E. Time Limit and Registration

• No time limit for the completion of the Master’s Degree program is imposed.
• A student must be registered for at least three graduate credit hours the semester of graduation.
• Students who complete the MS program in ISE must apply for the Ph.D. program, and be accepted, before they can continue as regular Ph.D. graduate students. Application forms are available from the ISE Graduate Coordinator or the ISE website.