The Master's thesis represents a guided research effort by a graduate student seeking to demonstrate mastery of the theoretical and applied knowledge he or she has gained in the Master's program. The thesis option at Marist is highly competitive and requires a formal approval by the Graduate Committee. Students who wish to apply for this option must notify the graduate director of their intent to apply by October 1 of the fall of their second year. Students in the full-time program must apply for this option by October 1 of their first year. Students will submit a formal proposal for a thesis and must be granted permission to proceed by the Graduate Committee. Upon approval of the proposal, research will be conducted and once completed, will be approved, presented, and defended before a thesis committee. A limited number of students will be accepted into the thesis track each year.
For those not seeking research opportunities or transition to a Ph.D., the non-thesis option requires a final seminar course and comprehensive examination.
Comprehensive Exams will cover three areas: Communication Theory, Research Methods, and an Applied Area in Communication. The Graduate Committee will grade the exams. Full- and part-time students will take exams in the 3rd week of August after completing all coursework. If a student fails, he/she can petition the Graduate Committee to retake the exam during the first week of February.
