Culminating Activity Guides
Your culminating activity is a key milestone during your graduate program. It gives you the opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned and show your readiness in your field of study. Depending on your program, this may include a thesis, dissertation, capstone project, comprehensive exam, portfolio, internship, co-op, practicum, clinical experience, recital, exhibition, final research project or another culminating experience.
Jump to a section:
Upcoming WorkshopsThesisDissertationCapstone CourseComprehensive Exam
Looking for support navigating your specific program requirements? Reach out to your program contact for guidance.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Your Thesis
Thesis timelines vary by program, project scope, committee availability and whether IRB approval is required. Students should begin planning early and work closely with their Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC), thesis sponsor and committee throughout the process.
| Step | Goal | Required Forms / Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Confirm your thesis option | Speak with your GPC to confirm that a thesis is required or available for your program. Students must be fully matriculated and in good academic standing to complete a thesis. | |
| Review thesis requirements | Review the Thesis Procedure Manual and any program-specific guidelines so you understand expectations, committee requirements, formatting rules, deadlines and final submission steps. | Thesis Procedure Manual |
| Identify your topic | Begin exploring possible thesis topics by reviewing scholarly literature and consulting with faculty, your GPC and library research support staff. | |
| Select a sponsor and committee | Work with your GPC to identify a thesis sponsor. With your sponsor’s support, form your thesis committee and confirm any program or Graduate Center committee requirements. | Approval of an External Thesis Committee Member |
| Develop your thesis proposal | Work with your thesis sponsor to develop a proposal that outlines your topic, research question or focus, proposed approach, relevant literature and anticipated structure. | |
| Obtain IRB approval, if required | If your thesis involves human participants, you must receive Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval before beginning that portion of your research. Speak with your thesis sponsor early to determine whether IRB approval is required. | IRB Approval of Research Studies (if applicable) |
| Register for thesis 698 | Complete the Approval for Writing a Master’s Thesis Form and email it with your approved thesis proposal to thesisinquiry@montclair.edu. If approved, the Graduate Center will forward your materials to the Office of the Registrar for registration. Students cannot register for thesis courses through NEST. | Approval for Writing a Master’s Thesis |
| Research, write and revise | Complete your research and writing in regular consultation with your thesis sponsor and committee. Build in time for drafts, feedback, revisions, formatting and final review. | |
| Register for thesis extension 699, if needed | If you do not complete your thesis while enrolled in thesis 698, you may need to register for thesis extension 699. Students cannot register for thesis extension courses through NEST and should follow Graduate Center instructions for submitting required materials. | Thesis Extension Application |
| Defend your thesis, if required | If your program requires a thesis defense or oral examination, work with your thesis sponsor and committee to schedule it. Complete any required revisions after the defense. | |
| Submit your final thesis | Submit your final approved thesis and required forms to the Graduate Center by the published deadline. Before submitting, review all formatting requirements and confirm that your sponsor and committee have approved the final version. | Electronic Thesis/Dissertation (ETD) Release Form |
A Step-by-Step Guide to Completing Your Dissertation
Doctoral students should work closely with their Doctoral Program Director (DPD) as they prepare for the dissertation process. Some programs follow a different sequence or require program-specific forms. Environmental Science and Management (PhD) and Audiology (AuD) students should consult their department for guidance.
| Step | Goal | Required Forms / Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Complete coursework and required milestones | Complete the required coursework, exams, assessments or qualifying experiences for your doctoral program. Work with your DPD or advisor to confirm your progress. | |
| Apply for doctoral candidacy | Doctoral candidacy must be formally approved before you continue in the dissertation process. Review the Dissertation Procedure Manual to ensure you understand expectations. | Form A: Admission to Doctoral Candidacy |
| Select your dissertation chair and committee | Work with your DPD or advisor to identify a dissertation chair and committee members who can guide and evaluate your research. | Form B: Approval of Internal Dissertation Committee Members and Dissertation Chair Form C: Outside Committee Member Request (if applicable) |
| Register for dissertation advisement | After your committee is approved, follow Graduate Center instructions for dissertation advisement registration. Students register for dissertation credits or advisement each term. | Forms G/H: Advisement or Extension Application |
| Develop your dissertation proposal | Work with your dissertation chair to develop a formal proposal that outlines your topic, research questions, relevant literature, methodology and anticipated contribution to the field. | |
| Obtain IRB approval, if required | If your dissertation involves human participants, you must receive Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval before beginning that portion of your research. Speak with your dissertation chair early to determine whether IRB approval is required. | IRB Approval of Research Studies (if applicable) |
| Defend your dissertation proposal, if required | If your program requires a proposal defense, work with your dissertation chair and committee to schedule it. Once the proposal is approved, submit the required approval form. | Form D: Approval of Dissertation Proposal |
| Research, write and revise | Complete your research, analysis and writing in regular consultation with your dissertation chair and committee. Build in time for data collection, feedback, revisions, formatting and final review. | |
| Register for dissertation extension, if needed | If you do not complete your dissertation within the expected advisement period, you may need to register for dissertation extension. Follow Graduate Center instructions for submitting required materials by established deadlines. | Forms G/H: Advisement or Extension Application Dissertation Defense Deadlines |
| Apply for your dissertation defense date | When your dissertation is ready for final review, work with your chair and committee to schedule your defense and submit the required application. | Form E: Application for Dissertation Defense Date |
| Defend your dissertation | Present and defend your completed dissertation as the final degree requirement. After the defense, complete any required revisions and submit the results form. | Form F: Report of Dissertation Defense Results |
| Submit your final dissertation | Submit your final approved dissertation and required ETD form to the Graduate Center by the published deadline. Before submitting, review formatting requirements and confirm that your chair and committee have approved the final version. | Electronic Thesis/Dissertation (ETD) Release Form Dissertation Final Review Checklist |
Tips & Tricks for Success in Your Capstone Course
Before Your Capstone
- Confirm the requirement and timing. Ask your program contact whether a capstone is required, optional or available and when you are eligible to register.
- Understand the expectations. Confirm whether the capstone includes a paper, applied project, portfolio, presentation, research assignment or professional experience.
- Choose a focused direction. Select a topic or project that fits the course timeline and connects to your academic interests or professional goals.
- Organize your materials. Gather useful notes, research, projects and feedback from previous courses before the semester begins.
During Your Capstone
- Follow the course timeline. Keep track of proposals, drafts, presentations, revisions and final deadlines. Break larger assignments into manageable steps.
- Communicate with your instructor. Ask questions early about the scope, format, grading criteria or expectations for your project.
- Use campus resources. Seek support with research, writing, citations, organization, presentation materials or revisions.
- Connect your work to your goals. Use the capstone to demonstrate skills that may support your portfolio, resume, interviews or future opportunities.
After Your Capstone
- Complete all final requirements. Review your work carefully and confirm that all presentation, formatting and submission instructions have been met.
- Save a polished copy. Keep your final project and supporting materials for future academic or professional use.
- Explore next steps. Ask whether your work could be expanded into a portfolio piece, conference presentation, research project or other professional opportunity.
Tips & Tricks for Acing Your Comprehensive Exam
Before Your Comprehensive Exam
- Confirm the requirement and timing. Review your degree requirements and speak with your program contact to confirm whether an exam is required, when you are eligible to take it and whether you need to register or submit a form.
- Understand the format. Ask whether the exam is written, oral, timed, take-home, in person or online. Confirm how it is graded and whether you must pass each section separately.
- Review what will be covered. Request study guides, reading lists, sample questions or topic areas, if available. Focus on the major theories, concepts, methods and skills from your program.
- Create a study plan. Organize notes and course materials, divide the content into manageable sections and give yourself time to practice applying and connecting ideas across courses.
- Confirm support and accommodations. Contact your program early with questions and arrange any approved testing accommodations before the deadline.
During Your Comprehensive Exam
- Follow all instructions carefully. Confirm the time limit, allowed materials, submission process and any academic integrity requirements before beginning.
- Manage your time. Review the full exam, plan how long to spend on each section and leave time to check your work.
- Answer clearly and completely. Address every part of the question, organize your response and support your ideas with relevant concepts, evidence or examples.
- Show what you have learned across the program. Comprehensive exams often assess your ability to analyze, synthesize and apply information rather than simply recall facts.
- Ask about technical issues immediately. For an online exam, contact the designated person right away if you experience a platform, access or submission problem.
After Your Comprehensive Exam
- Confirm that your exam was received. Make sure all required materials were submitted successfully and keep any confirmation messages.
- Ask when results will be available. Your program can explain how and when results will be shared.
- Review any required next steps. You may need to complete additional paperwork, revisions, an oral follow-up or another degree requirement.
- Understand the retake process. If you do not pass, speak with your program contact about feedback, eligibility, deadlines and preparation for another attempt.
- Check your progress toward graduation. Confirm that the exam has been recorded and review any remaining requirements for completing your degree.
Contact Us
Graduate education at Montclair is about more than coursework. The Graduate Center provides a central hub where students come together, access resources, and find encouragement to pursue their passions.
- The Graduate Center
- gradstudentservices@montclair.edu
- 973-655-5205
- School of Nursing / Graduate School, Suite 487