Master’s Thesis Descriptor and Grading Guide
Thesis & Content
Score 1-4
The nature of the study, specific research questions, hypothesis or research
objectives are briefly and clearly described.
Significance of the study is described in terms of the generation of knowledge
(music history, theory), professional application (conducting, performance,
composition) and social change (musicology, ethnomusicology)
The problem statement concisely states what will be studied by describing at least
two factors and a conjectured relationship among them that leads to an identified
problem or question
The conceptual framework shows which ideas from the literature ground the
research
Assumptions, limitations, scope, and delimitations of the research are provided
Literature Review
Score 1-4
The review of literature is clearly related to the area of inquiry and includes the
relationship of this study to previous research;
The content of the literature review is drawn from peer-reviewed journals or sound
academic journals
The review is an integrated, critical essay on the most relevant and current
published knowledge on the topic. The review is organized around themes.
The thesis does not over-rely on limited sources
Writing Style & Composition
Score 1-4
The thesis follows a standard form and has a professional, scholarly appearance
The thesis is written in scholarly language (accurate, balanced, objective, tentative)
The thesis is written with correct grammar, punctuation and spelling
Includes citations for the following: direct quotations, paraphrasing, facts and
references to research studies
The writing is clear, precise, and avoids redundancy
The flow of words is smooth and comprehensible
The thesis is logically and comprehensively organized.
4=Accepted & Exemplary
3 = Accepted as presented
2=Accepted but needs minor revisions
1= Not accepted and requires major revisions