Students that select the Thesis/Pre-Doctoral option normally seek a more in-depth research experience. Often, these students will apply for entry to a doctoral program following completion of the MA degree. MA students are eligible to apply for the PhD Program in Emerging Media Studies, but admission is not guaranteed.

The thesis option in the Emerging Media Studies program has the following guidelines. Please read this page, the EMS Guidelines for Thesis Projects and the Thesis Proposal Guidelines before signing the thesis project agreement.

  • Emerging Media Studies students who wish to complete a thesis must find a full-time faculty member who will sponsor their project or study, evaluate their performance, and grade the results (Thesis Advisor/First Reader). Students are also required to find a second faculty member within EMS who will read and provide feedback on the thesis proposal and the final thesis manuscript (Second Reader)
  • Please be aware that choosing to complete a thesis could extend your course of study. A thesis may require an additional semester, part-time semester of enrollment to complete.
  • It is expected that there will be an ongoing discussion between the student and the advisor to monitor the progress of the project. The student will submit to the sponsoring faculty member a formal proposal that outlines goals and a plan of action. The advisor will monitor the student’s performance throughout the project/study and will grade the final thesis.
  • Students will be required to begin their thesis projects at least one semester before their expected graduation date and enroll in EM901 Independent Study (4 credits) first to complete the primary research. An Independent Study is considered a full academic course at Boston University and will be treated as such by the College.
  • Generally, students begin their thesis research in Summer I and complete the thesis project in an additional fall semester. This will require an additional semester of enrollment and tuition charges as a part-time student. Students do have the option to begin their thesis research in the spring semester and complete the thesis project during the summer semesters. This plan will not require an additional semester of enrollment.
  • After the completion of EM901 Independent Study (4 credits) to complete the initial thesis research, the professor and student will reevaluate the scope of work to determine if it is feasible to complete a full thesis project through enrollment in EM 909 Thesis Research (4 credits) in a future semester.
Thesis Option I Spring Summer
Process Submit the online form below to enroll in EM 901, Independent Study (4 credits). EM 901 will need to appear on a student’s spring course schedule Discuss with your advisor whether to progress to EM 909 Thesis Research. If eligible, EM 909 will appear on a student’s summer course schedule.  Students have from Feb – mid-May to enroll in summer courses. See the summer session I calendar for exact dates
Credits  EM 901 Independent Study is a 4 credit pass, fail course EM 909 Thesis Research is a 4 credit course pass, fail course
Thesis Option II Summer Fall (Final Fall Semester)
Process Submit the online form below to enroll in EM 901, Independent Study (4 credits). EM 901 will need to appear on a student’s summer course schedule Discuss with advisor whether to progress to EM 909 Thesis Research by August 30th. If eligible, EM 909 will  appear on a student’s fall course schedule
Credits and Fees EM 901 Independent Study is a 4 credit pass, fail course EM 909 Thesis Research is a 4 credit course pass, fail course

Students who opt to enroll in EM 909 in a fourth semester will be charged at part-time tuition rate

 

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