MA Program

Directed research will culminate in the production of a 25 to 40-page essay appropriate for submission to an academic journal – see publications listing. This final paper may not be as long as a thesis, but it will have to be a high quality product that must be approved by the student’s major professor and at least one other Florida Studies faculty member.

A thesis is strongly recommended for those who think they might ultimately pursue doctoral level study, or who might want to write a book in the future.

An acceptable master’s thesis is a significant study, generally between 75 and 120 pages, in which students work closely with a committee comprised of three faculty members. One of these committee members may be a professor from off-campus or even a working professional with an intimate knowledge of your research area. Your major professor must be a full-time faculty member at USF St. Petersburg.

Typically, a thesis should identify some gap in our knowledge; elucidate one or more research questions that you hope to answer or shed some light upon; survey the published literature related to the subject of your research; establish relevant theoretical and methodological concerns while explaining how you intend to investigate your research questions; review the evidence you assemble and explain what you have discovered; and summarize your conclusions and your contribution to our understanding of the research questions you posed.

Addition information about thesis and non-thesis options can be found in the Florida Studies Graduate Student Handbook.

Thesis submission processes are available at the Office of Graduate Studies.