Thesis / Dissertation Home

New - Thesis and Dissertation Writing Consultations

Starting this summer, the Graduate College and the Center for Communication Excellence are partnering to provide quality writing support for students working on writing, formatting, or finalizing their thesis or dissertation. Graduate students can make free, one-on-one appointments with trained consultants to discuss thesis/dissertation formatting or get helpful suggestions in the planning, composing, or revising stages of their writing. Consultations are open to all Iowa State University graduate student in any discipline and in face-to-face or online formats. Make an appointment today!

Prepare to Write Your Thesis/Dissertation

  1. Attend a Thesis Seminar presented by the Graduate College soon after you have formed your Program of Study and Committee.
  2. Use templates and examples to help you write your thesis
  3. Review Organizing Your Thesis
  4. Work closely with your Major Professor and Committee as you develop ideas and content for your thesis. They are here to guide you.
  5. Contact the Center for Communication Excellence to arrange individual writing assistance.

Think About Graduation

  1. Submit your Program of Study/Committee form through AccessPlus, if you have not yet done so.
  2. Meet the deadlines listed for Thesis/Graduation. They can be found on the Deadlines / Dates page. Set up goals for the semester/year you plan to graduate.
  3. Attend a Thesis Workshop, if you haven't already
  4. Plan meetings with your Major Professor and Committee about your thesis content and timeline for completion.
  5. Check your Graduate Student Status page on AccessPlus and your Degree Audit to see what items need to be completed for your Graduate Program. Submit modifications if needed.
  6. Submit an Application for Graduation by the deadlines of the semester you plan to graduate. If you have a change of mind, withdraw by the cancellation date. Summer graduates attending Spring/Fall ceremony need to follow special deadlines.
  7. Develop a timeline for your final oral. Submit a Request for Final Oral form three weeks prior to the final oral exam.
  8. Open you thesis account with ProQuest and input the title of your thesis/dissertation, which will appear in the Commencement Program. Use the same format as your title page.
  9. Contact an editor if you need assistance formatting or editing your thesis, List of Local Editors / Typists

Ensure Graduation

  1. Meet the deadlines listed for Thesis/Graduation. They can be found on the Deadlines page
  2. Verify your Graduate Student Status page in AccessPlus to make sure all requirements on your POSC are completed. Submit modifications to POSC if necessary
  3. Submit the Application for Graduation by the deadline of the semester you plan to graduate. Summer graduates attending Spring/Fall ceremony need to follow special deadlines.
  4. Pass your final oral examination. Your Major Professor submits the Report of Final Oral form
  5. Open you thesis account with ProQuest and input the title of your thesis/dissertation, which will appear in the Commencement Program. Use the same format as your title page.
  6. Submit the Graduate Student Approval Form
  7. Complete the online Thesis Checklist and upload your thesis to ProQuest/UMI
  8. Watch for an email requesting revisions or stating acceptance of your thesis/dissertation.
  9. Receiving an acceptance e-mail is typically the last communication before you graduate!