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Many graduate programs at the College of Charleston have a thesis option for completing the degree. If this applies to you, be sure to utilize the resources below as you complete your thesis.

Writing your thesis

Before you begin writing your thesis, it is important to review the Graduate School's Thesis Manual. The manual covers the general timeline for developing your thesis, regulations governing theses in all programs, and formatting instructions.  While the manual provides general instructions, citation styles should adhere to the student's discipline and may vary program to program.  Some programs may also have their own thesis requirements and students should consult their program director.

Submitting your thesis

The deadline to submit a thesis is always the last day of classes of the term the student intends to graduate.  For summer graduates, the deadline is the last day of classes of the last summer term.  Please check the academic calendar for the exact date in each term.

The Graduate School requires graduate students submit their theses online through ProQuest ETD. As a result, a thesis does not need to be printed and bound unless the student wants a copy for his or her records. The thesis is added to an online database that is then searchable via the internet and the College of Charleston's Library database.

ProQuest has several helpful resources on a variety of topics:

• FAQ I
• FAQ II

Copyright Resources

• ProQuest Copyright Guide
• CofC Library Copyright Guide
• EduCopia Institute Copyright Guide

Looking for a thesis

Approved theses are available in ProQuest, which is accessible through the College of Charleston's Library databases.

Students searching for a copy of a previously written College of Charleston student thesis that is not available through ProQuest or the Library's catalog can contact the Special Collections Department at the Marlene and Nathan Addlestone Library.