Theses and Dissertations Your thesis or dissertation is the cornerstone of your graduate eduction. The thesis or dissertation must show that you have technical mastery and are capable of independent research. It must enlarge or modify what was previously known or present a significant interpretation of its subject. During your first year, you should select a thesis or dissertation topic and an advisor. During your second year, you should have your research under way. When the time comes to write your thesis or dissertation, remember that a number of drafts may be required. Appropriate time must be anticipated for these rewrites. A two-week review period is typical. If more than three weeks are required, you may contact the Department Chair for assistance in expediting the review. A doctoral dissertation must be provided to all members of your committee in accord with Graduate Office requirements and deadlines. These deadlines are included in the monthly departmental calendar. Typing and reproduction of your thesis or dissertation are at your own expense. When a thesis or dissertation also serves as a research report under a contract, and if facilities and time permit, you may arrange for additional copies and pay only a prorated cost for those copies required for personal or Graduate Office use. For guidance in writing, formatting, and publishing, your thesis or dissertation, consult the University of Delaware's Thesis and Dissertation Manual, which is available on line or may be purchased at the University Bookstore.