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Thesis

Producing original research. Demonstrating your knowledge. Contributing to the field.

Graduate School at CSUMB

CSUMB master’s students have dove into topics like the group dynamics of sea otters, microplastics in marshes, motivating math students and using graphic novels to boost interest in reading. 

The thesis is one of the culminating experiences for many graduate students at Cal State Monterey Bay. 

Under the guidance of a faculty mentor, you’ll produce original research in an area you’re passionate about. Along the way, you’ll gain experience and develop subject matter expertise that will benefit your future career in industry, academia, research or elsewhere. 

What Is a Thesis?

According to the California Code of Regulations: 

“A thesis is the written product of the systematic study of a significant problem. It clearly identifies the problem, states the major assumptions, explains the significance of the undertaking, sets forth the sources for and methods of gathering information, analyzes the data, and offers a conclusion or recommendation. The finished product must evidence originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate organization and format, clarity of purpose, and accurate and thorough documentation. Normally, an oral defense of the thesis will be required.”

The Thesis Procedure 

Each department or program has a unique pathway to develop a thesis project; refer to your handbook for specific details. Generally, the process looks something like this: 

  • Find a professor willing to mentor your research, who will become your thesis advisor.
  • Select a research topic in collaboration with your thesis advisor.
  • Form a thesis committee, typically at least three faculty members and/or industry professionals.
  • Write a proposal and get approval from your thesis committee; this is a step toward “candidacy” for your master’s degree.
  • Complete rigorous research and write your thesis; often this is written with the goal of publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
  • Present your thesis in an open forum, typically called a “thesis defense.”
  • Polish your final written thesis and obtain committee signatures that it meets or exceeds the standards set by your program.
  • Submit!

Explore Graduate Student Research

The Digital Commons @CSUMB houses a vast selection of past student theses. Take a look around and get inspired by their work.

Visit Digital Commons

 

Presenting and Publishing Your Work

Knowledge is meant to be shared. And at Cal State Monterey Bay, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to do so. 

On-Campus Opportunities

Share your knowledge with members of the Otter community.

The Grad Slam

One slide. Three minutes. The Grad Slam is our annual campus-wide competition for the best short research presentation. The event is modeled after the internationally popular “Three Minute Thesis.”

While friendly competition is part of it, this event also builds your communication skills and helps you learn how to engage a non-specialist audience.

Winners from each campus participate in a system-wide Grad Slam; in 2024, a CSUMB student (Alyssa Anzalone) won against researchers from 22 campuses.

The student handbook has more info about the Grad Slam.

Department Events

Individual programs or departments may host presentations, seminars and other events geared toward showcasing research.

Summer Research Symposium

While geared toward undergraduate students, this annual celebration of scholarly work brings to life the intellectual curiosity found all over campus. Graduate students can apply to become mentors through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Center. Mentoring other students can help you with your own research work and thesis.

Beyond Campus: Conferences and Publications

Many CSUMB graduate students join their mentors and other professors at academic and industry conferences. You might even have a chance to present a poster or paper yourself. Each year, our Science Illustration Certificate students share their work in a gallery show at the Pacific Grove Natural History Museum. 

Additionally, grad students often co-author papers with their mentors or seek publishing opportunities for their own work. Our Research Resource page lists journals to consider.

After the Master’s: Continuing Your Research

The thesis is just the beginning for many Otters. Many graduate students use their thesis as a foundation for continued research at the Ph.D. level.

Others use that expertise to seek related research roles in academia, government agencies, private companies and other organizations devoted to innovation and discovery.