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 Resolve to complete graduate thesis By Sandra Reed What is your New Year’s resolution? If you are in a Master of Fine Arts program, why not resolve to finish your thesis by the time you complete other course requirements? SCAD has a well-established five-year program limit to complete graduation degree requirements, including thesis. For instance, if you are entering SCAD as a graduate student this quarter, you must earn your graduate degree prior to the start of the same quarter in 2010. The program limit protects the integrity of the graduate degree earned by all students and ensures that the student’s degree adequately reflects the program of the year in which the diploma is awarded. The five-year limit also allows for part-time study as well as completion of ESL and conditional prerequisite coursework, if assigned. After five years, if the degree requirements are not met, an application for readmission to the office of graduate studies is required. If an extension is granted, you may be required to retake courses or take additional courses to meet current degree requirements. If you do not finish your thesis by the time you complete other program course requirements, the balance of time between thesis registration and the end of the five-year program limit can seemingly pass in the blink of an eye as other priorities arise unexpectedly. Several examples of former students seeking readmission tell of heart-wrenching setbacks or personal and professional successes. For example, one readmission applicant stated, “I was prepared at the time of my thesis exhibition in 2001 to finish my degree work by writing my accompanying thesis paper. Due to the economic impact of the 911 terrorist attack and growing economic pressure on my business and in my personal life (I have two children in college), I found it necessary to concentrate on things other than my degree work.” Another applicant said, “I have been invited to participate in critiques at a local art university with the possibility of becoming a professor there. Unfortunately, and as they are aware, the only setback is my actual diploma -- or lack thereof.” Finally, another writes candidly, “I am a chronic procrastinator. I allowed my life to go on for a number of years without addressing changes needed to complete the M.F.A. process. I stand now with an opportunity to become a permanent faculty member within a state university art department. I cannot accept this position without the proper terminal degree. Apart from this reason, the fact that I have not taken the responsibility of finishing something that I started has haunted me since my proposed graduation date of 2000.” Completing the thesis by the time you finish other program requirements demands effective project management skills, such as time management and goal setting. With a thesis feasibility plan securely in place, you can keep your resolution to complete the thesis regardless of twists and turns in life. For more information regarding graduate thesis requirements, see pages 22-38 in the current graduate studies handbook, available online at www.scad.edu/academic. Readmission applications are available at Smithfield Cottage for Graduate Studies, 118 W. Hall St.; online at graduatestudies@scad.edu; or by calling 525-6315. Reed is dean of graduate studies. |
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