Master's Thesis Route & FGS Regulations

The graduate learning environment is distinctly different from that at the undergraduate level. It has been characterized as advanced, focused, and scholarly in nature:

• it is advanced because it builds upon an undergraduate education;
• it is focused because of the emphasis on depth of knowledge;
• it is scholarly because it is concerned not simply with the acquisition of knowledge and skills, but with the critical analysis of existing knowledge. Graduate students are expected to acquire and apply advanced analytical and interpretive skills, as well understanding and/or producing research [CAGS (2005), Your Future: A guide for potential graduate students, p.3].

There are a number of different types of master’s degrees requiring a thesis, a project, or course work. The master’s degree is intended to expand knowledge, enhance professional skills, and acquire the ability to conduct scholarly work.

Master’s Study Regulations for Thesis Route Students:

• 1. Thesis Route
• 2. Supervisors and Committee Members
  • 2-1 Eligibility Criteria
  • 2-2 Other Categories
  • 2-3 Selection, Composition, and Approval of the Supervisor and Supervisory Committee
    • 2-3-1 Supervisory Committee Composition
  • 2-4 Co-Supervision
  • 2-5 Roles and Responsibilities of Supervisors and Students
  • 2-6 Changing a Supervisor or Supervisory Committee
  • 2-7 Supervisor on Leave
• 3. Thesis Proposal
  • 3-1 Preparation for Proposal Oral Examination
  • 3-2 Adjudication of the Proposal and Oral Examination
  • 3-3 Adjudication Categories and Procedures for the Written Proposal
  • 3-4 Adjudication Categories and Procedures for the Oral Examination of the Proposal
• 4. Ethics / Access Approval
• 5. Previously Published Thesis Material
• 6. Preparation for the Final Thesis Examination
  • 6-1 Composition of the Final Thesis Examination Committee
  • 6-2 Definition of ‘At Arm’s Length’
  • 6-3 Distribution and Preparation for the Final Thesis Examination
  • 6-4 Changing an Examination Committee
• 7. The Final Thesis Examination
  • 7-1 Attendance of Examination Committee Members at the Oral Thesis Examination
  • 7-2 Visitors at the Examination
  • 7-3 Adjudication of Final Thesis by Examination Committee
    • 7-3-1 Adjudication Categories and Procedures of the Thesis
    • 7-3-2 Adjudication Categories and Procedures for the Oral Examination
• 8. Submission of Thesis
• Appendix A - Overview of Master's Program, Final Thesis, and Oral Examination