Thesis Option
Students may elect to conduct original research during the course of their graduate study. With the thesis option, the student will develop an idea that is suitable for a comprehensive research project. A major professor will be selected to mentor and guide the thesis project. If a student has aspirations to pursue a Ph.D., the thesis option is recommended.

A minimum of 36 semester hours with a minimum of 24 semester hours (including 6 hours of thesis) in the student’s major area (SMHM) is required. The student must complete a methods and a statistics course as well as a minor with a minimum of 6 hours in an area outside of SMHM.

Course Work Requirement for Thesis Option
SMHM courses (excluding SMHM 5950, 5300, and 5400) 15 hours
SMHM 5950 (Thesis) 6 hours
SMHM 5300 (Research Methods) 3 hours
SMHM 5400 (Research Applications) 3 hours
Minor 6 hours
Elective (SMHM or minor) 3 hours
Total 36 hours

Refer to the SMHM Thesis Guidelines for information concerning committee members, proposal development, registration, and thesis defense.