Thesis Specifications

GETTING STARTED

• You must select a thesis advisor. You should begin this process early in the second semester (for both 11-month + 16-month students)

  • You should arrange to meet with your thesis advisor on a regular basis. You should take the iniative to arrange this.
    Plan to meet at a minimum of 3-4 times during the semester (more is better!)

  • You need to apply to graduate and enter your thesis title in Websis: http://student.mit.edu/cgi-docs/student.html
    (Select ONLINE DEGREE APPLICATION)  More details at the bottom of this page

  • You need to enter your thesis title and abstract ONLY to the MIT Library: https://thesis-submit.mit.edu
    NOTE-What  you submit to the Registrar and the Library must match exactly!

DUAL DEGREE STUDENTS

•  Dual Degree Students MUST submit an Online Degree Application for both the degrees being pursued

• Dual Degree students will follow the submission process and guidelines outlined by their home department

STUDENTS SUBMITTING A JOINT THESIS

• Follow all above instructions for Thesis Submissions, AND:

• You must complete a petition form, which you can find here: https://oge.mit.edu/gpp/advanced-degrees/thesis/joint-theses/

  • One form for both students is fine, complete Sections 1 & 2, and sign the form digitally.

  • Send it to your thesis advisor to complete Section 3 and sign at the bottom digitally.

  • Send the form along to academic administrator, for her signature and submission to the OGE.  

    • NOTE: No more then two students can work together on a joint thesis

    • Students who are submitting a joint thesis must be graduating in the same cohort
      
      

COUHES

• Per the Institute, students who are submitting a thesis are require to complete a COUHES course. MSRED students typically only need to do one of the following:

  1. Social & Behavioral Research Investigator: Applicable to investigations involving psychological processes, motivations, and interactions.

  2. Data or Specimens Only Research: Applicable for research involving previously collected biospecimens or data sets.

• Note that COUHES has drop in sessions online which are highly recommended when you are ready to start the process

• The process can be lengthy, even if you are granted an exemption, so start early.

See the COUHES website for guidance.

CITING AI TOOLS

• Existing citation style guidance varies significantly for citing AI-generated content, since AI tools are still evolving. 

• When there is no official guidance appropriate for your use, include enough information to adhere to principles for why we cite. 

• In addition to style guides for citation, you may need to consult publishers' policies for using AI tools or including AI-generated content in writing.
  https://libguides.mit.edu/cite-AI-tools

ONLINE DEGREE APPLICATION
In order to graduate, you must complete an Online Degree Application.   Completion of the application after the deadline will incure a late fee

Step 1 - Personal Info

• Be sure to indicate your MIT ID, MIT Email address, First Name, Last Name, and Previous College Degree

Step 2 - Degree Information

• Be sure to select “RED M” as your degree under Step 2. 

• Indicate your Thesis Title – exactly as it will appear on your Thesis Title Page, including any capitalization, dashes, colons, etc.  

• The space to enter your degree title is to the right of drop-down “Description” menu for your degree. Clicking the "Enter Thesis Title” button and you will be able to add your thesis title.  

Step 3 - Commencement Plans

• • If you select “I will Participate in Commencement” - your physical diploma will be held until Commencement. (Note students submitting theses in July and February are eligible to participate in Spring  Commencement.

  • If you select “I will not attend Commencement. Mail my diploma” - your diploma will be mailed to the address you indicate as your Post-MIT physical address; again, do not list your current MIT address. 

  • If you select “Graduation plans are unknown” - your physical diploma will be held until you indicate how you would like to receive it, of the three previous options. You may contact the Registrar’s Office at any time with your name, MIT email address, and MIT ID Number to update your choice after the Online Degree Application closes 

For ALL institute requirements see the LibGuide

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