Thesis Research

Thesis research for the MS degree program is a significant component of your studies.  Unlike doctoral research, research for the MS degree is focused on the experience and knowledge gained by the applicant.

 

Selection of Major (Thesis) Advisor

Track A MS students will be mentored through the selection of a major advisor for their thesis research, typically by the end of September of their first year. The Neuroscience Program leadership will assist and advise students on the choice of a major advisor based on their interests and/or experiences. Final selection of your thesis mentor will require approval by the MS director. Major advisors are expected to provide research resources and intellectual guidance for the extent of your thesis studies.

 

Thesis Advisory Committee 

Track A MS students will form a Thesis Advisory Committee to oversee their progress through the course of study. This committee will be comprised of the research advisor, a program leader, and one other faculty member. All MS thesis research students will begin with developing a Plan of Study that will outline what courses will be taken to fulfil the degree requirements. The Plan of Study is approved by the Committee and then submitted to the Graduate School Office of Records and Registration.

 

Dissertation Proposal

Track A MS students will also develop a dissertation proposal. This document will outline the scientific foundation of your propose studies and describe the scope of work that would be expected to be completed for your MS thesis. This is an important milestone that is also required by the Graduate School. This document serves not only as a detailed description of the student’s thesis research project, but also as a guide for discussion of the student’s progress during biannual meetings with their Thesis Advisory Committee. The dissertation proposal will be reviewed and vetted by the student’s advisory committee, and once approved, the dissertation proposal document is submitted to the registrar’s office at UConn Health (located at MC1827, LM-035).