In connection with the timing of the preliminary examination, a first draft of the dissertation research proposal (prepared by the student) must be distributed to all committee members at least two weeks prior to the day of the preliminary oral examination. The proposal is prepared in a professional manner with proper literature citations and provides background information and preliminary results as well as the future direction of the dissertation project. The written proposal must be approved by the advisory committee and submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies for final approval within one month of the preliminary examination. The research proposal is required by all thesis-option candidates (Masters or Ph.D.).

Rules and Regulations

1. Thesis-option Masters and Doctoral candidates are required to submit a research proposal.

2. Blue-line paper is not required for proposals.

3. The narrative portion of the research proposal should be no more than ten pages long.

4. A list of selected references must accompany the research proposal.

5. The original research proposal and four copies of the title page must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Studies. One copy of the proposal and title page should be given to the Graduate Student Office.

6. For a sample title page, review the Graduate Handbook. For tips, consult the Handbook.

7. Masters students must submit the proposal no later than 14 weeks prior to the close of the semester in which they expect to receive their degree.

8. Doctoral students must submit their research proposal to their Advisory Committee at least 2 weeks prior to the preliminary exam.

9. The research proposal must be received by the Office Of Graduate Studies no later than 30 days after the preliminary exam.

10. It is understood that the Research Proposal is an original piece of work generated exclusively by the student. The student may ask other group members or their research advisor to offer comments and suggestions but the intellectual content of the proposal must be original. International students would be wise to visit the site on Academic Integrity; there may be significant differences associated with how Westerner's include the work of others in a scientific publication.

Forms and Samples

Check with your Research Advisor for the desired format of the research proposal. Requirements will vary among research groups.

Proposal Title Page

For more information, write the Graduate Student Advisor: gradmail@mail.chem.tamu.edu.