Social Science
MA Program
Graduate Student
Handbook
2009 Version
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION TO THE HANDBOOK...............................................................................................................4
THE SOCIAL SCIENCE MA PROGRAM ..............................................................................................................4
MISSION STATEMENT ................................................................................................................................................4
GOALS .......................................................................................................................................................................4
STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES ..............................................................................................................................4
DEGREES OFFERED ....................................................................................................................................................4
Option in General Social Science ........................................................................................................................5
Option in Social Science Education .....................................................................................................................5
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS ..............................................................................................................................5
1. Items to be submitted to the Graduate School ..................................................................................................5
2. Items to be submitted to the Social Science Program ......................................................................................5
GRADUATE STUDENT STATUS IN THE PROGRAM .......................................................................................6
PREREQUISITES FOR ADMISSION TO CONDITIONALLY CLASSIFIED STATUS: ..............................................................6
PREREQUISITES FOR ADMISSION TO CLASSIFIED STATUS: .........................................................................................6
ADVANCEMENT TO CANDIDACY:...............................................................................................................................7
TIMELINE FOR COMPLETION OF PROGRAM ................................................................................................7
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MA IN SOCIAL SCIENCE: .................................................................7
FOR THE OPTION IN GENERAL SOCIAL SCIENCE: .......................................................................................................7
FOR THE OPTION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE EDUCATION: ...................................................................................................8
GRADUATE LITERACY REQUIREMENT: .................................................................................................................... 10
Writing Format .................................................................................................................................................. 10
GRADUATE ADVISING REQUIREMENT: .................................................................................................................... 11
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ACADEMICS .......................................................................................... 11
Graduate Grade Requirements: ......................................................................................................................... 11
ACADEMIC STANDING ............................................................................................................................................. 11
ACADEMIC HONESTY............................................................................................................................................... 12
Avoiding Plagiarism .......................................................................................................................................... 12
SOCIAL SCIENCE GRADUATE COORDINATOR ............................................................................................ 13
UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS .............................................................................................................................. 13
GUIDE TO GRADUATE STUDIES: POLICIES, PROCEDURES, & FORMAT ............................................. 13
TEXTBOOKS AND SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS ........................................................................................ 13
CULMINATING ACTIVITY................................................................................................................................... 13
GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING A GRADUATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ....................................................................... 14
Criteria ............................................................................................................................................................... 14
Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................... 14
GUIDELINES FOR SUBMITTING THE THESIS OR PROJECT PROPOSAL ......................................................................... 15
Proposal Content ............................................................................................................................................... 15
Proposal Procedures.......................................................................................................................................... 15
REGISTRATION IN THESIS/PROJECT UNITS ............................................................................................................... 16
GUIDELINES FOR WRITING THE MASTER’S THESIS .................................................................................................. 16
CHAPTER 1 – Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 16
CHAPTER 2 Review of the Literature ................................................................................................................ 17
CHAPTER 3 Research Methodology ................................................................................................................. 18
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CHAPTER 4 Results/Findings ........................................................................................................................... 18
CHAPTER 5 Discussion and Reflection on the Findings ................................................................................... 18
GUIDELINES FOR WRITING THE MASTER’S PROJECT ............................................................................................... 19
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM OPTION ............................................................................................................................. 19
FINAL ORAL DEFENSE ............................................................................................................................................. 19
GRADUATION ......................................................................................................................................................... 20
APPLICATION ........................................................................................................................................................... 20
COMMENCEMENT .................................................................................................................................................... 20
CONTACT INFORMATION................................................................................................................................... 20
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Introduction to the Handbook
The Social Science Program welcomes you to the Social Science Master’s Program. We hope
that you find your time of study with us interesting, challenging, and rewarding. This handbook
has been created to help guide Social Science graduate students. It is meant as a supplement to
the University Catalog and the Graduate School’s A Guide to Graduate Studies: Policies,
Procedures, and Format. This handbook attempts to be more specific to the needs of students in
the Social Science Program.
Gwen Sheldon
Social Science Graduate Coordinator
The Social Science MA Program
Mission Statement
The mission of the Social Science Graduate Program is to deliver a high quality graduate
program that prepares capable and productive professionals who approach problems utilizing an
interdisciplinary view derived from the behavioral and social sciences. This unique program
provides the opportunity to develop individualized interdisciplinary programs of study around a
theme that draws on the perspectives of different social science disciplines that are not available
in discipline-specific programs.
Goals
1. Graduates who create unique and significant interconnections between existing social science
disciplinary perspectives.
2. Graduates who can apply appropriate analytical and research skills to the study of social
scientific issues.
3. Graduates who can think critically and communicate clearly to convey social scientific
information and issues.
Student Learning Objectives
1. Students will develop programs of study that will be interdisciplinary, incorporating at least
two disciplines in a meaningful program of study.
2. Students can identify social scientific theories related to their program theme and analyze
issues in theoretical terms.
3. Students can formulate hypotheses, construct research designs, and apply appropriate
analytical skills to interdisciplinary studies within the social sciences.
4. Students can speak and write with sufficient clarity to professionally convey their
knowledge, attitudes, and skills.
Degrees Offered
There are two options within the Social Science Master’s program, General Social Science and
Social Science Education. A description of each follows.
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Option in General Social Science
The option in General Social Science offers students the opportunity to create a learning
experience that meets individual occupational and intellectual goals. Students design their
course of study in conjunction with the Social Science Graduate Coordinator and a Graduate
Advisory Committee, drawing coursework from the relevant departments within the College of
Behavioral and Social Science. This option serves the needs of students for whom the traditional
programs do not fit or are not available on this campus. Some of the students are graduates of
departments within the college that do not have graduate programs but offer some coursework
that can be used in a graduate program. These courses are combined with graduate coursework
from other departments, creating an interdisciplinary theme. Programs of study must include
coursework from at least two departments and committees must include faculty from at least two
departments within the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.
Option in Social Science Education
The Social Science Education option is primarily designed to serve teachers in elementary and
secondary education by expanding teachers' knowledge of history, social science and
international studies subject matter and to broaden their teaching methodology.
Admission Requirements
The Social Science Program accepts applications for graduate study for both the Fall and Spring
semesters. Completed applications are due on September 15 and March 1. There are two
different addresses to which materials are to be sent.
1. Items to be submitted to the Graduate School
A. Application form: available at www.csumentor.edu .
Additional information on the Graduate School and International Students can be viewed
via their website at www.csuchico.edu/gisp/gs .
B. Application fee or waiver form.
C. Three Official transcripts from each postsecondary school attended, and Graduate Record
Exam (GRE) scores with at least 800 combined on the verbal and quantitative measures (CSU
Chico code is 4048).
D. Mail the application and fee to:
Graduate School
California State University, Chico
Chico, CA 95929-0875:
C. Three Official transcripts from each postsecondary school attended; and Graduate
Record Exam (GRE) scores with at least 800 combined on verbal and quantitative
measures (CSU, Chico code is 4048).
2. Items to be submitted to the Social Science Program:
A. A letter of intent that is no more than two pages long (double-spaced) and includes a
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brief autobiographical sketch, a statement of your academic and/or career goals, why and how
CSU, Chico can help you achieve your goals, and any other information that may serve to
distinguish you from other applicants. Writing samples are also greatly appreciated.
B. Two letters of recommendation
The Letter of Intent and letters of recommendation should be sent directly to:
Graduate Coordinator
Social Science Program
CSU-Chico
Chico, CA 95929-0450
Graduate Student Status in the Program
There are three status categories for graduate students at CSU Chico: Conditionally
Classified, Classified, and Candidate. Students can initially be accepted into either the
Conditionally Classified or Classified status. Most students, however, are accepted as
Conditionally Classified, indicating that one or more prerequisites still need to be met for regular
admission. The Graduate Coordinator will initiate each change in status; however, students are
responsible for notifying the Graduate Coordinator in person when they have completed
the requirements to change status. The Graduate Coordinator, upon satisfactory proof of
completion of prerequisites, completes the necessary paperwork to upgrade the student’s status
in the Graduate School’s records.
Prerequisites for Admission to Conditionally Classified Status:
1. Satisfactory grade point average as specified in "Admission to Master's Degree Programs" in
the University Catalog, http://www.csuchico.edu/giis/gs/admission.html .
2. An acceptable baccalaureate from an accredited institution, or an equivalent approved by the
Office of Graduate Studies. If the applicant's previous work is deficient in the social sciences, the
applicant may be required to take some prerequisite courses as appropriate to the program of
study.
3. Approval by the department and the Office of Graduate Studies.
Prerequisites for Admission to Classified Status:
In addition to the requirements listed above:
1. Completion of at least one of the following: (a) A grade point average of 3.25 or better in the
last 60 units of coursework taken. (b) A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of at least
3.0. (c) A Miller Analogies Test raw score of 50 or more. (d) A minimum combined score of 800
on the verbal and quantitative portions of the Graduate Record Examination.
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2. Recent completion of a research methods course appropriate to the program of study (consult
Graduate Coordinator) with a grade of B or better. For the Option in Social Science Education,
completion of SOSC 651 or HIST 693, with a grade of B or better, is required.
3. Formation of the Graduate Advisory Committee, composed of at least two faculty from at
least two different appropriate departments, in consultation with the Graduate Coordinator.
4. Development of an approved program in consultation with the Graduate Advisory Committee
and the Graduate Coordinator, including a statement describing the student's interest in the
special program being proposed, previous academic training, other relevant experience, and a
description of the particular theme, topic, or problem the student proposes to study. For the
Option in General Social Science, the Graduate Coordinators from the departments involved in
the program must also sign the program concept. If the relevant departments do not have
graduate programs, the Department Chairs must sign the program concept.
Advancement to Candidacy:
In addition to the requirements listed above:
The student must have classified graduate standing and must have completed at least 9 units of
the proposed program at California State University, Chico.
Timeline for Completion of Program
Continuous enrollment is required. A maximum of 9 semester units of transfer and/or CSU
Chico Open University coursework may be applied toward the degree.
Graduate Time Limit: All requirements for the degree are to be completed within five years of
the end of the semester of enrollment in the oldest course applied toward the degree. See
"Graduate Education" in the University Catalog for complete details on University general
degree requirements.
Degree Requirements for the MA in Social Science:
Completion of all requirements as established by the Social Science graduate program, the
student’s Graduate Advisory Committee, and the Office of Graduate Studies, to include:
1. Completion of an approved program consisting of 30 units of 400/500/600-level courses as
follows:
For the Option in General Social Science:
3 units selected from:
ANTH 483 Field Methods in Ethnography
Prerequisites: ANTH 303 or permission of instructor
7
3 units
FA
ANTH 484 Archaeological Site Surveying
3 units
FA 2
ANTH 485 Formal Methods for Anthro
3 units
SP
HIST 492 Archival Research Seminar
3 units
FS
POLS 631 Seminar: Research Methods
3 units
SP
PSYC 600 Research and Evaluation Methods
3 units
FA
Prerequisites: PSYC 364 or equivalent, faculty permission
SOCI 410 Qualitative Research Methods
3 units
FA
Prerequisites: SOCI 310 and SOCI 315 or other statistics course by permission of instructor
SOCI 411 Quantitative Research Methods
3 units
SP
Prerequisites: SOCI 310 and SOCI 315 or other statistics course by permission of instructor
EDMA 611 Research Seminar in Education
3 UNITS
FS
The student is responsible for designing the rest of the course of study in conjunction with the
Graduate Coordinator and subject to the approval of the Graduate Advisory Committee.
For both Options: (a) At least 18 units taken in the social sciences. (b) At least 18 units required
for the degree at the 600 level. (c) Not more than 9 semester units of transfer and/or extension
credit (correspondence courses and U.C. extension coursework are not acceptable). (d) Not more
than 15 units taken before admission to classified status. (e) At least 9 units completed after
advancement to candidacy. (f) Not more than a total of 10 units of Independent Study (697) and
Master's Thesis (699) or Master's Project (699); not more than 6 units of either Master's Thesis
(699) or Master's Project (699), nor more than 6 units of Independent Study (697).
A minimum of 18 units must be taken in the social sciences, including coursework from at least
two disciplines. At least 18 of the units must be at the 600 level. Up to 12 units may be at the 400
and/or 500 level. The program of study must reflect a specific interdisciplinary theme, topic, or
problem.
For the Option in Social Science Education:
3 units required:
EDMA 610 Intro to Inquiry in Education
3 units
Prerequisites: Experience using computers, faculty permission.
FS
3 units selected from:
ANTH 483 Field Methods in Ethnography
3 units
FA
Prerequisites: ANTH 303 or permission of instructor.
ANTH 484 Archaeological Site Surveying
3 units
FA 2
ANTH 485 Formal Methods for Anthro
3 units
SP
HIST 492 Archival Research Seminar
3 units
FS
POLS 631 Seminar: Research Methods
3 units
SP
PSYC 600 Research and Evaluation Methods
3 units
FA
Prerequisites: PSYC 364 or equivalent, faculty permission
SOCI 410 Qualitative Research Methods
3 units
FA
Prerequisites: SOCI 310 and SOCI 315 or other statistics course by permission of instructor
SOCI 411 Quantitative Research Methods
3 units
SP
8
Prerequisites: SOCI 310 and SOCI 315 or other statistics course by permission of instructor
EDMA 611 Research Seminar in Education
3 UNITS
FS
3-9 units selected from:
HIST 693 History Social Sci for Tchrs
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
SOSC 651 Topics in International Studies
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
3-6 units selected from:
HIST 699T Master's Thesis
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
SOSC 699T Master's Thesis
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
3 units
FA
1-6 units
FS
1-6 units
FS
9-18 units selected from:
AIST 457 American Indian/Federal Law
3 units
Prerequisites: Faculty permission. This course is also offered as POLS 457.
ANTH 432 Anthropology of Religion
3 units
Prerequisites: ANTH 303 or RELS 480 or instructor's permission.
ANTH 482 Laboratory Methods Archaeology
3 units
ANTH 600 Core Seminar in Anthropology
3 units
ANTH 602 Seminar in Archaeology
3 units
ANTH 603 Seminar in Cultural Anthropology
3 units
CHST 459 Chicanos/Latinos: A Cross-Cultural Approach
3 units
Prerequisites: CHST 157 or SOCI 100.
This course is also offered as SOCI 459.
ECON 470 International Economics 3 units FS
Prerequisites: ECON 301.
ECON 490 Economic Education
3 units
Prerequisites: ECON 101 or ECON 102.
GEOG 430 Geodemography
Prerequisites: Faculty permission
3 units
GEOG 602 Seminar in Physical Geography
3 units
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
GEOG 603 Seminar in Human Geography
3 units
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
HIST 620 Grad Seminar: European History
3 units
HIST 630 Grad Seminar: United States History
3 units
HIST 680 Grad Seminar: Latin American History
3 units
HIST 690 Historiography
3 units
HIST 697 Independent Study
3 units
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
POLS 601 Seminar: State and Local Government
3 units
POLS 621 Seminar: American Politics
3 units
Or other American politics seminar.
9
FA
Inq
S2
FA
SP
SP
Inq.
FS
SP
FA
FA
FA
SP
Inq
Inq.
FS
FA
FANote:
POLS 641 Seminar: International Relations
3 units
FA
POLS 671 Seminar: American National Government
3 units
FS
Note: Or other national government seminar.
SOCI 441 Sociology of World Affairs
3 units
FS
Prerequisites: ENGL 130 (or its equivalent) with a grade of C- or higher, SOCI 300, SOCI
310, senior standing.
SOCI 456 Teaching Holocaust & Genocide
3 units
Inq
This course is also offered as MJIS 556.
SOSC 697 Independent Study
3 units
FS
Prerequisites: Faculty permission.
For both Options:
1. (a) At least 18 units taken in the social sciences. (b) At least 18 units required for the degree at
the 600 level. (c) Not more than 9 semester units of transfer and/or extension credit
(correspondence courses and U.C. extension coursework are not acceptable). (d) Not more than
15 units taken before admission to classified status. (e) At least 9 units completed after
advancement to candidacy. (f) Not more than a total of 10 units of Independent Study (697) and
Master's Thesis (699) or Master's Project (699); not more than 6 units of either Master's Thesis
(699) or Master's Project (699), nor more than 6 units of Independent Study (697).
2. Completion and final approval of a thesis or terminal project as specified by the student's
Graduate Advisory Committee and the Graduate Coordinator, followed by the completion of a
comprehensive examination (written or oral) in the field of study.
3. Approval by the Social Science Graduate Coordinator and the Graduate Coordinators
Committee on behalf of the faculty of the University.
Graduate Literacy Requirement:
Writing proficiency is a University graduation requirement.
Social Science majors will initially demonstrate their writing competence initially through
submitting an acceptable statement of their interest and experience (see "Prerequisites for
Admission to Classified Status" above). When submitting their Graduate Program Plan, social
science graduate students must submit to the Social Science Graduate Coordinator a graded
paper that they have previously submitted in one of the courses in their program of study.
Writing Format
All papers written for your graduate courses should demonstrate professional scholarship. The
faculty requires that papers include appropriate documentation and that correct grammar,
spelling, and composition be used. The Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association (APA) is the style manual of choice for writers, editors, students, educators, and
professionals in psychology, sociology, business, economics, social work, and justice
administration. For the thesis or project, students in the Social Science Program can use either
the APA manual or Kate Turabian’s A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and
10
Dissertations, depending upon which their Graduate Advisory Committee feels is most
appropriate for their field of study. Purchase of a manual (latest edition) during the first semester
can facilitate proper usage. The Writing Center has copies of the APA manual for student use.
Student resources for help with APA format can be found at the following sites:
http://www.apastyle.org/
The Psych Web page offers links to APA resources:
http://www.psywww.com/resource/apacrib.htm
The Meriam Library provides a comprehensive list of "Citation Formats & Style Manuals,"
including APA. Included are guidelines for citing Internet sources and databases. Printable style
guides are also available: http://www.csuchico.edu/lref/newciting.html EasyBib is an Internet
service that formats your bibliography for you in APA style http://www.easybib.com/
Graduate Advising Requirement:
Advising is mandatory each semester for all Social Science majors. Make appointments with the
Graduate Coordinator by calling the Social Science Program office, 530-898-5688.
General Information about Academics
Graduate Grade Requirements:
All courses in the major (with the exceptions of Internship - 689, Master's Project - 699P, and
Master's Thesis - 699T) must be taken for a letter grade, except those courses specified by the
department as ABC/No Credit (400/500-level courses), AB/No Credit (600-level courses), or
Credit/No Credit grading only. A maximum of 10 units combined of ABC/No Credit, AB/No
Credit, and Credit/No Credit grades may be used on the approved program (including 597/697,
696, 699P, 699T and courses outside the major). While grading standards are determined by
individual programs and instructors, it is also the policy of the University that unsatisfactory
grades may be given when work fails to reflect achievement of the high standards, including high
writing standards, expected of students pursuing graduate study.
Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average in each of the following three
categories:
1) all coursework taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master's
program;
2) all coursework taken at CSU, Chico subsequent to admission to the program;
and all courses on the approved master's degree program.
For this program, grades lower than B- are unacceptable. For this program, Internship courses
(689) will be graded Credit/No Credit only.
Academic Standing
A graduate student must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA) in all course
work taken at CSU, Chico in fulfillment of the Master of Arts in the Social Science program.
This also includes courses taken at other accredited universities. Students failing to maintain a
3.0 average in program courses will be placed on academic probation for one (1) semester.
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Failure to achieve a 3.0 GPA in that semester will result in disqualification from the master’s
program.
Academic Honesty
In an instructional setting, plagiarism occurs when a writer deliberately uses someone else’s
language, ideas, or other original (not common-knowledge) material without acknowledging
its source. This definition applies to texts published in print or on-line, to manuscripts, and to
the work of other student writers. Most current discussions of plagiarism fail to distinguish
between:
1. Submitting someone else’s text as one’s own or attempting to blur the line between
one’s own ideas or words and those borrowed from another source.
2. Misuse of sources, which means carelessly or inadequately citing ideas and words
borrowed from another source. Ethical writers make every effort to acknowledge sources fully
and appropriately in accordance with the contexts and genres of their writing. A student who
attempts (even if clumsily) to identify and credit his or her source, but who misuses a specific
citation format or incorrectly uses quotation marks or other forms of identifying material taken
from other sources, has not plagiarized. Instead, such a student should be considered to have
failed to cite and document sources appropriately from the Council of Writing Program
Administrators’ “Defining and Avoiding Plagiarism: The WPA Statement on Best Practices”
http://www.wpacouncil.org
Avoiding Plagiarism
CSU, Chico students must understand and abide by the University’s policy on academic
integrity as stated by the University President:
http://www.csuchico.edu/prs/EMs/EM04/em04_36.htm
The Social Science program requires that graduate theses, projects and writing for
comprehensive exams be submitted to Turnitin.com. Turnitin is a web-based plagiarism
prevention and detection service from the company iParadigms. Turnitin allows instructors or
students to up-load papers to be screened for originality or suspected plagiarism. “Originality
Reports” are issued to instructors who then use the reports to determine whether students are
properly citing materials, or are using text that is not their own. Turnitin also offers plagiarism
prevention strategies for both faculty and students.
Students will be given an account within some individual courses, including all 699 Thesis
courses.
Resources for Students are provided by the University Writing Center including:
• Avoiding Plagiarism
• What is Plagiarism
• Documentation
• English as a Second Language
• Proofreading & Editing
• English 130
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Social Science Graduate Coordinator
The Graduate Coordinator is a faculty member appointed to oversee the academic progress of the
students. Academic advising is mandatory each semester for all students in the Master of Social
Science Program. The Coordinator will assist students in planning their course schedule each
semester and overall program. To make an appointment with the Social Science Graduate
Coordinator, call the Social Science office at 530-898-5688.
University Regulations
Students are advised to be familiar with University regulations governing graduate students.
Please refer to this section in the University Catalog for complete details.
http://www.csuchico.edu/catalog/cat07/06GradSchool/03MARequirements.html All graduate
students are responsible for meeting the University requirements and deadlines required for
graduation from California State University, Chico.
Guide to Graduate Studies: Policies, Procedures, & Format
The Graduate School frequently updates and publishes A Guide to Graduate Studies: Policies,
Procedures and Format. This is an EXTREMELY useful book that can be purchased from the
Graduate School or viewed online at: http://www.csuchico.edu/giis/gs/pdf/fall_grad_guide.pdf.
It is highly recommended that the guide be read. This guide can be ordered through the Graduate
School (530) 898-6880 for a minimal cost. The Graduate School also publishes a handout with
critical deadlines related to application for and participation in graduation. It is essential that you
be aware of these deadlines. This information is also available online at the Graduate School
webpage found at: http://www.csuchico.edu/giis/
EasyBib is an Internet service that formats your bibliography for you in APA style:
http://www.easybib.com/.
Textbooks and Supplemental Materials
Textbooks for all courses can be purchased through the Associated Students' Bookstore or can be
purchased online. Supplemental books are also available in the Bookstore. You can order book
by phone through the textbook department (530) 898-6844 or by going to the CSU, Chico
bookstore webpage: http://asbookstore.com. Other supplemental reading materials may be
required in a specific course and may be purchased through local copy business. The individual
course syllabus will contain the information needed to purchase these reading materials.
Culminating Activity
This section describes the options for a culminating activity and the process for proceeding with
that activity. Students must complete and get final approval of one of the three activity plans
(thesis, project or comprehensive exam) as specified and approved by the student’s Graduate
Advisory Committee. Thus, selecting a graduate committee is one of the first steps. Following
are guidelines for selecting a committee and carrying out the activity.
13
Guidelines for Selecting a Graduate Advisory Committee
Criteria
Formation of a Graduate Advisory Committee should be done as early as possible and in
consultation with the Graduate Coordinator. All Social Science MA students must solicit and
gain the participation of at least two faculty for their Graduate Advisory Committee. It is
possible to have up to four members on a committee. The committee members must meet the
following criteria:
1. Each committee must have two members that are tenured or tenure track faculty. This is
permanent status and the department offices and the Social Science Graduate Coordinator
can help you determine who is tenured or tenure track. If their name is listed in the most
recent catalog with the list of faculty in their department, that is an indication that they
are permanent; but new faculty may not be listed there.
2. You must have faculty from at least two different departments/disciplines within the
Behavioral and Social Sciences since this is an interdisciplinary degree.
3. You may have a third faculty member that is part time or someone from another unit of
the university or community that you feel is relevant to your topic with approval of the
Social Science Graduate Coordinator and the Associate Dean of the Graduate School.
4. Committee members must have expertise relevant to your topic. The Social Science
Graduate Coordinator can usually assist students in determining who has expertise and
interest in your topic. You may need to talk to people in the departments relevant to your
topic to find faculty with relevant expertise.
Procedure
Realize that the committee members, especially the chair, will have to make an extensive
commitment in terms of time devoted to assisting you and reading drafts of your thesis.
Respect their time commitment and show that you are committed to spending significant
time and effort to complete a quality thesis or project. The process of selecting a committee
would be as follows:
1. Talk to the Social Science Graduate Coordinator about the topic you have in mind.
Giving the coordinator a 1-2 page proposal is very helpful. If your topic is not well
defined but you have a general area you are interested in, present a brief paper explaining
your general area of interest. Discuss possible faculty for your committee with the
coordinator.
2. Approach potential faculty by making an appointment with them to discuss the research
topic and their possible service on the committee. Take the proposal draft or ideas so that
they have a written record. Realize that even if they are not willing to serve on the
committee, they may have valuable suggestions for your topic, so be listening to their
ideas and suggestions as well as asking for their participation.
3. Discuss whether potential faculty would be willing to chair the committee or just be a
committee member. You will work closely with the chair so they should be comfortable
guiding your research.
4. Sometimes you may need to add a committee member to provide expertise in statistical
methods or specialized content. Discuss with your committee members whether your
proposal would need someone for this purpose or if they can guide you in the statistical
analysis of your project.
14
5. Have the faculty who agree to be on the committee sign the Program Plan form, with one
designated as chair. Take the signed form to the Social Science Graduate Coordinator for
their signature approving the committee.
6. If any changes are made in the committee at a later time, then a Change of Program Form
must be completed, signed by all committee members and the Social Science Graduate
Coordinator, and submitted to the Graduate Office.
Guidelines for Submitting the Thesis or Project Proposal
The student will develop a proposal for a thesis, project, or comprehensive exam. Thesis and
project proposals should be developed in your research methods course or using the methods you
learned in that course.
Proposal Content
The thesis may be the result of original research or a synthesis of existing material. The content
of the thesis, the methodology used, the theoretical perspective used, and the length are all
matters of negotiation between the student and the Graduate Advisory Committee. Copies of all
previous MA theses are available in the Social Science Graduate Coordinator’s Office and in the
Meriam Library for students to read.
There are specific university requirements for the thesis and project. These are outlined in A
Guide to Graduate Studies: Policies, Procedures, and Format available at the Graduate School or
online at: http://www.csuchico.edu/giis/gs/pdf/fall_grad_guide.pdf . Distinctions between the
thesis and project are discussed in this publication. The Graduate School Office is located in the
Student Services Building in Room 440, on the fourth floor (898-6880). Graduate students
should be intimately familiar with the guidelines outlined in this manual. This manual should be
purchased when beginning graduate study. It gives general graduate student information as well
as guidelines for the thesis and project. Guidelines and content for the Thesis/Project Proposal
are included in this manual. The proposal is a formal document which must have appropriate
attention given to the matters of format, documentation, and quality of writing. The proposal must
contain at least the following information:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Background of the problem
Statement of the problem or hypothesis
Purpose of the study
Theoretical/Conceptual framework of the study
Basic research methods to be employed
Significance of the study
Proposal Procedures
Procedures for submitting the proposal are as follows:
1. The proposal must be submitted to and accepted by all Committee members, who sign
the proposal indicating their approval.
2. The proposal is then submitted to the Graduate Coordinator to be signed and placed in
the student’s permanent file. Any substantive change to the original proposal must be
submitted to and accepted by all Committee members, and filed with the Social Science
Graduate Coordinator.
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3. All studies involving human subjects (including surveys, questionnaires and any
participation by human subjects) must be approved by the University Human Subjects
Review Committee. This is to assure compliance with the ethical and legal standards
established for the protection of human subjects in research. No data collection may
take place prior to the completion of this approval. Information about Human Subjects
Review is available at
http://www.csuchico.edu/giis/gs/policypdf/Human_Subjects_info.pdf
Registration in Thesis/Project Units
Students doing a thesis or project will enroll in SOSC 699T (for thesis) or 699P (for project)
using the following procedure:
1. The student will complete a Thesis/Project Registration Form (obtained from the Social
Science Graduate Coordinator or the Social Science Office) and have it signed by their
Graduate Advisory Committee Chair.
2. The student will submit the Thesis/Project Registration Form to the Social Science
Graduate Coordinator who, upon approval, will have the student enrolled in SOSC 699T
or 699P. Students cannot register themselves in these courses.
3. Students may not enroll in more thesis units than designated on their Graduate Program
Plan. Six units is the maximum
4. If the student does not complete the thesis by the end of the semesters in which they are
enrolled in SOSC 699, and they have completed all of their other coursework, then they
must stay continuously enrolled as adjunct status. This is done by enrolling in GRST 899
through Continuing Education.
Guidelines for Writing the Master’s Thesis
CHAPTER 1 Introduction
A. Background/Overview
The background should be of sufficient depth to set the scene for the specific problem that will
be studied. This section must be able to answer the question: “What is this study about?” Early in
the introduction it is necessary to establish that there is a problem with sufficient evidence.
Statistical evidence or research findings may be needed to establish the problem. It is also
important to arouse interest in the reader, and communicate information that will be essential to
the reader understanding the study. It is important to address two questions in the background:
1. What is already known or practiced? The purpose is to briefly support the legitimacy and
importance of the question.
2. How does this particular study relate to what is already known or practiced? The purpose is to
explain and support the questions or hypotheses that will serve as the focus for the study.
B. Statement of Problem
The statement of problem should be brief, concise and naturally flow from the background. For
quantitative approaches, the problem statement should identify the variables being studied. This
section needs to clearly answer the “So what?” question. This section also includes a rationale
for the study. This usually involves both logical argument and documentation with factual
evidence.
C. Purpose/Aims of the study
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This should include why you want to do the study and what you intend to accomplish.
Make your purpose statement forthright, keep it simple, and be brief. Tell why this particular
method of investigation has been used.
D. Theoretical/Philosophical Underpinnings of the Study
This is a brief introduction to the conceptual or theoretical support or framework for the study.
E. Research Questions
These questions or hypotheses should be written in carefully constructed language that specifies
each variable in explicit terms. The question form is most appropriate when the research is
exploratory. The hypothesis form is employed when the state of existing knowledge and theory
permits formulation of reasonable predictions about the relationship of variables. Before
finalizing your question ask these questions:
1. Is the question free of ambiguity?
2. Is a relationship among variables clear?
3. Does the question imply an empirical test?
F. Definition of Terms
This section is always used in quantitative research and gives the researcher an opportunity to
operationalize variables. An operational definition is developed so that the variable can be
measured or manipulated in a study.
G. Relevance and Importance of the Study
The relevance and importance should be evident. It must be clear why and to whom the study is
of importance, and how findings may be used to inform practice or education.
H. Summary of the chapter
Conclude Chapter 1 with a brief summary of the preceding components and a preview of what is
to follow in the remaining chapters.
CHAPTER 2 Review of the Literature
A. Introduction
The introductory paragraph for Chapter 2 includes a summary sentence or two of the proposed
research, then an overview of how the chapter is organized. A review of the literature may have
several ways it is broken down and presented. These can include conceptual or topic areas and
methodological issues. It is important before the reader gets into the literature review that it is
clear the direction the researcher has taken to provide a comprehensive review of relevant
literature.
B. Quality of Study
It is important when presenting critique of research that enough detail is provided so that the
reader can determine the quality of the study. This can mean information about sample size,
significance, limitations, and the specific findings that are relevant to the current study.
C. Substantiation of the Need for the Study
While reviewing the literature, the researcher is building an argument for the need for the current
study. By the end of the chapter it should be clear to the reader how the proposed study will
contribute to knowledge development or fill a gap in existing literature.
D. Transitional Statements
Conclude Chapter 2 with a summary of the major points from each of the topic/heading areas,
followed by a statement addressing how this relates to the current research topic.
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CHAPTER 3 Research Methodology
A. Introduction to the methodology chapter
Repeat the purpose of the study and give a brief description of the theoretical/philosophical
underpinnings informing the methodology used.
B. Population/Sample
Describe exactly how the sample was accessed and the rationale for this method. Describe
specific characteristics of the sample that might be relevant, and the size of the sample.
C. Ethical Considerations – human subjects protection
Describe the Human Subjects procedure and include consent forms or instructions in the
appendix, as relevant.
D. Specific method(s) for Data Collection
Any measurement tools or instruments (survey, questionnaire, observation, etc.) used must be
described, including their reliability and validity. If you developed the tool, then describe the
process. Every step of data collection must be clearly described. Any protocols used for data
collection must be clearly outlined. Describe any difficulties encountered or changes made from
the original plan. Specify the percentage of participants sought who actually participated.
E. Data Analysis and Statistical Procedures
Describe the method of analyzing the data. Specify the statistical methods and tests used.
G. Transition Statements
Chapter 3 will conclude with a summary paragraph that includes the key points about research
methodology and process.
CHAPTER 4 Results/Findings
Results are presented in a manner consistent with the chosen methodology, i.e., themes,
theoretical constructs, categories, descriptions, and narrative. All of the analysis of data should
be presented. Quantitative findings should be presented in both written narrative form and in
graphics to supplement the narrative. Tables and figures should present data and enhance
narrative. Presentation of results should include relationship to each research question or
hypothesis. Any secondary findings should be discussed at this time.
Qualitative findings are usually presented by first describing the theme or category, followed by
quotes from interviews or observations that support the description. This also helps to establish
that the analysis process was rigorous, as it should be evident that the supporting evidence for the
theme came from the data. The analysis logically and sequentially answers all the research
questions.
CHAPTER 5 Discussion and Reflection on the Findings
A. Discussion
This chapter will discuss the findings of the study and present findings in terms of any
inferences, projections, meaning, relevance and probable explanations of the data. Implications
of patterns and trends will be included. Findings are discussed in the context of existing literature
and practice and the theoretical base or philosophy used in the area of study, as discussed in the
introduction chapter. Each research question or hypothesis, as stated in the first chapter, must be
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discussed as to how they were answered or met. This chapter will also include a comprehensive
overview to enhance understanding of the entire study.
B. Limitations of the study
How was the study limited in terms of how findings could be considered for other settings? For
example, was the sample size small, was there any bias introduced? etc.
C. Implications for practice, research, and/or education
This discussion should include the impact of the specific findings of the research in each area as
relevant. Possible changes in the field or application of the results of the study should be
included. Suggestions for future research related to this study, based upon questions raised or
still unanswered, should be given.
D. Summary/conclusions, and recommendations
Findings should be summarized. What can you conclude from what you found? Conclusions are
derived from all that the data analysis revealed and do not go beyond what the analysis revealed.
Recommendations flow logically from the conclusions and suggest possible appropriate actions
E. Reference List
Reference list must follow APA or Turabian current edition.
F. Appendices
Appendices must follow APA or Turabian current edition.
G. Other requirements
A table of contents with expected headings should be turned in with the first draft. A working
abstract will be submitted with the first draft. A 250-500 working abstract, including findings,
will be submitted with the final draft.
Guidelines for Writing the Master’s Project
Master’s projects are creative endeavors that vary in nature. They must evidence originality,
critical thinking, and reflect the scholarly or artistic capability of the candidate. Because they
vary so widely, it is not possible to give exact guidelines or format. This will be supervised by
the graduate student’s Graduate Advisory Committee. If something is created, then it must also
be evaluated. Often the created item is part of the appendix of the written project. The chapters
would be the same as the thesis where appropriate; for example the Introduction, Review of
Literature and Methodology would usually be consistent with thesis chapters. The methodology
chapter would include, not only the process of creating the created item, but also the evaluation
of the project. Be sure to read the Guidelines in A Guide to Graduate Study.
Comprehensive Exam Option
Social Science graduate students may elect to do a comprehensive exam for the culminating
experience if their Graduate Advisory Committee approves this option. The committee will
determine the format of the exam, since all programs are unique and there is not a common core
of courses taken. The student will have a Final Oral Defense over the exam, as with the thesis or
project.
Final Oral Defense
Social Science students must successfully engage in a final oral examination. This oral
examination focuses on the thesis, project or comprehensive exam and the defense of it. This
examination also requires an explanation of the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of
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the thesis project or topics of the comprehensive exam and may well deviate into areas of the
student’s knowledge of their program of study. Generally, the thesis defense will be a 20-30
minute oral presentation to the Graduate Committee on the thesis, project or comprehensive
exam papers, followed by questions and discussion.
Procedures for conducting the final defense are as follows:
1. The Chair of the Graduate Advisory Committee determines the readiness of the student
for the defense. All members of the committee must have reviewed the
thesis/project/examination.
2. The Chair of the Graduate Advisory Committee arranges the date and place of the
defense, in consultation with the student, committee members and Social Science
Graduate Coordinator.
3. The Chair of the Graduate Advisory Committee will obtain a Final Progress Sheet from
the Graduate School by notifying them of the student’s defense date two weeks ahead of
the meeting. This will be signed after the defense by all committee members if they agree
that the student passed the defense and returned to the Graduate School.
4. Usually the student will bring the signature pages of the Thesis/Project to get the faculty
signatures upon passing the defense, but this can also be done later. If changes need to be
made to the thesis, they will be signed after changes have been completed.
Graduation
Application
Candidates must complete the Application for Graduation no later than the 4th week of the
semester in which they plan to graduate. Specific deadlines can be found in the Academic
Calendar or through the Graduate School.
Commencement
Commencement exercises are held at the end of each Spring semester on the weekend
following final examination week. The MA ceremony is separate from the undergraduate
ceremony; it is usually held on Friday night. Social Science students who have completed all of
the MA requirements for graduation are encouraged to participate in the Graduate School
Commencement Ceremony.
Contact Information
Social Science Coordinator, Gwen Sheldon
Office: Butte Hall 707F
Phone 530-898-5204
E-mail: gsheldon@csuchico.edu
Social Science Office: Butte Hall 509
Social Science Office Phone: 530-898-5688
FAX: 530-898-6781
Social Science Office E-mail: sosc@csuchico.edu
Website: http://www.csuchico.edu/sosc/
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