Master of Psychiatric Nursing program

A Thesis …  Is a formal, comprehensive, written description of original research on a chosen subject  Is used to demonstrate capacity to complete a research project and present the findings  Represents a distinct contribution to knowledge in the field of study

Thesis Process  Identify a thesis advisor  Select the thesis committee  Identify learning needs and develop a plan  Complete coursework  Develop thesis proposal  Obtain BUREC approval  Conduct research  Submit draft(s) to thesis committee  Defend thesis  Submit final documents

Identify a Thesis Advisor  Thesis Advisor  Provides assistance at every stage of the program, including selecting thesis committee, planning to address learning needs, selecting / clarifying the research question, choosing methods, guidance on conduct and analysis, and evaluation to meet university standards.  Should be in place by the end of the first year  Must be approved for thesis supervision by BU FGS  Important qualities  Expertise to guide your work  Good working relationship  Thesis Advisor must be approved by SHS Grad Steering Committee

Select the Thesis Committee  Supervisor, in consultation with the student, identifies two other committee members  One internal to SHS  One external to SHS  Collectively, the thesis committee members will have the expertise to guide the thesis work and evaluate the thesis  Committee composition is approved by SHS GSC

Identify Learning Needs and Develop a Plan  The Thesis Committee will collaborate with the student to identify learning needs for completion of the thesis, and will develop a plan to address learning needs  Elective  Workshop  Additional coursework  Required coursework is approved by SHS GSC

Complete Coursework  All courses must be completed prior to registration for the thesis

Develop Thesis Proposal  Largely constructed by the student with guidance from the Thesis Advisor and committee members  Thesis proposal must be approved by the Thesis Committee before further work is undertaken (and possibly SHS GSC)

Obtain BUREC Approval  The student will prepare and submit an application for ethical approval from the Brandon University Research Ethics Committee  The application must:  Follow the standard protocol for submission to BUREC  Be co-signed by the Thesis Advisor

Conduct Research  Once BUREC approval has been obtained, work on data collection can begin  During this period of time the student:  Is in regular contact with the Thesis Advisor to provide updates on progress and to solicit guidance as needed  Meets periodically with the Thesis Committee to provide updates and receive feedback

Submit Draft(s) to Thesis Committee  The frequency and extent of submission of drafts is negotiated between the student and the Thesis Committee  The Thesis Advisor decides when the thesis is ready for distribution to the committee  The Thesis Committee decides when the thesis is ready for defense

Defend Thesis  Thesis Advisor initiates and arranges the thesis defense.  The Thesis Committee serve as examiners  Process:  Student makes a public presentation of research and findings (30 min)  Examiners pose questions about the research  Student leaves the room while examiners make a determination

Submit Final Documents  Any required revisions are made  Submission of required numbers of copies to various places

Graduation!!!  And hopefully presentation and publication of results