A thesis is a very in depth project involving extensive research and writing. By its very nature, it is something on which you will spend quite a bit of time. http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~folkmyth/Choosing%20Thesis.htm Whether you are preparing for a senior thesis to complete your undergraduate career or a Master’s thesis, the basic aspects are the same and will in the end represent a culmination of your studies and work not only on this particular topic, but en route to your degree as well. Some programs require the completion and defense of a thesis while others can earn honors or highest honors in their field by opting to complete a thesis. The selection of an appropriate topic and well-designed proposal is an important part of the process to get your thesis started off on the right foot. http://graduate-schools.suite101.com/article.cfm/dissertation_and_thesis_topics

When choosing your thesis topic, one of the most important aspects is choosing a topic you feel passionate about in your field. Be sure you have a thorough understanding of what is involved and the topic you are working within to make sure you will not easily tire of it before the research is complete. http://graduate-schools.suite101.com/article.cfm/dissertation_and_thesis_topics http://www.gradschools.com/article/choose-thesis-topic/1576.html http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~folkmyth/Choosing%20Thesis.htm It helps to have a particular area in mind, and if there isn’t much research being done in that realm, you can always present the ideas you have to a professor who works in a similar field to see if it would be feasible to investigate your area of choice further. As a student, there are many resources available to you not only to help you through actually completing the thesis, but in choosing the topic as well. Online access to scholarly journals, libraries on campus and in the community, grad students in the same or a related program, and especially your thesis adviser and other professors are all available to help you have a successful experience with this research endeavor. This guide on how to choose a senior thesis topic will assist you in the first task of this research, choosing a topic.

Think about what drew you to the major or graduate program you have chosen and the broad topics that make up this area of study. Look back over notes you have taken from some of the classes you have particularly enjoyed. http://graduate-schools.suite101.com/article.cfm/dissertation_and_thesis_topics http://www.gradschools.com/article/choose-thesis-topic/1576.html http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~folkmyth/Choosing%20Thesis.htm Is there one particular focus you are drawn to? Sometimes it is easier to narrow down the areas of your major that you are not interested in than it is to determine those you are interested in. Think of classes you have taken or projects you have worked on to analyze your experiences in these topics. Brainstorming with fellow classmates and professors can help you get some ideas you may not have thought of on your own. http://www.gradschools.com/article/choose-thesis-topic/1576.html

Another great way to investigate topics in your area of study is to look at the research currently going on in the field. http://graduate-schools.suite101.com/article.cfm/dissertation_and_thesis_topics http://www.gradschools.com/article/choose-thesis-topic/1576.html You can find relevant topics by reading through scholarly journals, looking at thesis topics of students that have been successful in your department recently, and speaking with professors in your field. http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~folkmyth/Choosing%20Thesis.htm

http://www.gradschools.com/article/choose-thesis-topic/1576.html The effectiveness of your research, quality of writing for your thesis paper, and strength of your arguments when defending your thesis will all be much greater if you are passionate about the topic you choose. For such a large undertaking, you want to be sure you have checked all of your options and chosen not only a topic interesting to you and relevant to the field, but the best adviser to help you along the way as well.

Once you have determined the exact area of study you will start from, further investigation into current research going on in the field can help you narrow down your focus even more to get to your actual thesis topic. Remember that you will be spending several months researching this topic at the very least, so you want to be sure you will have a focus that is well defined and not as broad as a general research paper, but with enough area to explore to allow thorough research and an in-depth thesis paper. Often, students choose a previously defined area of research, but incorporate their own interests to branch off the existing information into a new direction in the area of study. http://graduate-schools.suite101.com/article.cfm/dissertation_and_thesis_topics http://www.gradschools.com/article/choose-thesis-topic/1576.html

Look into recent developments in this area and think about what questions have been left unanswered or how a new twist can be applied to explore a new aspect of what has already been done. Check out research publications of fellow students and scholarly journals from the past few issues to get an idea of where successful research is heading in this field of study. Checking out the discussion sections in particular can be helpful as authors usually note how further research can branch off their study in this section. Think of issues you are aware of from classes you have taken in the past as well. http://www.fas.harvard.edu/~folkmyth/Choosing%20Thesis.htm

As you are doing this preliminary research, talking to other students and professors, and reading through previous publications and thesis papers, keep a journal of what you have found, what aspects you like about each topic and what aspects you don’t like. http://www.gradschools.com/article/choose-thesis-topic/1576.html Also pay attention to areas that may come off as controversial as you discuss them with others in the field so you can determine whether it is a route you really want to go with or not. This can be helpful as you narrow down your focus to discuss with potential advisers. http://graduate-schools.suite101.com/article.cfm/dissertation_and_thesis_topics

From all the background research you did to get to this point, you should already have a good understanding of this particular area of research as well as have a few options for topics in mind. Typically, most professors or department heads will require a thesis proposal about one page in length to present your research idea for their approval.

Creating a mock thesis proposal paper for the topics you are now seriously considering can be a good exercise in determining if this topic is a good option or not. http://www.gradschools.com/article/choose-thesis-topic/1576.html If you struggle at all in writing this one page presentation of the most basic facts, perhaps this is a step at which you may want to rethink your choice. Having this information written out in a more formal, organized fashion can also help when choosing an adviser. You will show that you have carefully considered different options for your thesis topic and have a thorough understanding of what you intend to do. Seeking a professor as interested in your topic area as you are is important. You also want your adviser to be very knowledgeable in the field. It can also be very beneficial for you if your adviser has connections to others in your area of study that you may be able to take advantage of. http://graduate-schools.suite101.com/article.cfm/dissertation_and_thesis_topics The most important thing when choosing an adviser, which will likely come with the shared interest in your topic, is that you have a good rapport with the adviser and can see yourself working well with him or her for the duration of your thesis. Be sure he or she will not be leaving for a sabbatical or any other reason during your estimated completion time and that you can get in touch with him or her easily when you need to. It is important that you also agree on major aspects of your topic choice so there is not unnecessary conflict along the way. http://graduate-schools.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_choose_a_graduate_advisor

Remember that though you will be putting a lot of work into your thesis, this is not your career. Your topic should be one that you can complete in a reasonable amount of time, and perhaps continue to study later on if your career involves such an opportunity. http://graduate-schools.suite101.com/article.cfm/dissertation_and_thesis_topics Your adviser can help you determine the best topic from the mock thesis proposals you have written and any early brainstorming sessions you engage in before submitting the actual proposal itself. Your thesis should relate to your previous studies as a culmination of your work leading up to your degree, showing off your expertise in your specific area of study. Keep in mind that you likely will have to defend your thesis at the end of your work and will want to feel comfortable with your topic enough to do so successfully. http://www.gradschools.com/article/choose-thesis-topic/1576.html