What is a Thesis Proposal?

The Thesis Proposal is a paper (minimum 3-pages) with specific information (see Contents of the Proposal below) that will put into written form what your research paper and project will be about. It begins with an idea (theme) that should be formulated into a working thesis statement.

• A Theme is the topic of your research. You should pay particular attention to proposing a “theme” that best expresses personal interest, academic achievement and professional aspiration. The selection of media and theme is highly critical to the success of the project. You are required to make your work “theme and concept based” rather than media or subject-based only. The suggestion is to base your theme around a social, political or economical issue. If your idea does not fit into one of these categories you may need to rethink what you want to do.

• A “Working” Thesis Statement is that sentence or two in your first paragraph that contains the focus of your research and tells the reader what to expect. We call it a “working” thesis statement because you will probably rewrite it numerous times. A thesis statement has a main idea or an argument that you will try to support through the evidence you gather. This part of the proposal will help you formulate the Introduction part of your Thesis Paper.
• Contents of the Proposal:
• The proposal MUST be a minimum of 3-pages (not including the title page), word-processed and checked for structure, spelling, and grammatical accuracy before submission.
• Use Times New Roman font, 12-point type, double-spaced and 1” margins (top, bottom, left and right).
• First page is the Title Page (also called the Cover Page). The information should be centered in the middle of a single page. DO NOT number the Title page.
• Second page starts with the sub-heading “THEME:” DO NOT use bullets write in complete sentences. Continue with the second sub-heading “PROJECT GOALS:” and “PROJECT RESOURCES:” Practice writing in the third person–avoid using “I”, “me”, or “my”. Remember creative people also need to write well.

What should be in a Thesis Proposal?

• Title Page: Name of the Project (what you think it should be title, subject to change often). Name/address/cell number/email address of the student, major/minor and expected graduation date. Name of the Project Director (Please provide two names as possible choices for your Project Director.)
• Theme: This introduction should comprehensively describe what the theme is about in great detail.The “working” thesis statement should be included within the first paragraph. Support material (drawings, sketches, relevant prototype materials, preliminary research documentation, etc. are strongly recommended) and can be attachments to the back of your paper.
• Project Goals: Describe in detail what the final body of work ‘might’ look like in the gallery. How does it relate to your theme?
• Project Resources: Your resources should include research in the following three areas: (1) Your topic or subject focus(2) Historical and Contemporary influences from artist and designers(3) Process and/or materials to be used for your project ideas.

How should the Thesis Proposal Look?

• The proposal MUST be a minimum of 3-pages (not including the title page), word-processed and checked for structure, spelling, and grammatical accuracy before submission.
• Use Times New Roman font, 12-point type, double-spaced and 1” margins (top, bottom, left and right).
• First page is the Title Page (also called the Cover Page). The information should be centered in the middle of a single page. DO NOT number the Title page.
• Second page starts with the sub-heading “THEME:” DO NOT use bullets write in complete sentences. Continue with the second sub-heading “PROJECT GOALS:” and “PROJECT RESOURCES:” Practice writing in the third person–avoid using “I”, “me”, or “my”. Remember creative people also need to write well.