Master's Thesis Option Program (MTOP) Definitions

1. A brief statement of your education to date at SI, especially the courses (e.g., research methods, information visualization, visual persuasion) you think have been most helpful in preparing you for thesis activity generally and for your chosen thesis topic specifically.
2. A problem statement that tells exactly what you want to do, including the research questions you want to answer.
3. Several relevant citations to the professional literature to demonstrate what others have done and/or said about the problem.
4. Some indication of the approach you will use to solve the problem (e.g., survey, experiment, interviews, etc.)
5. The name(s) of the faculty member(s) who might serve as an advisor or thesis committee member. SI recommends, but does not require, that you contact the faculty member(s) and discuss your proposal with him or her. At the very least you should send a copy of your Letter of Intent to the faculty member you name in the letter.
6. A list of courses you intend to take that would support your thesis research.
7. A resume.