SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM MASTER S DEGREE PROGRAM HANDBOOK. Stephen Lacy

Transcription

1 SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM MASTER S DEGREE PROGRAM HANDBOOK Stephen Lacy Director, Graduate Affairs Committee Revised June 28,

2 Table of Contents Welcome and Introduction..p. 2 Special Programs..p. 2 Linked Bachelor s-master s Degree p. 3 Journalism Graduate Certificate..p. 3 Program Overview..p. 4 Program Goals.p. 5 Core Requirements...p. 5 Overall Degree Requirements.....p. 6 Options for Completing Program p. 8 Thesis/Project Options.p. 8 Thesis/Project Adviser Selection p. 9 Formation of Thesis/Project Committee.p. 10 Thesis/Project Standards.p. 10 Thesis/Project Defense p. 12 Add thesis change Program Timetable..p. 13 Policies on Academic Performance...p. 13 Annual Evaluation..p. 14 File Access and Privacy..p. 14 Standards for Integrity p. 15 Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution..p. 16 Work-Related Policies p. 17 Appointments..p. 18 Work Rules.p. 19 Terms of Appointment and Leave p. 20 University Resources p. 20 Appendices.p Plan A Thesis Option Forms..p Plan B Professional Project Option Forms......p Guidelines for Integrity in Research and Creative Activities.p Grievance Procedures.p. 41 1

3 Welcome and Introduction The faculty of the School of Journalism welcomes you to our Master of Arts degree program. We believe we are among the top graduate programs in the nation. Our faculty of outstanding professionals and scholars has made important contributions in both the academic and media worlds. We are committed to doing all in our power to make your graduate program successful. A successful graduate program requires students who are both committed to excellence in their work and knowledgeable about the requirements for the degree. This handbook is meant to help graduate students in the School of Journalism to know, understand and complete the requirements of their master s degree program. The information below is meant to complement university regulations governing such programs. Students must meet all university as well as School of Journalism requirements. Students should also consult the following publications: Academic Programs Catalog-- current edition Graduate Students Rights and Responsibilities document MSU/Graduate Employees Union Contract (if applicable) Guidelines for Graduate Student Advising and Mentoring Relationships Guidelines for Integrity in Research and Creative Activity Students are also encouraged to consult their assigned academic adviser and faculty on the Graduate Affairs Committee for any advice and interpretation needed of requirements and information included in this handbook. Special Programs In addition to the regular master s degree, the School of Journalism offers two special programs related to master s-level work the Linked Bachelor s-master s program and the Journalism Graduate Certificate. 2

4 Linked Bachelor s-master s Program in Journalism In 2011, the School of Journalism added a linked bachelor s-master s program that allows undergraduate to use 9 of their 400 level courses toward the 30 credits required for a master s degree. Undergraduate students who apply to the linked program must have at least 86 credits and apply prior to their final semester as a journalism major. Admission to the program requires the following: A minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 based on all courses taken at MSU A statement of goals for the master s degree, A statement of the applicant s background, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores At least two letters of recommendation from faculty in the School of Journalism, An approved program of study for the master s degree at the time of admission. Applicants must have already completed JRN 108, 200, 203,300, 400, and 430 with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 in these courses. The number of Journalism majors admitted into this linked degree program will be limited by availability. Admission to the Linked Bachelor's-Master's program allows the application of up to 9 credits toward the master's program for qualifying 400-level and above course work taken at Michigan State University. No 400-level courses with a grade lower than 3.0 will count toward the master s degree. Credit obtained from 400- level pass/fail courses and internships will not count toward the degree. Interested students should contact the chair of the J-School Graduate Affairs Committee. Journalism Graduate Certificate 3

5 The Graduate Certificate in Journalism is designed to help students understand the fundamental processes of gathering, organizing, presenting and disseminating news and information in various text and visual forms for different news media platforms. Students learn about the newest innovative media technology and develop an understanding of the influence and effects of media in society. Admission To be considered for admission into the Graduate Certificate in Journalism, applicants must have completed a bachelor's degree. The Certificate can be earned by students who are enrolled in a graduate program at MSU or by students who take the credits through Life-Long Education. For information about applying, contact Nancy Ashley at ashleyn@msu.edu Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Journalism Students must complete all of the following courses (9 credits): JRN 800 Multiple Media Reporting I 3 JRN 815 Media, Society and Theory 3 JRN 821 Social Media News and Information 3 Program Overview The master s degree program of the School of Journalism is administered by the Graduate Affairs Committee, appointed from among the tenured-stream faculty by the director of the School. The Graduate Affairs Committee recommends graduate program policy and curriculum to the faculty. The director of the School of Journalism designates 4

6 the committee chair, who oversees the day-to-day operation of the program. The committee selects students for admission into the program (see below). The committee assigns each accepted student an initial adviser and consults students, as needed, as they work toward their degree. The committee informs students annually of the progress they have made toward their degree. The committee approves student proposals and committees for theses and professional projects (see below). Program Goals The master s degree program is designed to serve both those students who want scholarly training for an academic career and those students who want applied professional training for communications-related employment. The program, therefore, provides academic courses that stress research and skills courses that give practical training and experience. However, these two types of courses can be applicable to both approaches. Both scholars and professional journalists need an understanding of the best practices of journalism and the social and economic forces that shape the institution of journalism. Core Requirements A core of two courses in the School of Journalism is required for all students, with additional courses required for either the Plan A (research) and Plan B (professional) options. The required core courses are JRN 815 (Media and Society) and JRN 818 (Media Markets and Managers: Innovative to Traditional Models). The core courses are meant to help students develop a broad understanding of the process and effects of mass media in the nation and world. 5

7 Overall Degree Requirements The program requires that students earn 30 credits in 400-level and 800-level courses. Master s degree students may also satisfy the credit requirement with 900-level doctoral courses appropriate for their programs. Students take a specified mix of 800- and 400-level courses in the master s program. Eighteen of the 30 credits required for the master s degree must be at the 800 level in courses offered in the School of Journalism. The two required core courses count for six of these 18 credits, as do the 10 to 12 other credits required in designated courses under the thesis option and the 15 other credits required in designated courses under the professional project options. The requirements are outlined in Table 1. Table 1 Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Journalism A minimum of 30 credits is required for the master s degree in journalism under either Plan A or Plan B. Requirements for Plan A (with thesis) 1. All of the following courses (16 to 18 credits): COM 803 Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods 3 JRN 815 Media, Society and Theory 3 JRN 818 Media Markets and Managers: Innovative to Traditional Models 3 JRN 825 Journalism History and Qualitative Methods 3 JRN 899 Master s Thesis Research 4 to 6 2. Complete 12 to 14 additional credits of elective course work approved by a program plan committee, which may include a 9 credit concentration in: Environmental, Science, and Health Journalism; Scholastic Journalism; or International Journalism. Requirements for Plan B (without thesis) 6

8 1. All of the following courses (18 to 21 credits): JRN 800 Multiple Media Reporting I 3 JRN 801 Multiple Media Reporting II 3 JRN 815 Media, Society and Theory 3 JRN 816 Applied Research Methods in Journalism 3 JRN 818 Media Markets and Managers: Innovative to Traditional Models 3 JRN 821 Social Media News and Information 3 JRN 896 Journalism Professional Project 3 Journalism 800 may be waived for students with appropriate background. 2. Complete 9 to 12 additional credits of elective course work approved by a program plan committee, which may include a 9 credit concentration in: Environmental, Science, and Health Journalism; Scholastic Journalism; or International Journalism. Optional Concentrations The following concentrations will fulfill elective requirements in either Plan A or Plan B. Environmental, Science and Health Journalism All of the following courses (9 credits): JRN 872 Environment, Science and Health Reporting Topics 3 JRN 873 Environment, Science and Health Journalism Seminars 3 Any advisor approved environmental, science, health or risk course. Journalism Education All of the following courses (9 credits): JRN 808 Journalism Education Visual Topics 3 JRN 809 Journalism Education Advising Topics 3 Any advisor approved education course. International Journalism Select 9 credits from the following: JRN 475 International News and Government Regional Dynamics 3 JRN 875 Global Affairs Reporting 3 JRN 887 Journalism Study Abroad Topics 6 Any advisor approved international course. Courses taken at the 400 level also count for the program, as do courses at 400 and 800 levels in other departments. Students may petition the Graduate Affairs Committee for waiver of specific required courses or for alteration of the distribution 7

9 requirement. Such a petition must show that the requested changes serve the student s program. Options for Completing Program Beyond specific course requirements, students choose the courses and degreecompletion option that best fit their career goals. All students are assigned an adviser who may assist in this process. Master s degree students who seek teaching and/or research careers following their programs, or whose eventual goal is to earn a doctorate in preparation for university employment, ordinarily take a greater number of 800-level courses both within and outside the department that help them develop a specialization. These students ordinarily are advised to conclude their program with a Plan A master s degree thesis demonstrating the capability to conduct research that contributes to our knowledge of the media-society relationship. A thesis helps to prepare students for actual scholarly research and provides them with a credential that will distinguish them when applying for doctoral programs. Master s degree students who seek professional careers following their programs or who seek to enhance the professional skills they already possess ordinarily take a greater number of skills courses that develop their capabilities and experiences in a range of media. These students may be advised to conclude their program with a Plan B professional project that demonstrates advanced journalism skills. Students in both Plan A and Plan B options are urged to demonstrate professional commitment and achievement through internships and publication during their program. Thesis/Project Options 8

10 Students who conclude the program with Plan A thesis or Plan B professional project options must follow department procedures (see Appendices 1 and 2) for obtaining approval and successfully completing their work. Students taking the thesis option (Plan A) must allocate four to six credits to the thesis, depending on the number needed to reach 30, and students selecting the professional project options (Plan B) must allocate three credits to the professional project. Students must be registered at the time of their thesis or professional project completion. These credits are in designated 800- level thesis or professional project courses. Thesis/Project Advisor Selection Faculty must supervise the work of students who select the Plan A thesis or Plan B professional project options. Faculty members who are in the tenure stream may serve as chairs of student thesis and project committees. Students who choose to complete their program with a thesis or professional project are advised solicit a faculty chair for the thesis or project committee as soon as possible. Once a faculty member agrees to serve as chair, the student must ask two other faculty members to join the committee in consultation with the committee chair. The chair of the student s committee will work with the student on the formation of an acceptable thesis (see Appendix 1) or project (see Appendix 2) proposal. In the event that a thesis or project committee chair cannot serve to the completion of the work, the student may ask one of the other committee members to act as chair. The student may also ask the director of the School of Journalism to participate in finding a new chair for the committee. 9

11 The student s thesis or project committee meets as a whole to review the proposal, suggest any amendment and give final committee approval. The proposal is then submitted to the Graduate Affairs Committee for final approval. The student may then begin the substantive work under the guidance of the thesis or project committee. When the work has been completed, it will be reviewed by the thesis or project committee to determine if it is acceptable. Formation of Thesis/Project Committee Thesis and project committees must consist of at least three faculty members but may include more. All full-time faculty members in the School of Journalism may serve as members of student thesis and professional project committees. One faculty member from outside the School of Journalism may also serve on a student s thesis or professional project committee. The committee membership must be reviewed and approved by the Graduate Affairs Committee. The thesis or project committee must meet at least twice with the student and committee chair. One meeting will be to consider approval for the student s proposal for a thesis or project. The second meeting will be to review and consider approval for the completed work. Committees may meet more frequently as necessary or desirable to review a student s progress toward thesis or project completion. In the event that a thesis or project committee member cannot serve to the completion of the work, the student should consult with the committee chair in finding a replacement member. Thesis/Project Standards 10

12 A master s thesis and a professional project each must demonstrate excellence that both draws on the courses making up the program and displays the student s original work. Obviously, each thesis or project will be unique, and the standards for evaluation of its merit will be specific to the goals set out in the approved proposal and the degree to which those goals have been met. In general, a thesis and project will also differ importantly in both focus of that goal and the audience for which they are relevant. A thesis is ordinarily a more traditional, scholarly work that draws on previous research to define a problem that the thesis can address with new knowledge or insights. Most theses will focus on some aspect of the media-society relationship, attempting to describe that relationship and define influences on it. Consequently, a thesis is aimed at a scholarly audience attentive to research in the field for which the thesis is relevant. Therefore, the standards of evaluation applied to the thesis are those used to assess a work for a peer-reviewed, scholarly convention or publication. A professional project similarly defines a problem, but one relating to social issues or developments that can be explored journalistically through the use of more advanced methods of news-gathering and dissemination. These methods may include survey research, the use of online databases and document searches, with the goal of interpretation and investigation. Dissemination may be through print, visual, online or other means that demonstrate a student s mastery of the chosen medium. Consequently, professional projects are aimed at a wide public audience. Therefore, the standards of evaluation applied to the professional project are those used in a medium to assess whether commitment should be made to disseminate a work because it could importantly influence a potentially wide audience. 11

13 Thesis/Project Defense The graduate student will present the results of the thesis or project at a meeting open to the community. Copies of the thesis or project must be submitted to committee members at least two weeks prior to the meeting. A public announcement of the thesis or project meeting must similarly be made at least two weeks prior to the meeting. While members of the public may attend the meeting, they may not participate in the discussion or remain for the committee s decision about the work. In addition, the dean of the college or the director of the School may designate an observer to attend the thesis or project presentation. The observer will review the work, may participate in the discussion, and will report back to the dean or director. The observer, however, will have no part in the committee decision on the thesis or project. The committee will meet privately following the presentation to decide to accept the work, to accept the work conditionally, or to reject the work. Work that is considered to be acceptable has met the stated goals set out in the thesis or project proposal. Work that is considered to be acceptable conditionally has failed to meet all the proposal goals, but adheres enough to proposal specifications so that the student can revise it successfully by following committee guidance. Unacceptable work has failed completely to adhere to stated proposal goals, and cannot be successfully revised absent major undertakings by the student to bring the work into line with the approved proposal. The decision will be made by majority vote, with each committee member s decision recorded. In the event that a majority cannot be obtained for one of the three options, the committee will meet again no later than two weeks later to continue its deliberations. 12

14 Should the committee pass the student s thesis or project, the committee will designate the committee chair to oversee any minor or stylistic revisions before the work is finalized. If the committee gives the student s work a conditional pass, the entire committee must review the revisions before a final decision is made on approval. If the committee rejects the work, the committee chair will provide reasons in writing within one week, along with options the student has to complete the program and/or challenge the decision. Once the committee approves the thesis, students must submit the finished thesis to the Graduate School electronically. The website for submission is Program Timetable The required core courses are offered annually. JRN 815, JRN 818 and JRN 800 are offered each fall, and JRN 801, JRN 816, JRN 821, and JRN 825 are offered each spring. COM 803 is offered every fall, spring and summer. All specific course requirements, therefore, should be completed in the student s first two semesters. Students can normally complete the program in three to four semesters. This will depend, however, on the number of courses taken each semester, and on the option selected to complete the program. Program duration also will depend on whether students take courses during summers. For example, a regular student who takes three, 3-credit courses each semester in the academic year would complete the last three credits in the fourth semester. That student who takes four, 3-credit courses each semester in the academic year would complete the last six credits in the third semester. Policies on Academic Performance 13

15 Students in the master s degree program in the School of Journalism are expected to maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average in all courses. Consistent with college policies, a student who obtains a grade of less than 3.0 in more than two courses will be dismissed. Students are also expected to complete their degree programs in the five-year limit set by The Graduate School. A student who exceeds that time limit must apply for a program extension with the Graduate Affairs Committee of the School of Journalism. Examples of valid reasons for extending the program beyond five years include family or medical emergencies and extraordinary work or study opportunities that relate to the graduate program. The Graduate Affairs Committee provides its recommendation on program extension to the associate dean for graduate education in the college, who makes the final decision. Annual Evaluation The Graduate Affairs Committee provides written evaluations annually to every student in the program. Official university transcripts and other information provided by the college and university are used as the basis for the evaluation. The evaluation addresses the number of credits completed toward the degree, the satisfaction of core and provisional course requirements, and the documentation needed for thesis or project options. In addition, the evaluation cautions the student in the event of substandard course performance or failure to make timely progress in the program. The evaluation also notes (and praises) outstanding performance and progress in the program, and calls to the student s attention options available to complete the degree. File Access and Privacy 14

16 Students may be granted access to their files. The student may bring to the attention of the committee any errors in the file or information not in the file at the time the evaluation was made. Letters documenting the error may be addressed to the Graduate Affairs Committee and will henceforth be placed in the student s file. Recommendation letters that have explicitly mandated confidentiality will be removed from the file before it is examined by the student. In addition, any correspondence in the file concerning the student must be explicitly released to the student by the author(s) of those correspondences. Standards for Integrity All university and college standards for ethical conduct are implemented by the School of Journalism. University standards are detailed in Article 2 of the Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities document In addition, the School of Journalism has adopted an Ethics Code governing the conduct of our students (See Appendix 3). These policies encompass cheating and plagiarism, as well as the expectation and demand that graduate students conduct themselves with respect and consideration for faculty and students in the program. Cheating, plagiarism and conduct that is dangerous to the health and safety of others are all criteria for dismissal from the program. In addition, students must conform to all college and university policies relevant to privacy, confidentially and concern for harm in any work in the program involving animals, adult human subjects or children. Failure to follow these policies will result in 15

17 immediate suspension of the work, the rectification of any harm done, and the review and appropriate revision of the student s program. Such errors made in ignorance or good faith are not considered criteria for the student s removal from the program. However, willful neglect or violation of such policies or repeated violations of such policies are considered criteria for removal from the program. Students should familiarize themselves with the Graduate School s guidelines for Research and Scholarly Integrity at In addition, MSU has provided access to "Ithenticate, the anti-plagiarism software that is available on Desire 2 Learn ( as part of the "Turn-It-In" package. Ithenticate is set up so that faculty, postdocs, and graduate students can check their manuscripts for unintentional plagiarism before submitting them. Read more at: Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution All university and college policies on resolving conflicts with students are followed by the School of Journalism. The university policy is detailed in Article 5, Adjudication of Cases Involving Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities, in the document Graduate Student Rights and Responsibilities at Michigan State University, and can be found at The School of Journalism policy on graduate student grievance procedures was passed in The procedures can be found in Appendix 4. 16

18 In general, the School seeks to resolve disputes as quickly and directly as possible. However, formal mechanisms can be created if a graduate student believes the informal resolution is impossible or undesirable. Informal ways to correct grievances consist of conversations with faculty and/or staff over the nature and source of the grievance. In addition, the graduate student may talk with the director of the School of Journalism, with the chair of the graduate affairs committee and the committee as a whole (if desirable). The student may also talk with the university ombudsman in an attempt to resolve grievances. None of these options exclude any of the others. If the student wishes a more formal hearing on grievances within the School of Journalism, the following procedures should be followed: 1. A written request is made to the director of the School specifying the grievance by the middle of the semester following the semester during which the alleged violation occurred. 2. Within 10 days of receiving a written request for a grievance hearing, the director will form a hearing board of tenure faculty and students and appoint a chair. 3. During the hearing, the committee will hear from all the parties involved and the hearing will be taped. 4. A majority of the committee will determine the outcome, which will be that a violation of the complainant s academic rights occurred or that no violation occurred. In either case, the chair shall write a report that shall be sent to the 17

19 parties involved, director, the dean of the College, the Ombudsman and the dean of the Graduate School. 5. Either party to the grievance may appeal the decision of the J-School board to the College of Communication Arts and Sciences Hearing Board in writing within 10 class days following notification of the J-School boards decision. 6. CAS College grievance procedures can be obtained from the college associate dean for graduate studies. The full J-School grievance procedure can be found in Appendix 4 of the Handbook. Work Related Policies Graduate students employed in teaching, research or other capacities in the School of Journalism are expected to perform their duties in accord with acceptable standards. This includes meeting all classes or attending all work hours required, handling the work professionally and competently, and providing adequate notice in the event that illness or emergency makes performance of duties impossible. Teaching assistants are referred to the Graduate Employees Union website and the current GEU contract and to GSRR Article 4 for work-related policies and details of their health care plan. Appointments Any half-time and quarter-time assistantships appointment offers are normally made at the time that admission to the program is offered. Research and teaching 18

20 assistantships are awarded based on merit and departmental research and teaching needs. They are renewable on a semester-by-semester basis depending upon performance, departmental needs, and the availability of funds. The J-School director will obtain a written evaluation of the student's assistantship each semester. When a student has the principal responsibility for teaching a course or section of a course, the director shall appoint one faculty member to supervise the teaching assistant each semester of the appointment. The faculty supervisor should visit the classroom at least once during the first semester the student teaches the course. Following the visit, a report should be compiled by the faculty visitor for discussion with the assistant. Whenever a student teaches a course, student evaluation forms are presented to the department chairperson at the end of the term. When a student assists a faculty member in teaching a course, separate written term-end reports by the faculty member should be prepared and discussed by the two. If an assistantship involves research responsibilities, the student is evaluated by the supervising faculty member. Unacceptable performance can result in loss of a student s assistantship. Students and departments should consult university guidelines for further information. The University requires that departments notify their graduate assistants that their appointments either are or are not being renewed for the following semester. The student s faculty supervisor provides a written evaluation each semester. Assistantships may be terminated at any time and pay reduced for gross negligence, such as failure to perform assigned duties or, for teaching assistants, any serious dereliction of the Code of 19

21 Teaching Responsibility. Faculty supervisors may require students to keep time cards and/or maintain regular office hours, at their option. Graduate students may be appointed to assistantships on a quarter-time, half-time, or three-quarter-time basis. Graduate assistants must be registered each semester in which they hold an assistantship. Graduate assistantships are available only to students who are actively pursuing graduate degree programs and who are making satisfactory progress toward their degrees. The determination of what constitutes satisfactory progress is made by the Graduate Affairs Committee or by a student's guidance committee as appropriate. Failure to maintain minimum academic standing requires no committee action to determine if work is unsatisfactory. Work Rules Minimum Work Hours: Normally during a semester, the weekly hours of graduate assistant duties will average: quarter-time--10 hours/week; half-time--20 hours/week; three-quarter-time--30 hours/week Minimum Credit Registration: for quarter-time, 6 credits; for half-time, 6 credits; for three-quarter-time, 3 credits Maximum Credit Registration: for quarter-time, 16 credits; for half-time, 12 credits; for three-quarter-time, 8 credits Registration Standards: No deviation from minimum registration is allowed except in summer sessions, when students must register for a minimum of three credits. Graduate assistants must be enrolled in graduate level courses unless the Graduate Affairs Committee has granted written permission otherwise. Visitor credits do not count toward the minimum. Any deviation from the maximum credit load rule must have the approval 20

22 of the graduate affairs committee, the director of the school and dean of the college prior to registration for the semester in which additional hours are to be taken. Term of Appointment and Leave Teaching and research assistants are expected to report for duty one week prior to the beginning of classes and to remain on duty until the day after final grades are submitted each semester. Sick leave requires documentation from a licensed physician and assistants are responsible for arranging, in advance, with their faculty supervisors for the completion of their duties while on sick leave. Permission for late arrival or early departure of for temporary leave must be obtained in writing, in advance, from the student s faculty supervisor who will forward the request to the director for approval. University Resources The college and the School of Journalism have resources that can enrich the graduate student experience, and contribute to making that experience successful and enjoyable. A number of resources also are available for graduate students who are in need of counseling, skills training, and assistance with such issues as housing. Students are advised of the existence of a number of school and college resources that may support their programs here. In the School of Journalism, these include the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association for those interested in secondary education careers, and the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism for those interested in environmental reporting and research. In the college, the Comm Tech Lab (CTL) at MSU is a unique association of researchers studying new telecommunication and computer technologies. The Information Technologies & Services Laboratory is an instructional and research facility 21

23 that supports the programs in the telephony area. The Quello Center conducts research and conferences on telecommunication matters. The Mind Lab conducts research on human computer interaction. 22

24 Appendix 1 School of Journalism Michigan State University Instructions Plan A -- Thesis Option To fulfill the thesis requirements under Plan A, you must: 1. Meet with your academic adviser not later than the second semester of study to review possible thesis topics and thesis committee members. 2. File Form A-1 with graduate secretary after receiving approval from three faculty members to serve on thesis committee. Designate committee chair. 3. File Forms A-2 and A-3 with the graduate secretary upon receiving written approval of the thesis proposal from the thesis committee and final approval of the thesis for the thesis committee. Students may enroll in JRN 899 Thesis credits only after the Graduate Affairs Committee has approved the proposal. A. Write a thesis proposal that includes: 1) a title page and a statement explaining the proposed study, its significance to the literature of journalism and/or mass media, the availability of primary and secondary research material and sources, and the proposed methods of the study. 2) an outline of the proposed study. 3) a brief explanation of your educational and/or professional background, showing how this background establishes competency for undertaking the proposed research. 4) a preliminary bibliography of research materials and sources dealing with the specific subject matter. Note: The proposal should conform to the style outlined by the Graduate School Allow two weeks for the committee to review the proposal. 23

25 B. Upon approval of thesis proposal (see Form A-2): 1) Conduct thesis research and write thesis under the supervision of your thesis director and Committee. 2) Submit copies of a draft of the thesis and an abstract to the committee members at least two weeks before the oral examination for comments and direction. The draft shall conform to the style outlined by the Graduate School 3) Select a date, time and place for an oral examination acceptable to thesis committee members. Call the graduate secretary to schedule a room for the oral defense. Note: the oral examination deadline is prior to the seventh week of the semester in which you expect to graduate. Public notice shall be given of the defense. 4) Undergo an oral defense of your thesis. The thesis committee may approve or reject the thesis, or approve the thesis on condition that revision be made under the direction of the thesis director. (See Form A- 3) 5) Meet the due dates and deadlines for the semester in which the degree is to be conferred. (See Schedule of Courses for the appropriate semester.) 6) Register during the semester in which thesis is defended. (You must minimally register for JRN 899.) 7) File an Application for Graduation Form with The Registrar s Office no later than the fourth week of classes the semester before expected graduation date. NOTE: The School of Journalism subscribes to the university, college and school guidelines on academic honesty as explained in this Handbook. Violation of these guidelines could result in dismissal from the program. Revised 8/

26 Appendix 1 Form A-1 School of Journalism Michigan State University Designation of Thesis Committee Student: Date: Examining Committee Requested by Student* Proposed Chair: Approved Signature Proposed 2nd Reader: Approved Signature Proposed 3rd Reader: Approved Signature Graduate Affairs Committee Approval Chair Member Member Member * Please attach abstract of research proposal copies: student file 25

27 Appendix 1 Form A-2 School of Journalism Michigan State University Approval of Thesis Proposal Name: Date: Working Title of Thesis: Thesis Director: Approved 2nd reader Approved 3rd reader Approved Signature Signature Signature Proposed Starting Date: Proposed Completion Date: copies: student file Revised 8/

28 Appendix 1 Form A-3 School of Journalism Michigan State University Thesis Defense Report Student s name: Thesis title: Guidance Committee Signatures: Thesis Director 2nd Reader 3rd Reader Pass Provisional Pass Fail Date of thesis defense If provisional pass, indicate conditions: Pass Provisional Pass Fail Date of second defense copies: thesis director student file Signature of Thesis Director Revised 8/

29 Appendix 2 School of Journalism Michigan State University Instructions Plan B--Project Option To fulfill the project requirements under Plan B, you must: 1. Schedule an appointment with your academic adviser no later than the second semester, to review possible project topics and committee members. 2. File Form B-1 with graduate secretary after receiving acceptance from three faculty members to serve on your project committee. Designate a committee chair. 3. File Forms B-2 and B-3 with the graduate secretary upon receiving signed approval of the project proposal by your committee and final approval of the project from the Project Committee. Students may enroll in JRN 896 project credits, only after the committee has approved the proposal. A. Write a project proposal that includes: 1) a title page and a statement explaining the proposed project, its significance to a definable public, the method that will be used and the media through which the work would be disseminated. 2) an outline of the proposed project. 3) a brief explanation of your educational and/or professional background, showing how this background establishes competency for undertaking the proposed project. 4) a preliminary bibliography of research materials and sources dealing with the specific subject matter. Note: The proposal should conform to the style outlined by the Graduate School Allow two weeks for the committee to review the proposal. B. Upon approval of project proposal. 1) Conduct project research and write project under the supervision of your project director and committee. 28

30 2) Submit copies of a draft of the project and an abstract to the committee members at least two weeks before the oral examination for comments and direction. The draft shall conform to the style outlined by the Graduate School 3) Select a date and time acceptable to the project committee members, for an oral examination. Call the graduate secretary to schedule a room for the oral defense. Note: the oral examination deadline is prior to the last class week of the semester in which you expect to graduate. Public notice shall also be given of the defense. 4) Undergo an oral defense of your project. The project committee may approve or reject the project, or approve the project on condition that revision be made under the direction of the project director. (See Form B-3) 5) Meet the due dates and deadlines for the semester in which the degree is to be conferred. (See Schedule of Courses for the appropriate semester.) 6) Register during the semester in which project is defended. (You must minimally register for one credit of JRN 896.) 7) File an Application for Graduation Form with The Registrar s Office no later than the fourth week of classes the semester before expected graduation date. NOTE: The School of Journalism subscribes to the university, college and school guidelines on academic honesty as explained in this Handbook. Violation of these guidelines could result in dismissal from the program. Revised 8/

31 Appendix 2 Form B-1 School of Journalism Michigan State University Designation of Project Committee Student: Date: Examining Committee Requested by Student* Proposed Chair: Approved Signature Proposed 2nd Reader: Approved Signature Proposed 3rd Reader: Approved Signature Graduate Affairs Committee Approval Chair Member Member Member * Please attach abstract of project proposal for Graduate Committee s review. copies: student file Revised 8/

32 Appendix 2 Form B-2 School of Journalism Michigan State University Approval of Project Proposal Name: Date: Working Title of Project: Project Director: Approved 2nd reader Approved 3rd reader Approved Signature Signature Signature Proposed Starting Date: Proposed Completion Date: copies: student file Revised 8/

33 Appendix 2 Form B-3 School of Journalism Michigan State University Project Defense Report Student s name: Project title: Guidance Committee Signatures: Project Director 2nd Reader 3rd Reader Pass Provisional Pass Fail Date of project defense If provisional pass, indicate conditions: Pass Provisional Pass Fail Date of second defense Signature of Project Director copies: project director student file Revised 8/

34 Appendix 3 GUIDELINES FOR INTEGRITY IN RESEARCH AND CREATIVE ACTIVITIES The conduct of research and creative activities by faculty, staff, and students is central to the mission of Michigan State University (see Note 1, below) and is an institutional priority. Faculty, staff, and students work in a rich and competitive environment for the common purpose of learning, creating new knowledge, and disseminating information and ideas for the benefit of their peers and the general public. The stature and reputation of MSU as a research university are based on the commitment of its faculty, staff, and students to excellence in scholarly and creative activities and to the highest standards of professional integrity. As a partner in scholarly endeavors, MSU is committed to creating an environment that promotes ethical conduct and integrity in research and creative activities. Innovative ideas and advances in research and creative activities have the potential to generate professional and public recognition and, in some instances, commercial interest, and financial gain. In rare cases, such benefits may become motivating factors to violate professional ethics. Pressures to publish, to obtain research grants, or to complete academic requirements may also lead to an erosion of professional integrity. Breaches in professional ethics range from questionable research practices to misconduct. (see Note 2) The primary responsibility for adhering to professional standards lies with the individual scholar. It is, however, also the responsibility of advisors and of the disciplinary community at large. Passive acceptance of improper practices lowers inhibitions to violate professional ethics. Integrity in research and creative activities is based not only on sound disciplinary practice but also on a commitment to basic personal values such as fairness, equity, honesty, and respect. These guidelines are intended to promote high professional standards by everyone- faculty, staff, and students alike. KEY PRINCIPLES Integrity in research and creative activities embodies a range of practices that includes: Honesty in proposing, performing, and reporting research Recognition of prior work Confidentiality in peer review Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest Compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements Protection of human subjects and humane care of animals in the conduct of research Collegiality in scholarly interactions and sharing of resources Adherence to fair and open relationships between senior scholars and their coworkers 33

35 Honesty in proposing, performing, and reporting research. The foundation underlying all research is uncompromising honesty in presenting one s own ideas in research proposals, in performing one s research, and in reporting one s data. Detailed and accurate records of primary data must be kept as unalterable documentation of one s research and must be available for scrutiny and critique. It is expected that researchers will always be truthful and explicit in disclosing what was done, how it was done, and what results were obtained. To this end, research aims, methods, and outcomes must be described in sufficient detail such that others can judge the quality of what is reported and can reproduce the data. Results from valid observations and tests that run counter to expectations must be reported along with supportive data. Recognition of prior work. Research proposals, original research, and creative endeavors often build on one s own work and also on the work of others. Both published and unpublished work must always be properly credited. Reporting the work of others as if it were one s own is plagiarism. Graduate advisors and members of guidance committees have a unique role in guiding the independent research and creative activities of students. Information learned through private discussions or committee meetings should be respected as proprietary and accorded the same protection granted to information obtained in any peer-review process. Confidentiality in peer review. Critical and impartial review by respected disciplinary peers is the foundation for important decisions in the evaluation of internal and external funding requests, allocation of resources, publication of research results, granting of awards, and in other scholarly decisions. The peer-review process involves the sharing of information for scholarly assessment on behalf of the larger disciplinary community. The integrity of this process depends on confidentiality until the information is released to the public. Therefore, the contents of research proposals, of manuscripts submitted for publication, and of other scholarly documents under review should be considered privileged information not to be shared with others, including students and staff, without explicit permission by the authority requesting the review. Ideas and results learned through the peer-review process should not be made use of prior to their presentation in a public forum or their release through publication. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. There is real or perceived conflict of interest when a researcher has material or personal interest that could compromise the integrity of the scholarship. It is, therefore, imperative that potential conflicts of interest be considered and acted upon appropriately by the researcher. Some federal sponsors require the University to implement formal conflict of interest policies. It is the responsibility of all researchers to be aware of and comply with such requirements. Compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements. Investigators are granted broad freedoms in making decisions concerning their research. These decisions are, however, still guided, and in some cases limited, by the laws, regulations, and procedures that have been established by the University and sponsors of research to protect the integrity of the research process and the uses of the information developed for the common good. Although the legal agreement underlying the funding of a sponsored 34

36 project is a matter between the sponsor and the University, the primary responsibility for management of a sponsored project rests with the principal investigator and his or her academic unit. Protection of human subjects and humane care of animals in the conduct of research. Research techniques should not violate established professional ethics or federal and state requirements pertaining to the health, safety, privacy, and protection of human beings, or to the welfare of animal subjects. Whereas it is the responsibility of faculty to assist students and staff in complying with such requirements, it is the responsibility of all researchers to be aware of and to comply with such requirements. Collegiality in scholarly interactions and sharing of resources. Collegiality in scholarly interactions, including open communications and sharing of resources, facilitates progress in research and creative activities for the good of the community. At the same time, it has to be understood that scholars who first report important findings are both recognized for their discovery and afforded intellectual property rights that permit discretion in the use and sharing of their discoveries and inventions. Balancing openness and protecting the intellectual property rights of individuals and the institution will always be a challenge for the community. Once the results of research or creative activities have been published or otherwise communicated to the public, scholars are expected to share materials and information on methodologies with their colleagues according to the tradition of their discipline. Faculty advisors have a particular responsibility to respect and protect the intellectual property rights of their advisees. A clear understanding must be reached during the course of the project on who will be entitled to continue what part of the overall research program after the advisee leaves for an independent position. Faculty advisors should also strive to protect junior scholars from abuses by others who have gained knowledge of the junior scholar s results during the mentoring process, for example, as members of guidance committees. Adherence to fair and open relationships between senior scholars and their coworkers. The relationship between senior scholars and their coworkers should be based on mutual respect, trust, honesty, fairness in the assignment of effort and credit, open communications, and accountability. The principles that will be used to establish authorship and ordering of authors on presentations of results must be communicated early and clearly to all coworkers. These principles should be determined objectively according to the standards of the discipline, with the understanding that such standards may not be the same as those used to assign credit for contributions to intellectual property. It is the responsibility of the faculty to protect the freedom to publish results of research and creative activities. The University has affirmed the right of its scholars for first publication except for exigencies of national defense. (see Note 3) It is also the responsibility of the faculty to recognize and balance their dual roles as investigators and advisors in interacting with graduate students of their group, especially when a student s efforts do not contribute directly to the completion of his or her degree requirements. 35