Master's students must have received a master's degree from The University Graduate School or The Graduate Office at IUPUI during the two previous academic years. For example, for AY 2022-2023, eligible applicants completed their thesis between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2022.
Original works accepted “in lieu of a thesis” (e.g. musical compositions, published books, works of art, computer software, etc.) are not eligible for nomination.
The fields of competition are based on the MAGS/ProQuest Distinguished Master’s Thesis Award and alternate between Biological/Life Science and Humanities or Social Sciences and Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Engineering every two years.
This year's categories are Social Sciences and Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Engineering. Consult MAGS/ProQuest solicitation for more information about this year's categories.
Social Sciences field includes agricultural economics; geography; anthropology; archaeology; economics; education; sociology; government (political science); demography; and psychology.
Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Engineering fields include mathematics; statistics; computer sciences; data processing; systems analysis; chemistry; earth sciences; physics; geology; meteorology; astronomy; metallurgy; geophysics; pharmaceutical chemistry; aeronautical, architectural, biomedical, ceramic, chemical, civil, and electrical engineering sciences; environmental health engineering; geological, mechanical, mining, nuclear, and petroleum engineering.
Biological/Life Sciences fields includes biology; botany; zoology; ecology; embryology; entomology; genetics; nutrition; plant pathology; plant physiology; anatomy; biochemistry; biophysics; microbiology; pathology; pharmacology; physiology; and related fields. Also included are agriculture, forestry, and related fields.
Humanities field include history; philosophy; language; linguistics; literature; archaeology; jurisprudence; the history, theory and criticism of the arts; ethics; comparative religion; and those aspects of the social sciences that employ historical or philosophical approaches.
Nominations may be made by a Director of Graduate Studies or Departmental Chair. Each department may only nominate one master’s thesis. The Director of Graduate Studies or Chair must submit the following, in the order listed below:
- Nomination form with an Affirmation of Approval signed by Department Chairperson, or a Faculty Member designated by the Chairperson, confirming the nominated student is eligible and the Chair approves of the nomination.
- Letters of support from two members of the research committee. One must come from the research adviser.
- A non-technical 300 word abstract which can be easily understood by all of the members of the committee of reviewers (who come from a wide variety of different disciplines spanning the humanities, social sciences, and sciences). The abstract should include the title of the thesis and the name of the author (but not list IU as the institution in order to conform to the MAGS Thesis Award Guidelines).
- An electronic copy of the thesis (will not be returned).
Characteristics of the Research. How important is the subject treated in this study? How extensive and how original is the material collected by the author? Does the study present an original claim or thesis? How effectively does the author demonstrate this?
Contribution to Team Research. If the thesis is the result of a group effort (i.e., in a research laboratory), to what extent are the data and arguments presented in this study due to the author?
Application of the Results. To what extent could the theory presented in the study be extended beyond its present applications? How much revision is necessary before the study could be published? What portions of it have already been published or accepted for publication?
Construction of the Study. How would you evaluate the grammar, spelling, and syntax; the clarity of expression; and the general style of the dissertation?
Limitations of the Study. In your opinion, how could this study be improved?
