MSE with Report

Your report committee consists of two readers, your faculty supervisor, and at least one other faculty member, whom you should choose in consultation with your supervisor and the graduate advisor. Be sure to ask a professor's permission before listing him or her as a part of your thesis committee. Once you have an approved research topic from your supervisor, you may register for report. You will register for MSE 398R the semester you plan to graduate. Be sure to register for MS&E report, not the thesis course in your faculty supervisor’s home department (Engineering Mechanics, Chemistry, etc.). Since your degree is in Materials Science and Engineering, your report course must be in MS&E as well.

The Graduate School offers Microsoft Word templates to assist you in formatting your report. Before using a template, review the Using the Thesis and Dissertation Templates user guide. Another option, approved by the Graduate School, is LaTex Document Preparation. Theses must follow the guidelines of the Graduate School booklet Format Guidelines for Dissertations, Treatises, Theses and Reports.

A master's report is a type of written document that is typically part of the requirements for completing a master's degree program. It is generally used in fields where a full thesis or dissertation may not be necessary. The purpose of a master's report is to demonstrate the student's ability to conduct research, analyze data, and present findings in a formal, academic manner.

Key Features of a Master's Report:

1. Focused Topic: Unlike a thesis, which can be more comprehensive, a master's report usually addresses a specific problem or issue within a particular area of study.
2. Research and Analysis: The report often involves applying research methods to investigate a question or solve a problem. It may include data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
3. Practical Application: In many cases, the report emphasizes practical application and problem-solving, rather than purely theoretical analysis.
4. Concise and Structured: It is typically shorter and more concise than a full thesis, with a clear structure that includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
5. Project-Based: In some disciplines, a master's report may be based on a project or internship experience, where the student applies their academic knowledge to a real-world problem.

Master's Report vs. Thesis:

• A thesis is generally more comprehensive and aims to contribute new knowledge to the field.
• A master's report is usually shorter, more focused, and sometimes more practical in nature. It may be based on case studies, applied research, or industry projects.

In summary, a master's report is a scholarly document that showcases a student’s research and analytical abilities, usually within a narrower scope than a full thesis, and it might also emphasize practical problem-solving or industry-related topics.