The thesis requirement prepares the student to produce a professional, publishable work. A student thesis is written under the supervision of a three-person faculty committee, chaired by the student's principal advisor, and defended before this committee. The thesis committee provides guidance throughout the process of topic selection, research, writing, and evaluation. Successful oral defense of the thesis is certified by the student's advisor and included in the student's file. Full-time students should register for three credits of thesis work in the third semester and three credits in the fourth semester.
Registration is equivalent for students enrolled in the program part-time.
Areas of emphasis within the historic preservation concentration Students may develop areas of emphasis within the historic preservation concentration by the selection of electives in the form of regular courses or directed readings. Some areas are supported by ongoing graduate research assistantships. With an emphasis on planning and policy analysis in an urban and community environment and incorporating a strong basis in analytical research methods, the Urban Affairs masters degree provides a solid grounding in the context in which most preservation activities take place. The M.A. Curriculum is simple in structure. The remaining credit requirements can be met by electives.