{"id":828,"date":"2026-08-17T17:35:32","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T17:35:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jsums.org\/graduateschool\/?page_id=828"},"modified":"2026-08-17T17:36:15","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T17:36:15","slug":"defense-and-approval-of-the-masters-thesis-or-project","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/jsums.org\/graduateschool\/defense-and-approval-of-the-masters-thesis-or-project\/","title":{"rendered":"Defense and Approval of the Masters Thesis or Project"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"828\" class=\"elementor elementor-828\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d459a9 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"9d459a9\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-af3d7c0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"af3d7c0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" 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\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\n   ELEMENTOR CONTAINMENT RESETS\n   Prevents Elementor wrapper styles from bleeding into our\n   custom HTML content blocks.\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\n\n\/* Zero out all padding\/margin\/gap\/background on every Elementor wrapper *\/\n.elementor-widget-container,\n.elementor-widget-wrap,\n.elementor-widget-wrap > .elementor-element,\n.elementor-section .elementor-container,\n.elementor-section .elementor-row,\n.e-con,\n.e-con-inner,\n.e-child,\n.e-con > .e-con-inner {\n    padding: 0 !important;\n    margin: 0 !important;\n    gap: 0 !important;\n    background: transparent !important;\n    background-color: transparent !important;\n    background-image: none !important;\n    border: none !important;\n    box-shadow: none !important;\n    max-width: none !important;\n    width: 100% !important;\n}\n\n\/* Section-level Elementor wrappers *\/\n.elementor-section,\n.elementor-top-section,\n.elementor-inner-section {\n    padding: 0 !important;\n    margin: 0 !important;\n    background: transparent !important;\n    background-color: transparent !important;\n    background-image: none !important;\n}\n\n\/* Strip Elementor heading color overrides *\/\n.elementor-widget-container h1,\n.elementor-widget-container h2,\n.elementor-widget-container h3,\n.elementor-widget-container h4,\n.elementor-widget-container h5,\n.elementor-widget-container p,\n.elementor-widget-container a {\n    color: inherit !important;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Dark section hardening \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\n   .hero and .cta-band.dk MUST stay dark regardless of\n   Elementor theme color injection.\n\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.hero,\n.hero * {\n    color: #FFFFFF !important;\n}\n.hero__inner {\n    justify-items: center !important;\n    text-align: center !important;\n}\n.hero__inner > div {\n    display: flex !important;\n    flex-direction: column !important;\n    align-items: center !important;\n    text-align: center !important;\n    max-width: 780px !important;\n    margin: 0 auto !important;\n}\n.hero__btns {\n    justify-content: center !important;\n}\n.hero__desc {\n    max-width: 640px !important;\n    margin-left: auto !important;\n    margin-right: auto !important;\n}\n.hero__tag {\n    display: inline-block !important;\n}\n.hero {\n    background-color: #00152E !important;\n    background-image: linear-gradient(135deg, #00152E 0%, #002147 60%, #003366 100%) !important;\n    position: relative !important;\n}\n.cta-band.dk {\n    background-color: #002147 !important;\n    background-image: linear-gradient(135deg, #00152E 0%, #002147 100%) !important;\n    color: #FFFFFF !important;\n}\n.cta-band.dk * {\n    color: #FFFFFF !important;\n}\n.cta-band.dk .btn--primary {\n    background-color: #00659E !important;\n    color: #FFFFFF !important;\n}\n.cta-band.dk .btn--outline-white {\n    border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.6) !important;\n    color: #FFFFFF !important;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Section background hardening \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.sec {\n    background-color: #FFFFFF !important;\n    color: #1C2430 !important;\n}\n.sec--off {\n    background-color: #F3F7FB !important;\n    color: #1C2430 !important;\n}\n.sec--surface {\n    background-color: #E6EEF6 !important;\n    color: #1C2430 !important;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Text color hardening \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.sec .sec-title,\n.sec .sec-eyebrow,\n.sec h2,\n.sec h3 {\n    color: #002147;\n}\n.sec p,\n.sec li,\n.sec dd,\n.sec dt {\n    color: #4A5060;\n}\n.sec a {\n    color: #00629A;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 About section hardening \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.about-facts {\n    background: #E6EEF6 !important;\n    border-radius: 8px !important;\n    padding: clamp(1.5rem, 3vw, 2.5rem) !important;\n}\n.about-facts__title {\n    color: #00629A !important;\n    font-weight: 700 !important;\n}\n.about-facts dl dt {\n    color: #636B78 !important;\n    text-transform: uppercase !important;\n    font-size: .72rem !important;\n    letter-spacing: .08em !important;\n    font-weight: 700 !important;\n}\n.about-facts dl dd {\n    color: #1C2430 !important;\n    font-size: .97rem !important;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Card hardening \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.card {\n    background: #FFFFFF !important;\n    border: 1px solid #C2D4E6 !important;\n    border-radius: 8px !important;\n}\n.card__eyebrow { color: #00629A !important; }\n.card__title   { color: #002147 !important; }\n.card__text    { color: #4A5060 !important; }\n.card__link    { color: #00629A !important; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Faculty card hardening \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.faculty-card {\n    background: #FFFFFF !important;\n    border: 1px solid #C2D4E6 !important;\n    border-radius: 8px !important;\n}\n.faculty-card__name  { color: #002147 !important; }\n.faculty-card__title { color: #636B78 !important; }\n.faculty-card__contact, \n.faculty-card__contact a { color: #00629A !important; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Resource list hardening \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.resource-item {\n    background: #FFFFFF !important;\n    border: 1px solid #C2D4E6 !important;\n    border-bottom-color: #C2D4E6 !important;\n}\n.resource-item__name { color: #002147 !important; }\n.resource-item__desc { color: #4A5060 !important; }\n.resource-item__link { color: #00629A !important; border-color: #00629A !important; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Program card hardening \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.program-card {\n    background: #FFFFFF !important;\n    border: 1px solid #C2D4E6 !important;\n    border-radius: 8px !important;\n    color: #1C2430 !important;\n}\n.program-card__name  { color: #002147 !important; }\n.program-card__level { color: #636B78 !important; }\n.program-card__dot   { background: #008ED6 !important; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Tab hardening \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.tabs__btn {\n    background: transparent !important;\n    color: #002147 !important;\n    border-color: #C2D4E6 !important;\n}\n.tabs__btn[aria-selected=\"true\"] {\n    background: #002147 !important;\n    color: #FFFFFF !important;\n    border-color: #002147 !important;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Accordion hardening \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.accordion__trigger {\n    background: #FFFFFF !important;\n    color: #002147 !important;\n    border-color: #C2D4E6 !important;\n}\n.accordion__trigger[aria-expanded=\"true\"] {\n    background: #002147 !important;\n    color: #FFFFFF !important;\n}\n.accordion__body { \n    background: #FFFFFF !important; \n    color: #4A5060 !important;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Nav drawer hardening \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.fnav-drawer {\n    background: #002147 !important;\n    color: #FFFFFF !important;\n}\n.fnav-drawer__header {\n    background: #00152E !important;\n    border-bottom-color: rgba(0,142,214,0.3) !important;\n}\n.fnav-drawer__title { color: #FFFFFF !important; }\n.fnav-drawer__eyebrow { color: #3DB4F0 !important; }\n.fnav-item { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.85) !important; }\n.fnav-item.is-active,\n.fnav-item:hover { color: #FFFFFF !important; background: rgba(0,142,214,0.2) !important; }\n.fnav-group__label { color: #3DB4F0 !important; }\n.fnav-drawer__footer { color: #FFFFFF !important; }\n.fnav-footer-link { color: #FFFFFF !important; text-decoration: none; }\n.fnav-footer-link:hover { color: #3DB4F0 !important; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Hero text hardening \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.hero__tag     { color: #3DB4F0 !important; }\n.hero__title   { color: #FFFFFF !important; }\n.hero__desc    { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.85) !important; }\n.hero__btns .btn--primary       { background-color: #00659E !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; }\n.hero__btns .btn--outline-white { border-color: rgba(255,255,255,0.6) !important; color: #FFFFFF !important; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Breadcrumb hardening \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.breadcrumb { background: #002147 !important; }\n.breadcrumb a, .breadcrumb span { color: rgba(255,255,255,0.75) !important; }\n.breadcrumb [aria-current=\"page\"] { color: #FFFFFF !important; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Contact section hardening \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.contact-items { color: #1C2430 !important; }\n.contact-item__label { color: #636B78 !important; }\n.contact-item__val   { color: #1C2430 !important; }\n.contact-item__val a { color: #00629A !important; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Skip link \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.skip-link:focus {\n    background: #008ED6 !important;\n    color: #FFFFFF !important;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 BTT button \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.jsu-btt {\n    background: #00659E !important;\n    color: #FFFFFF !important;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Menu toggle \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.fnav-toggle {\n    background: #002147 !important;\n    color: #FFFFFF !important;\n}\n.fnav-toggle:hover { background: #007ABB !important; }\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 WCAG: Ensure minimum contrast on all body text \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\nbody { \n    background-color: #FFFFFF !important; \n    color: #1C2430 !important;\n}\n\n\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 TICKER STRIP \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\n.ticker-wrap{\n    background:#00152E;\n    border-top:1px solid rgba(0,142,214,.25);\n    border-bottom:1px solid rgba(0,142,214,.25);\n    overflow:hidden;\n    padding:.55rem 0;\n    position:relative;\n}\n.ticker-wrap::before,\n.ticker-wrap::after{\n    content:'';\n    position:absolute;\n    top:0;bottom:0;\n    width:80px;\n    z-index:2;\n    pointer-events:none;\n}\n.ticker-wrap::before{\n    left:0;\n    background:linear-gradient(to right,#00152E,transparent);\n}\n.ticker-wrap::after{\n    right:0;\n    background:linear-gradient(to left,#00152E,transparent);\n}\n.ticker-label{\n    position:absolute;\n    left:0;top:50%;\n    transform:translateY(-50%);\n    background:#008ED6;\n    color:#FFFFFF;\n    font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;\n    font-size:.65rem;\n    font-weight:700;\n    letter-spacing:.12em;\n    text-transform:uppercase;\n    padding:.35rem .75rem;\n    z-index:3;\n    white-space:nowrap;\n}\n.ticker-track{\n    display:flex;\n    align-items:center;\n    gap:0;\n    width:max-content;\n    animation:ticker-scroll 40s linear infinite;\n    padding-left:160px;\n}\n.ticker-track:hover{animation-play-state:paused;}\n.ticker-item{\n    display:inline-flex;\n    align-items:center;\n    gap:.5rem;\n    white-space:nowrap;\n    padding:0 1.5rem;\n    font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;\n    font-size:.78rem;\n    font-weight:500;\n    color:rgba(255,255,255,.75);\n    transition:color .2s;\n    text-decoration:none;\n}\n.ticker-item:hover{color:#3DB4F0;}\n.ticker-item::before{\n    content:'';\n    display:inline-block;\n    width:4px;height:4px;\n    border-radius:50%;\n    background:#008ED6;\n    flex-shrink:0;\n}\n@keyframes ticker-scroll{\n    0%{transform:translateX(0);}\n    100%{transform:translateX(-50%);}\n}\n@media(prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){\n    .ticker-track{animation:none;overflow-x:auto;}\n}\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 HERO CENTERING \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\n.hero__inner{\n    justify-items:center;\n    text-align:center;\n}\n.hero__inner > div{\n    display:flex;\n    flex-direction:column;\n    align-items:center;\n    text-align:center;\n    max-width:780px;\n    margin:0 auto;\n}\n.hero__desc{\n    max-width:640px;\n    margin-left:auto;\n    margin-right:auto;\n}\n.hero__btns{\n    justify-content:center;\n}\n\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Visually hidden elements \u2014 explicit colors for accessibility checkers \u2500\u2500 *\/\n.sr-only,\n.visually-hidden {\n    color: #1C2430 !important;\n    background-color: #FFFFFF !important;\n}\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Screen-reader-only toggle label \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.fnav-toggle__label {\n    color: #FFFFFF !important;\n}\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Skip link always has explicit colors \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.skip-link {\n    background-color: #00659E !important;\n    color: #FFFFFF !important;\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Breadcrumb: sit flush below global header \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\nbody {\n    padding-top: 65px !important;\n    background-color: #002147 !important;\n}\n.breadcrumb {\n    margin-top: 0 !important;\n    scroll-margin-top: 65px !important;\n}\n#main-content {\n    scroll-margin-top: 65px !important;\n}\n.admin-bar body { padding-top: 97px !important; }\n.admin-bar .breadcrumb { scroll-margin-top: 97px !important; }\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Hero: full viewport height \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500 *\/\n.hero {\n    min-height: 100vh !important;\n    height: 100vh !important;\n    display: flex !important;\n    align-items: center !important;\n    justify-content: center !important;\n    padding: 0 !important;\n    position: relative !important;\n}\n.hero__inner {\n    justify-items: center !important;\n    text-align: center !important;\n    padding: clamp(2rem, 4vh, 5rem) 0 !important;\n    width: 100% !important;\n}\n\n\n\/* \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\n   JSU GLOBAL NAVIGATION \u2014 matches jsums.edu exactly\n\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\n.jsu-global-nav {\n    position: fixed;\n    top: 0; left: 0; right: 0;\n    z-index: 1000;\n    background: #002147;\n    box-shadow: 0 2px 16px rgba(0,0,0,.35);\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__top {\n    background: #00152E;\n    padding: .3rem 0;\n    border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(0,142,214,.2);\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__top-inner {\n    max-width: 1340px;\n    margin: 0 auto;\n    padding: 0 clamp(1.25rem,4vw,3rem);\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    justify-content: space-between;\n    gap: 1rem;\n    flex-wrap: wrap;\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__util-links {\n    display: flex;\n    flex-wrap: wrap;\n    gap: .15rem .75rem;\n    list-style: none;\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__util-links a {\n    font-family: 'Sora',sans-serif;\n    font-size: .68rem;\n    font-weight: 500;\n    color: rgba(255,255,255,.65);\n    text-decoration: none;\n    letter-spacing: .02em;\n    transition: color .15s;\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__util-links a:hover { color: #3DB4F0; }\n.jsu-global-nav__ctas {\n    display: flex;\n    gap: .4rem;\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__cta {\n    font-family: 'Sora',sans-serif;\n    font-size: .72rem;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    letter-spacing: .05em;\n    text-decoration: none;\n    padding: .3rem .85rem;\n    border-radius: 4px;\n    transition: background .15s, color .15s;\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__cta--apply {\n    background: #00659E;\n    color: #FFFFFF;\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__cta--apply:hover { background: #007ABB; }\n.jsu-global-nav__cta--visit {\n    background: transparent;\n    color: rgba(255,255,255,.8);\n    border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.3);\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__cta--visit:hover { background: rgba(255,255,255,.08); color: #FFFFFF; }\n.jsu-global-nav__cta--give {\n    background: #3DB4F0;\n    color: #002147;\n    font-weight: 800;\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__cta--give:hover { background: #6DC8F5; }\n\n.jsu-global-nav__main {\n    max-width: 1340px;\n    margin: 0 auto;\n    padding: 0 clamp(1.25rem,4vw,3rem);\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    justify-content: space-between;\n    height: 64px;\n    gap: 1.5rem;\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__logo {\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    gap: .65rem;\n    text-decoration: none;\n    flex-shrink: 0;\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__logo-mark {\n    width: 44px;\n    height: 44px;\n    border-radius: 6px;\n    background: #FFFFFF;\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    justify-content: center;\n    flex-shrink: 0;\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__logo-mark span {\n    font-family: 'Sora',sans-serif;\n    font-weight: 900;\n    font-size: 1.05rem;\n    color: #002147;\n    letter-spacing: -.03em;\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__logo-text { line-height: 1.15; }\n.jsu-global-nav__logo-text strong {\n    display: block;\n    font-family: 'Sora',sans-serif;\n    font-weight: 800;\n    font-size: .88rem;\n    color: #FFFFFF;\n    letter-spacing: .01em;\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__logo-text span {\n    font-family: 'Sora',sans-serif;\n    font-size: .62rem;\n    font-weight: 500;\n    letter-spacing: .14em;\n    text-transform: uppercase;\n    color: #3DB4F0;\n}\n\n.jsu-global-nav__menu {\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    gap: 0;\n    list-style: none;\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__menu > li {\n    position: relative;\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__menu > li > a,\n.jsu-global-nav__menu > li > button {\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    gap: .3rem;\n    font-family: 'Sora',sans-serif;\n    font-size: .82rem;\n    font-weight: 600;\n    color: rgba(255,255,255,.85);\n    text-decoration: none;\n    padding: .55rem .75rem;\n    border-radius: 6px;\n    background: none;\n    border: none;\n    cursor: pointer;\n    transition: color .15s, background .15s;\n    white-space: nowrap;\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__menu > li > a:hover,\n.jsu-global-nav__menu > li > button:hover {\n    color: #FFFFFF;\n    background: rgba(255,255,255,.08);\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__menu > li > a::after,\n.jsu-global-nav__menu > li > button.has-sub::after {\n    content: '';\n    display: inline-block;\n    width: 0; height: 0;\n    border-left: 4px solid transparent;\n    border-right: 4px solid transparent;\n    border-top: 4px solid currentColor;\n    opacity: .6;\n    margin-left: .2rem;\n    transition: transform .2s;\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__menu > li:hover > button.has-sub::after,\n.jsu-global-nav__menu > li:focus-within > button.has-sub::after {\n    transform: rotate(180deg);\n}\n\n\/* Dropdowns *\/\n.jsu-global-nav__dropdown {\n    position: absolute;\n    top: calc(100% + 4px);\n    left: 0;\n    min-width: 220px;\n    background: #001736;\n    border: 1px solid rgba(0,142,214,.25);\n    border-radius: 8px;\n    box-shadow: 0 8px 32px rgba(0,0,0,.4);\n    padding: .5rem 0;\n    opacity: 0;\n    visibility: hidden;\n    transform: translateY(-8px);\n    transition: opacity .2s, visibility .2s, transform .2s;\n    z-index: 100;\n    list-style: none;\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__menu > li:hover .jsu-global-nav__dropdown,\n.jsu-global-nav__menu > li:focus-within .jsu-global-nav__dropdown {\n    opacity: 1;\n    visibility: visible;\n    transform: translateY(0);\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__dropdown a {\n    display: block;\n    padding: .5rem 1.1rem;\n    font-family: 'Sora',sans-serif;\n    font-size: .82rem;\n    font-weight: 500;\n    color: rgba(255,255,255,.8);\n    text-decoration: none;\n    transition: color .15s, background .15s;\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__dropdown a:hover {\n    color: #FFFFFF;\n    background: rgba(0,142,214,.15);\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__dropdown .drop-group-label {\n    display: block;\n    padding: .65rem 1.1rem .25rem;\n    font-family: 'Sora',sans-serif;\n    font-size: .65rem;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    letter-spacing: .12em;\n    text-transform: uppercase;\n    color: #3DB4F0;\n    border-top: 1px solid rgba(0,142,214,.2);\n    margin-top: .35rem;\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__dropdown .drop-group-label:first-child {\n    border-top: none;\n    margin-top: 0;\n}\n\n\/* Mobile menu toggle *\/\n.jsu-global-nav__mob-btn {\n    display: none;\n    background: none;\n    border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.3);\n    border-radius: 6px;\n    color: #FFFFFF;\n    padding: .45rem .65rem;\n    cursor: pointer;\n    font-size: 1.15rem;\n    line-height: 1;\n    transition: background .15s;\n}\n.jsu-global-nav__mob-btn:hover { background: rgba(255,255,255,.1); }\n\n\/* Page body offset for fixed nav *\/\nbody { padding-top: 0 !important; }\n.breadcrumb {\n    margin-top: 54px !important; }\n.admin-bar .breadcrumb {\n    margin-top: 46px !important; }\n#main-content { scroll-margin-top: 104px !important; }\n\n\/* Sections scroll past nav *\/\n[id] { scroll-margin-top: 104px; }\n\n@media(max-width: 1024px) {\n    .jsu-global-nav__menu { display: none; }\n    .jsu-global-nav__mob-btn { display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; }\n}\n@media(max-width: 600px) {\n    .jsu-global-nav__logo-text { display: none; }\n}\n\n\n\/* \u2550\u2550 PDF \/ Document Inline Viewer \u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550\u2550 *\/\n.doc-embed-wrap {\n    margin: 1.25rem 0;\n    border: 1px solid #C2D4E6;\n    border-radius: 10px;\n    overflow: hidden;\n    background: #F3F7FB;\n}\n.doc-embed-toolbar {\n    display: flex;\n    align-items: center;\n    justify-content: space-between;\n    padding: .6rem 1rem;\n    background: #002147;\n    gap: .75rem;\n    flex-wrap: wrap;\n}\n.doc-embed-toolbar__title {\n    font-family: 'Sora',sans-serif;\n    font-size: .82rem;\n    font-weight: 600;\n    color: #FFFFFF;\n    flex: 1;\n    min-width: 0;\n    white-space: nowrap;\n    overflow: hidden;\n    text-overflow: ellipsis;\n}\n.doc-embed-toolbar__actions {\n    display: flex;\n    gap: .4rem;\n    flex-shrink: 0;\n}\n.doc-embed-toolbar__btn {\n    font-family: 'Sora',sans-serif;\n    font-size: .72rem;\n    font-weight: 700;\n    letter-spacing: .04em;\n    padding: .3rem .75rem;\n    border-radius: 5px;\n    text-decoration: none;\n    transition: background .15s, color .15s;\n    white-space: nowrap;\n}\n.doc-embed-toolbar__btn--view {\n    background: #00659E;\n    color: #FFFFFF;\n    border: 1px solid #008ED6;\n}\n.doc-embed-toolbar__btn--view:hover { background: #007ABB; }\n.doc-embed-toolbar__btn--dl {\n    background: rgba(255,255,255,.12);\n    color: rgba(255,255,255,.9);\n    border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.25);\n}\n.doc-embed-toolbar__btn--dl:hover { background: rgba(255,255,255,.2); color: #FFFFFF; }\n.doc-embed-frame {\n    width: 100%;\n    height: 560px;\n    border: none;\n    display: block;\n    background: #FFFFFF;\n}\n@media(max-width:600px){ .doc-embed-frame { height: 380px; } }\n\n\n.pdf-embed-wrap{border-radius:8px;overflow:hidden;box-shadow:0 2px 16px rgba(0,21,46,.1);margin:1.5rem 0;}\n.pdf-embed-header{background:#002147;padding:.75rem 1.25rem;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:1rem;flex-wrap:wrap;}\n.pdf-embed-title{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:.88rem;color:#FFFFFF;}\n.pdf-embed-actions{display:flex;gap:.5rem;flex-wrap:wrap;}\n.pdf-btn{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.75rem;font-weight:600;padding:.35rem .85rem;border-radius:4px;text-decoration:none;transition:background .15s;white-space:nowrap;}\n.pdf-btn--view{background:rgba(255,255,255,.15);color:#FFFFFF;}\n.pdf-btn--view:hover{background:rgba(255,255,255,.25);}\n.pdf-btn--dl{background:#00659E;color:#FFFFFF;}\n.pdf-btn--dl:hover{background:#007ABB;}\n.pdf-embed-frame{display:block;background:#F3F7FB;width:100%;border:1px solid #C2D4E6;border-radius:0 0 8px 8px;}\n\n<\/style>\n<style>\n.cards-grid {\n  display: grid;\n  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(280px, 1fr));\n  gap: 1.5rem;\n}\n.card {\n  position: relative;\n  overflow: hidden;\n  display: flex;\n  flex-direction: column;\n  transition: border-color .25s ease, box-shadow .25s ease, transform .25s ease !important;\n}\n.card::before {\n  content: \"\";\n  position: absolute;\n  top: 0; left: 0; right: 0;\n  height: 4px;\n  background: linear-gradient(90deg, #00629A 0%, #008ED6 100%);\n  opacity: .9;\n}\n.card:hover {\n  border-color: #008ED6 !important;\n  box-shadow: 0 8px 28px rgba(0, 33, 71, .10) !important;\n  transform: translateY(-3px);\n}\na.card { text-decoration: none; color: inherit; }\n.card__body { padding: 1.85rem 1.65rem 1.65rem; flex: 1; }\n.card__eyebrow {\n  font-family: 'Sora', sans-serif;\n  font-size: .68rem;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  letter-spacing: .14em;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  margin-bottom: .75rem;\n  display: block;\n  color: #00629A;\n}\n.card__title {\n  font-family: 'Sora', sans-serif;\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  line-height: 1.25;\n  margin-bottom: .9rem;\n  display: block;\n  color: #002147;\n}\n.card__text {\n  font-family: 'Crimson Pro', Georgia, serif;\n  font-size: 1rem;\n  line-height: 1.65;\n  display: block;\n  color: #4A5060;\n}\n.card__status {\n  font-family: 'Sora', sans-serif;\n  font-size: .72rem;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  letter-spacing: .12em;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  color: #B45309;\n  margin: .85rem 0 0;\n  display: block;\n}\na.card--action .card__title {\n  display: flex;\n  align-items: center;\n  gap: .65rem;\n  font-size: 1.25rem;\n}\na.card--action .card__title::after {\n  content: \"\\2192\";\n  color: #00629A;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  margin-left: auto;\n  font-size: 1.35rem;\n  transition: transform .2s ease;\n}\na.card--action:hover .card__title::after { transform: translateX(4px); }\n\n\/* Program card with degrees *\/\n.degree-card {\n  background: #FFFFFF;\n  border: 1px solid #C2D4E6;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  padding: 1.5rem 1.5rem 1.4rem;\n  position: relative;\n  overflow: hidden;\n}\n.degree-card::before {\n  content: \"\";\n  position: absolute;\n  top: 0; left: 0; right: 0;\n  height: 3px;\n  background: linear-gradient(90deg, #00629A 0%, #008ED6 100%);\n  opacity: .85;\n}\n.degree-card__name {\n  font-family: 'Sora', sans-serif;\n  font-size: 1.05rem;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  color: #002147;\n  margin: 0 0 .5rem;\n}\n.degree-card__levels {\n  display: flex;\n  flex-wrap: wrap;\n  gap: .35rem;\n  margin-top: .35rem;\n}\n.degree-pill {\n  font-family: 'Sora', sans-serif;\n  font-size: .72rem;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  letter-spacing: .04em;\n  color: #00629A;\n  background: #EBF6FD;\n  padding: .25rem .65rem;\n  border-radius: 4px;\n}\n\n\/* Mission block \u2014 reused *\/\n.mission-block {\n  background: #F3F7FB;\n  border-left: 4px solid #00629A;\n  padding: 1.85rem 2rem;\n  border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0;\n}\n.mission-block p {\n  font-family: 'Crimson Pro', Georgia, serif;\n  font-size: 1.05rem;\n  line-height: 1.75;\n  color: #1C2430;\n  margin: 0 0 1.1rem;\n}\n.mission-block p:last-child { margin-bottom: 0; }\n\n\/* Motto callout \u2014 reused *\/\n.motto {\n  background: #002147;\n  color: #FFFFFF;\n  padding: 1.85rem 1.85rem;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  text-align: center;\n}\n.motto__quote {\n  font-family: 'Crimson Pro', Georgia, serif;\n  font-style: italic;\n  font-size: 1.5rem;\n  margin: 0 0 .55rem;\n  color: #FFFFFF;\n}\n.motto__attr {\n  font-family: 'Sora', sans-serif;\n  font-size: .8rem;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  letter-spacing: .14em;\n  color: #6DC8F5;\n}\n\n\/* Feature callout *\/\n.feature-callout {\n  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #002147 0%, #00629A 100%);\n  color: #FFFFFF;\n  border-radius: 8px;\n  padding: 2rem 2.25rem;\n  display: grid;\n  grid-template-columns: 1fr auto;\n  gap: 2rem;\n  align-items: center;\n}\n.feature-callout__eyebrow {\n  font-family: 'Sora', sans-serif;\n  font-size: .72rem;\n  font-weight: 600;\n  letter-spacing: .12em;\n  text-transform: uppercase;\n  color: #6DC8F5;\n  margin-bottom: .55rem;\n}\n.feature-callout__title {\n  font-family: 'Sora', sans-serif;\n  font-weight: 700;\n  font-size: 1.5rem;\n  color: #FFFFFF;\n  margin: 0 0 .65rem;\n}\n.feature-callout__text {\n  font-family: 'Crimson Pro', Georgia, serif;\n  font-size: 1.02rem;\n  line-height: 1.55;\n  color: #FFFFFF;\n  margin: 0;\n}\n.feature-callout .btn--primary { white-space: nowrap; }\n\n@media (max-width: 720px) {\n  .cards-grid { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 1rem; }\n  .card__body { padding: 1.5rem 1.35rem 1.35rem; }\n  .card__title { font-size: 1.2rem; }\n  .feature-callout { grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 1.25rem; padding: 1.5rem 1.5rem; }\n}\n\n\/* Document link groups *\/\n.docs-list{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(340px,1fr));gap:.9rem}\n.doc-link{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:1rem;background:#FFFFFF;border:1px solid #C2D4E6;border-left:4px solid #008ED6;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:1.15rem 1.5rem;font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:1.04rem;font-weight:700;color:#00629A;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.4;transition:border-color .2s ease,background .2s ease,box-shadow .2s ease}\n.doc-link::before{content:\"\";flex-shrink:0;width:1.6rem;height:1.6rem;background:#EAF4FB;border:1px solid #C2D4E6;border-radius:5px}\n.doc-link::after{content:\"\u001193\";margin-left:auto;color:#00629A;font-weight:700;font-size:1.2rem}\n.doc-link:hover{border-color:#008ED6;background:#F3F7FB;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,33,71,.07)}\n\n\/* Important Dates feature *\/\n.dates-feature{background:#00152E;border-radius:14px;padding:2rem 2.25rem;background-image:radial-gradient(circle at 88% 15%,rgba(0,142,214,.25),transparent 60%);display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:1.5rem;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between}\n.dates-feature__body{flex:1;min-width:300px}\n.dates-feature__title{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:1.4rem;font-weight:800;color:#FFFFFF !important;margin:0 0 .6rem;line-height:1.25}\n.dates-feature__text{font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:1.08rem;line-height:1.75;color:#DCE9F6 !important;margin:0}\n\n\/* ADA overrides *\/\n.doc-link{color:#00629A !important}\n\n\/* Policy prose blocks *\/\n.proc{background:#FFFFFF;border:1px solid #C2D4E6;border-radius:12px;padding:1.85rem 2rem;margin-bottom:1.35rem;position:relative;overflow:hidden}\n.proc::before{content:\"\";position:absolute;top:0;left:0;bottom:0;width:4px;background:linear-gradient(180deg,#00629A 0%,#008ED6 100%)}\n.proc__title{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:1.22rem;font-weight:800;color:#002147 !important;margin:0 0 1rem;line-height:1.3}\n.proc__sub{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:1rem;font-weight:800;color:#00629A !important;margin:1.25rem 0 .6rem}\n.proc p{font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:1.05rem;line-height:1.75;color:#1C2430 !important;margin:0 0 1rem}\n.proc p:last-child{margin-bottom:0}\n.proc strong{color:#002147 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main content<\/a>\n\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\">\n<div class=\"w\"><ol class=\"breadcrumb__list\">\n  <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/\">JSU Home<\/a><\/li>\n  <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/academics\">Academics<\/a><\/li>\n  <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\">Division of Graduate Studies<\/a><\/li>\n  <li><span aria-current=\"page\">Defense and Approval of the Masters&rsquo; Thesis or Project<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n\n<main id=\"main-content\" class=\"jsu-main-content\">\n\n  <!-- HERO -->\n  <section class=\"hero dk\" aria-labelledby=\"hero-h\">\n  <div class=\"w\"><div class=\"hero__inner\"><div>\n    <span class=\"hero__tag\">Jackson State University &middot; Division of Graduate Studies<\/span>\n    <h1 class=\"hero__title\" id=\"hero-h\">\n      Defense and approval of the Masters&rsquo; <em>thesis or project<\/em>\n    <\/h1>\n    <p class=\"hero__desc\">\n      Timeline, scheduling, the defense process, submission specifications,\n      and the responsibilities of students, advisors, and committees.\n    <\/p>\n    <div class=\"hero__btns\">\n      <a href=\"#overview\" class=\"btn btn--primary\">Get Started<\/a>\n      <a href=\"#contact\" class=\"btn btn--outline-white\">Contact<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- OVERVIEW & DEFENSE -->\n  <section class=\"sec\" id=\"overview\" aria-labelledby=\"overview-h\">\n  <div class=\"w\">\n    <div class=\"sec-head\" style=\"margin-bottom:1.5rem;\">\n      <span class=\"sec-eyebrow\">Defense and approval of the Masters&rsquo; thesis or project<\/span>\n      <h2 class=\"sec-title\" id=\"overview-h\">Overview and defense process<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <p class=\"lead-p\">Students in selected masters programs must demonstrate evidence of a high degree of scholarship, competence in scholarly exposition and ability to select, organize and apply knowledge through a thesis or project.<\/p>\n    <p class=\"lead-p\">It is the student&rsquo;s responsibility to submit materials to the department and college in time for the chair and dean to review them so they can reach the Division of Graduate Studies by the deadline.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"proc\">\n      <ul>\n        <li><strong>Please make sure your defense is scheduled early enough in the semester to allow you to complete the requirements.<\/strong><\/li>\n        <li>Each student should obtain a copy of the &ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/files\/2012\/08\/guidelines-masters-thesis1.pdf\">Guidelines for Preparing the Master&rsquo;s Thesis<\/a>&rdquo;.<\/li>\n        <li>Click here for a copy of the &ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/files\/2022\/02\/Revised-Defense-Results-2.pdf\">Committee Report of Defense Results<\/a>&rdquo; form.<\/li>\n      <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"proc\">\n      <h3 class=\"proc__title\">Defense and Approval<\/h3>\n      <p class=\"proc__sub\">Timeline<\/p>\n      <p>The Division of Graduate Studies issues a calendar each year which indicates the LAST DAY for satisfying all graduation requirements. The Division of Graduate Studies encourages students to submit their manuscripts well before the deadline.<\/p>\n      <p class=\"proc__sub\">Scheduling<\/p>\n      <p>The chairperson of the committee for the candidate for a Master&rsquo;s degree, in concurrence with the other members of the committee, shall adhere to the following process. The chairperson will notify the members of the committee, the Department Chair, the College Dean or designee, the Dean of the Division of Graduate Studies and other appropriate persons of the place, date and time of the defense.<\/p>\n      <p class=\"proc__sub\">Basic Process for the Defense<\/p>\n      <ul>\n        <li>The candidate presents his\/her argument, summarizing the main points of the study. The chairperson then allows other members of the committee to direct questions to the candidate concerning the defense.<\/li>\n        <li>Following the candidate&rsquo;s presentation and the fielding of questions, the candidate is excused from the room so that the chair and committee may discuss and subsequently vote on the candidate&rsquo;s success or failure.<\/li>\n        <li>The candidate is escorted into the room to receive the results of the committee&rsquo;s vote.<\/li>\n        <li>If successful, the candidate will secure the signatures of members of the committee on the approval page, and the Committee Report of Defense Results and any other necessary signatures.<\/li>\n      <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"proc\">\n      <h3 class=\"proc__title\">Committee Report of Defense Results Form<\/h3>\n      <p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/files\/2022\/03\/Defense-Results-Form-Revised.pdf\"><strong>This form<\/strong><\/a> is completed upon the successful defense of the thesis\/project before the student&rsquo;s committee. This form must be submitted prior to the Clearance for Graduation.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"proc\">\n      <h3 class=\"proc__title\">Institutional Review Board (IRB)<\/h3>\n      <ul>\n        <li><strong>If your proposed research involves human subjects, it must be approved by the Jackson State University Institutional Review Board, (IRB).<\/strong><\/li>\n        <li>A full explanation of the procedures and Federal Guidelines are available at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/researchcompliance\/\">Office of Research Compliance<\/a>.<\/li>\n      <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"proc\">\n      <h3 class=\"proc__title\">Submission<\/h3>\n      <p><strong>THESIS<\/strong>: white, (at least) 20 pound, 25% rag, acid-free bond papers. Photocopies should be made only from the original.<\/p>\n      <p><strong>PROJECT<\/strong>: Please submit one (1) bound copy of the project, on white, (at least) 20 pound, 25% rag, acid-free bond paper. Spiral binding is a suitable method for meeting this requirement.<\/p>\n      <p class=\"proc__note\"><em>The &ldquo;on-line Clearance&rdquo; can now be completed.<\/em><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- RESPONSIBILITIES -->\n  <section class=\"sec sec--off\" id=\"responsibilities\" aria-labelledby=\"resp-h\">\n  <div class=\"w\">\n    <div class=\"sec-head\" style=\"margin-bottom:1.5rem;\">\n      <span class=\"sec-eyebrow\">Responsibilities<\/span>\n      <h2 class=\"sec-title\" id=\"resp-h\">Roles and responsibilities<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"proc\">\n      <h3 class=\"proc__title\">Student&rsquo;s Responsibility<\/h3>\n      <ul>\n        <li>Choosing a chairperson following the policies &amp; guidelines of the major department.<\/li>\n        <li>Choosing the members of the thesis\/project committee in conjunction with the chairperson following the policies &amp; guidelines of the major department.<\/li>\n        <li>Meeting with the chairperson and setting a schedule for completion of the thesis\/project in a timely manner.<\/li>\n        <li>Keeping on schedule.<\/li>\n        <li>Turning in all thesis\/project material to chairperson typed in correct format.<\/li>\n        <li>Knowing and meeting all deadlines.<\/li>\n        <li>Filing all forms in a timely manner.<\/li>\n      <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"proc\">\n      <h3 class=\"proc__title\">Advisor and Committee&rsquo;s Responsibility<\/h3>\n      <p>It is the chairperson&rsquo;s and committee members&rsquo; responsibility to know policies, rules, and regulations of both the Division of Graduate Studies and the major department relative to the thesis\/project process<\/p>\n      <p>In addition the chair is also responsible for..<\/p>\n      <ul>\n        <li>Ensuring that the student is aware of the rules, regulations and policies of the Division of Graduate Studies and the department.<\/li>\n        <li>Assisting the student in the formation of a committee.<\/li>\n        <li>Meeting with the student on a regular basis.<\/li>\n        <li>Keeping the scheduled appointments.<\/li>\n        <li>Ensuring that the student&rsquo;s work is properly documented and not plagiarized.<\/li>\n        <li>Scheduling the prospectus hearing, if required, and the final defense of the thesis\/project.<\/li>\n        <li>Notifying the committee members and the Department chair of the place, time &amp; date of the prospectus hearing.<\/li>\n        <li>Notifying the Graduate Dean, College Dean, Department chair and committee members of the place, time &amp; date of the final defense.<\/li>\n      <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"proc\">\n      <h3 class=\"proc__title\">Committee&rsquo;s Responsibility<\/h3>\n      <ul>\n        <li>It is the committee members&rsquo; responsibility to &hellip;<\/li>\n        <li>Attend the prospectus hearing and final defense.<\/li>\n        <li>Read the student&rsquo;s work throughout the writing process.<\/li>\n        <li>Provide written feedback for correcting and\/or improving the thesis\/project.<\/li>\n      <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"proc\">\n      <h3 class=\"proc__title\">Department Chair \/ Program Director&rsquo;s Responsibility<\/h3>\n      <p>It is the department chair\/program director&rsquo;s responsibility for knowing and enforcing policies, rules, and regulations of both the Division of Graduate Studies and department\/program.<\/p>\n      <p>The chair\/director is also responsible for&hellip;.<\/p>\n      <ul>\n        <li>Ensuring that the graduate faculty of the department\/program know and adhere to the policies, rules and regulations of the Division of Graduate Studies.<\/li>\n        <li>Keeping the faculty abreast of rule, policy and procedure changes from the Division of Graduate Studies.<\/li>\n        <li>Serving as a liaison between the student and the advisor, if necessary.<\/li>\n        <li>Ensuring the thesis\/project advisor and all committee members are qualified to serve.<\/li>\n      <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- IMPORTANT DATES -->\n  <section class=\"sec\" id=\"important-dates\" aria-labelledby=\"dates-h\">\n  <div class=\"w\">\n    <div class=\"dates-feature\">\n      <div class=\"dates-feature__body\">\n        <h2 class=\"dates-feature__title\" id=\"dates-h\">Important Dates<\/h2>\n        <p class=\"dates-feature__text\">Keep up-to-date with all important dates for the current semester at Jackson State University. If you have any questions about the information listed, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to help you further.<\/p>\n      <\/div>\n      <div>\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/important-dates\/\" class=\"btn btn--primary\">Important Dates<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- CTA BAND -->\n  <section class=\"cta-band dk\" aria-labelledby=\"cta-h\">\n  <div class=\"w\"><div class=\"cta-band__inner\">\n    <div>\n      <h2 class=\"cta-band__title\" id=\"cta-h\">Ready to pursue your graduate degree?<\/h2>\n      <p class=\"cta-band__sub\">Apply to JSU graduate study or contact the Division of Graduate Studies for guidance on programs, admissions, and funding.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"cta-band__btns\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/prospective-students-home\/\" class=\"btn btn--primary\">Apply Now<\/a>\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/recruitment2\/\" class=\"btn btn--outline-white\" aria-label=\"Request Information about JSU graduate programs\">Request Information<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div><\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- CONTACT -->\n  <section class=\"sec sec--surface\" id=\"contact\" aria-labelledby=\"contact-h\">\n  <div class=\"w\">\n    <div class=\"sec-head\" style=\"margin-bottom:1.5rem;\">\n      <span class=\"sec-eyebrow\">Get in Touch<\/span>\n      <h2 class=\"sec-title\" id=\"contact-h\">Contact the Division of Graduate Studies<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"contact-items\">\n      <div class=\"contact-item\">\n        <div class=\"contact-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#128205;<\/div>\n        <div>\n          <div class=\"contact-item__label\">Physical Address<\/div>\n          <div class=\"contact-item__val\">\n            Division of Graduate Studies<br>\n            1400 John R. Lynch Street<br>\n            Jackson, MS 39217&ndash;0280\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"contact-item\">\n        <div class=\"contact-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#9993;<\/div>\n        <div>\n          <div class=\"contact-item__label\">Mailing Address<\/div>\n          <div class=\"contact-item__val\">\n            Division of Graduate Studies<br>\n            Jackson State University<br>\n            P.O. Box 17095<br>\n            Jackson, MS 39217\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"contact-item\">\n        <div class=\"contact-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#128222;<\/div>\n        <div>\n          <div class=\"contact-item__label\">Phone<\/div>\n          <div class=\"contact-item__val\"><a href=\"tel:+16019792455\">(601) 979-2455<\/a><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"contact-item\">\n        <div class=\"contact-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#128172;<\/div>\n        <div>\n          <div class=\"contact-item__label\">Quick Contacts<\/div>\n          <div class=\"contact-item__val\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/quick-contacts\/\">Graduate School Quick Contacts<\/a><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n<\/main><!-- end #main-content -->\n\n<button class=\"fnav-toggle\"\n        aria-label=\"Open page navigation menu\"\n        aria-expanded=\"false\"\n        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aria-current=\"false\">\n            <span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n            <span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Graduate Catalog<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n        <\/li>\n        <li style=\"padding-left:1.25rem;\">\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/cyberorientation\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\">\n            <span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n            <span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Cyber Orientation<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n        <\/li>\n        <li style=\"padding-left:1.25rem;\">\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/dissertation-thesis\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\">\n            <span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n            <span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Dissertation &amp; Thesis<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n        <\/li>\n        <li style=\"padding-left:1.25rem;\">\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/researchcompliance\/irb-protocol\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\">\n            <span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n            <span class=\"fnav-item__text\">IRB<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n        <\/li>\n        <li style=\"padding-left:1.25rem;\">\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/researchcompliance\/protocolprocess\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\">\n            <span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n            <span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Animal Care &amp; Use Committee<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n        <\/li>\n        <li style=\"padding-left:1.25rem;\">\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/researchcompliance\/biosafety\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\">\n            <span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n            <span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Biosafety Committee<\/span>\n          <\/a>\n        <\/li>\n     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