Must I write a thesis? Traditionally, how long is a math thesis? Must the thesis contain original research results?
Every successful Math Department masters student must write a thesis! The non-thesis masters degree was eliminated in the early 1990’s. The length of the thesis is not as important as the content of it. Theses with original research results tend to be shorter (say 25-40 pages). However, not all theses contain original research. Students sometimes survey a particular research problem without contributing new results. These types of theses tend to be somewhat longer (say 40-60 pages). The topic, content, and length of the thesis are up to the student, the thesis advisor, and the thesis committee. • When should I submit a program of study? From a practical point of view, it is a good idea to talk with the Math Graduate Coordinator and prepare a “pencilled in” version of the Program of Study during your second semester. By your third semester, you should have your Program of Study pretty much finalized.
