Master of Education - Report and Master's of Arts Thesis

The Master of Arts Thesis

Students pursing the M.A. with Thesis will take 6 thesis credit hours in the fall (SED 698A) and 6 thesis credit hours in the spring (SED 698B) following the completion of their 36 hours of coursework. During Thesis A and B, you will participate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of an applied research study. The goal is to provide you with experience in conducting an applied research study that will have real benefits to the participants and at the same time contribute important new information to the professional knowledge base. To assist you in this process, you will work in close collaboration with your thesis supervisor (See Appendix D). The availability of the the M.A. thesis option will depend on the availability of a supervising faculty member.

The Master of Education Report

Students pursing the M.Ed. with Report will take 6 report writing credit hours in the fall (SED 398R) following the completion of their 36 hours of coursework. During the Report writing process, you will select a topic to research (e.g., literature review) and write a comprehensive paper. The goal is to provide you with an opportunity to conduct an in-depth study on a topical that is relevant for your concentration area. The availability of the the M.Ed. report option will depend on the availability of a supervising faculty member.

Guidelines Related to the Thesis Option (M.A.) and Report Option (M.Ed.)

The thesis and report options are designed for students interested in conducting an in-depth investigation of a topic of interest in special education. This may include students who:

Are likely to continue their graduate studies in a doctoral program (however, this is not a prerequisite for admission to doctoral study).
Already have certification and teaching experience and wish to pursue the degree to advance their professional growth;
Are on career paths in special education that do not require certification, but have adequate professional experience (e.g., international students, careers in community-based programs)

A thesis is a theoretically based piece of original research, which contributes to the knowledge base in special education. Twelve semester hours of credit are granted for researching and writing the thesis. Course SED 698A (research project; fall semester) must precede course SED 698B (writing period; spring semester); 698A may not be repeated for credit. Both 698A and 698B must be taken on the credit/no credit basis. The student must register for 698B the semester he/she intends to graduate. The thesis cannot be accepted before the semester in which the student applies for graduation.

A report typically results from gathering special materials with a topical focus, from an internship or similar experience, or from the literature (e.g., literature review). The report is subject to the approval of the committee and ultimately to the approval of the graduate dean. Six semester hours of credit are granted for preparing the report; the student must register for the Master's report course, SED 398R. The student must take this course on a credit/no credit basis. The student must register for it the semester that he/she intends to graduate

It is important to note that the M.A. with thesis and M.Ed. with report options will take more than one calendar year to complete whereas the M.Ed. with coursework may only be completed in one year if a student is enrolled for 12 credit hours per semester. If the thesis or report is not completed at the end of SED 698B or SED 398R, respectively, students will need to re-enroll in the appropriate course the following semester.

Thesis and Report Procedures

Students must declare their intent to complete the M.A. or M.Ed. option at or prior to the registration period that occurs during the spring semester (approximately April). Failure to do so may increase the number of courses to be taken, and/or lengthen the time it takes to complete all requirements. See Appendix D for a checklist of steps and timelines for the thesis and refer to Appendix E for the report.

The Program of Work for the M.A. degree must include coursework in research design and data analysis, taken during the first year in the program as recommended by the concentration area.

The thesis committee is comprised of three faculty members, at least two of whom are members of the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) in the Department of Special Education. The remaining committee member may be from another department in the College. The Thesis Supervisor must be a member of the GSC in the Department of Special Education and is usually the academic adviser.

The report committee is comprised of two faculty members. The Report Supervisor must be a member of the GSC in the Department of Special Education and is usually the academic adviser.

Note: In general, members of the thesis committee must be members of a GSC within The University. Exceptions are (a) scholars who hold non-faculty appointments as UT Research Scientists, Research Engineers, or adjunct faculty whose expertise would prove valuable for the student’s topic; and (b) scholars from off campus. A recommendation to appoint an off-campus scholar should be accompanied by a curriculum vitae and a letter stating that the person is willing to serve on the student’s committee and understands that The University will not reimburse for any expenses incurred. Requests for appointment of non-GSC faculty scholars should include a vita.

Thesis and Report committees should be formed no later than the student’s second semester to ensure that committee members are adequately informed of the research topic and have opportunities to provide feedback.

Written approval of the final thesis/report must be submitted to the Graduate Adviser. Both forms are available from the Graduate Program Administrator.

Theses and reports must follow the guidelines of the graduate school format booklet, Format for the Master's Thesis and Report .

Requirements for Thesis and Report

In addition to the above requirements, students completing a thesis or report must complete the following requirements:

Submit the thesis or report to the supervising committee by the deadline the committee establishes. Submit final copies of the thesis or report to the Office of Graduate Studies for final approval by the graduate dean no later than the date specified on the deadline sheet.

Information on Thesis and Report Templates can be found on the Graduate School's site: https://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/forms
Either format requires an additional printed copy of the following pages to be submitted separately from your thesis or report:
1. a Title Page,
2. a Signature Page (with original signatures of your supervising committee as listed on your Master's Graduation Application Form), and
3. an Abstract
Theses and reports must follow the guidelines of the graduate school format booklet, Format for the Master's Thesis and Report. Contact one of the following degree evaluators: William Crain (williamc@austin.utexas.edu), and Renee Babcock (r.babcock@austin.utexas.edu).
Failure to meet specified deadlines may result in a postponement of your graduation. Long lines to see a degree evaluator are typical around deadline days. It is highly recommended that students meet their deadlines as early as possible to avoid the added inconvenience and crowding that is expected at the last minute. Please contact a degree evaluator at 512-471-4511 if you have any questions, or stop by Main Building 101, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Note: It is not unusual for your Academic Adviser and Thesis/Report Supervisor to be the same faculty member. However, you may select different faculty members within the department based on personal preference, availability, and mutual interest in the research being conducted.