The following outline contains the policies and procedures applicable to the graduate students who have elected the thesis option.

• The student, after consultation with appropriate faculty, chooses a faculty member who agrees to become the research/investigation course advisor.
• The research topic and scope in CEE 9030 must be submitted in writing to the research/investigation course advisor for approval prior to registration.
• At the completion of CEE 9030, the final written document will be submitted as a thesis proposal or a term paper for grade. CEE 9030 must be completed prior to CEE 9031 registration.
• There are two options regarding thesis and the completion of CEE 9030:
  • If the student and the research/investigation course advisor agree that the results of the research do not constitute a viable thesis proposal, the student will receive a grade for CEE 9030 but will not register for thesis credits.
  • If the thesis proposal is acceptable to the student and the research/investigation course advisor and approved by the chairperson, the student will receive a grade for CEE. 9030 and may then register for six credits of thesis.

In rare instances a student may proceed directly into CEE 9031 without registering for the prerequisite CEE 9030. The student must have the permission of his/her thesis advisor and the department chairperson to omit CEE 9030