{"id":861,"date":"2026-08-17T18:19:19","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T18:19:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jsums.org\/graduateschool\/?page_id=861"},"modified":"2026-08-17T18:20:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T18:20:00","slug":"tips-for-completing-the-masters-thesis-or-project","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/jsums.org\/graduateschool\/tips-for-completing-the-masters-thesis-or-project\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Completing the Master&#8217;s Thesis or Project"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"861\" class=\"elementor elementor-861\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c077f93 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"c077f93\" 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-85c714c elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"85c714c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<!DOCTYPE html>\n<html lang=\"en\">\n<head>\n<meta charset=\"UTF-8\">\n<meta name=\"viewport\" content=\"width=device-width,initial-scale=1.0\">\n<title>Tips for Completing the Master&rsquo;s Thesis or Project &middot; Jackson State University<\/title>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/tips-for-completing-the-masters-thesis-or-project\/\">\n<link rel=\"preconnect\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\">\n<link rel=\"preconnect\" href=\"https:\/\/fonts.gstatic.com\" crossorigin>\n<link href=\"https:\/\/fonts.googleapis.com\/css2?family=Sora:wght@300;400;500;600;700;800&family=Crimson+Pro:ital,wght@0,400;0,600;0,700;1,400;1,600&display=swap\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n<style>\n\n*,*::before,*::after{margin:0;padding:0;box-sizing:border-box;}html{scroll-behavior:smooth;}\nbody{font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:1rem;line-height:1.7;color:#1C2430;background:#FFFFFF;overflow-x:hidden;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;}\nimg{max-width:100%;height:auto;display:block;}a{text-decoration:none;color:inherit;}ul,ol{list-style:none;}\n@media(prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){*,*::before,*::after{animation-duration:.01ms!important;transition-duration:.01ms!important;scroll-behavior:auto!important;}}\na:focus-visible,button:focus-visible,[role=\"button\"]:focus-visible,input:focus-visible,select:focus-visible,textarea:focus-visible,[tabindex]:focus-visible{outline:3px solid #008ED6;outline-offset:3px;border-radius:4px;}\n.dk a:focus-visible,.dk button:focus-visible{outline-color:#6DC8F5;}\n.w{max-width:1340px;margin:0 auto;padding-left:clamp(1.25rem,4vw,3rem);padding-right:clamp(1.25rem,4vw,3rem);}\n.skip-link{position:absolute;top:-120px;left:1rem;background:#008ED6;color:#FFFFFF;padding:.75rem 1.5rem;border-radius:0 0 8px 8px;font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:.9rem;z-index:9999;transition:top .2s;text-decoration:underline;}\n.skip-link:focus{top:0;outline:3px solid #FFFFFF;outline-offset:2px;}\n.breadcrumb{background:#E6EEF6;border-bottom:1px solid #C2D4E6;padding:.65rem 0;}\n.breadcrumb__list{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center;gap:.35rem;font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.78rem;color:#636B78;}\n.breadcrumb__list li{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:.35rem;}\n.breadcrumb__list li+li::before{content:'\u203a';color:#C2D4E6;font-size:1rem;}\n.breadcrumb__list a{color:#00629A;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:2px;font-weight:500;}\n.breadcrumb__list a:hover{color:#002147;}\n.breadcrumb__list [aria-current=\"page\"]{color:#4A5060;font-weight:600;}\n.hero{position:relative;background-color:#00152E;background-image:linear-gradient(135deg,#00152E 0%,#002147 100%);overflow:hidden;padding:clamp(3.5rem,8vw,6rem) 0 clamp(3rem,6vw,5rem);}\n.hero::before{content:'';position:absolute;inset:0;background:radial-gradient(ellipse 80% 60% at 70% 50%,rgba(0,142,214,.18) 0%,transparent 60%),radial-gradient(ellipse 40% 80% at 20% 80%,rgba(0,33,71,.6) 0%,transparent 70%);pointer-events:none;}\n.hero__inner{position:relative;z-index:2;display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr;align-items:center;gap:2rem;}\n.hero__tag{display:inline-block;font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.72rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#3DB4F0;background:rgba(0,142,214,.15);border:1px solid rgba(0,142,214,.3);border-radius:4px;padding:.25rem .75rem;margin-bottom:1rem;}\n.hero__title{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:clamp(1.9rem,4.5vw,3.4rem);line-height:1.08;letter-spacing:-.025em;color:#FFFFFF;margin-bottom:.85rem;}\n.hero__title em{font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-style:italic;color:#3DB4F0;}\n.hero__desc{font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:clamp(1rem,1.8vw,1.2rem);line-height:1.65;color:#C0C8D4;max-width:620px;margin-bottom:1.75rem;}\n.hero__btns{display:flex;gap:.75rem;flex-wrap:wrap;}\n.hero__stat-band{display:flex;flex-direction:column;gap:1.5rem;padding:1.5rem;background:rgba(255,255,255,.05);border:1px solid rgba(0,142,214,.2);border-radius:8px;min-width:180px;}\n.hero__stat{text-align:center;}\n.hero__stat-num{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:2rem;font-weight:800;color:#3DB4F0;line-height:1;}\n.hero__stat-lbl{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.7rem;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#96A0AE;margin-top:.3rem;}\n.hero__stat+.hero__stat{border-top:1px solid rgba(0,142,214,.2);padding-top:1.5rem;}\n.btn{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:.45rem;font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-weight:600;font-size:.88rem;letter-spacing:.02em;padding:.7rem 1.4rem;border-radius:8px;border:2px solid transparent;cursor:pointer;transition:background .2s,color .2s,border-color .2s,transform .15s;text-decoration:none;line-height:1.2;}\n.btn:active{transform:scale(.98);}\n.btn--primary{background:#00659E;color:#FFFFFF;border-color:#008ED6;}\n.btn--primary:hover{background:#007ABB;border-color:#007ABB;}\n.btn--outline-white{background:transparent;color:#FFFFFF;border-color:rgba(255,255,255,.5);}\n.btn--outline-white:hover{background:rgba(255,255,255,.1);border-color:#FFFFFF;}\n.btn--outline-navy{background:transparent;color:#002147;border-color:#002147;}\n.btn--outline-navy:hover{background:#002147;color:#FFFFFF;}\n.sec{padding:clamp(3.5rem,7vw,5.5rem) 0;}\n.sec--off{background:#F3F7FB;}\n.sec--navy{background:#002147;}\n.sec--deep{background:#00152E;}\n.sec--surface{background:#E6EEF6;}\n.sec-eyebrow{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.72rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.18em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#00629A;display:block;margin-bottom:.6rem;}\n.sec--navy .sec-eyebrow,.sec--deep .sec-eyebrow{color:#3DB4F0;}\n.sec-title{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:clamp(1.7rem,3.2vw,2.6rem);line-height:1.1;letter-spacing:-.022em;color:#002147;margin-bottom:.75rem;}\n.sec--navy .sec-title,.sec--deep .sec-title{color:#FFFFFF;}\n.sec-body{font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:1.1rem;color:#4A5060;max-width:680px;line-height:1.75;}\n.sec--navy .sec-body{color:#C0C8D4;}\n.sec-head{margin-bottom:clamp(2rem,3.5vw,3.5rem);}\n.sec-head--center{text-align:center;}\n.sec-head--center .sec-body{margin:0 auto;}\n.about-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:clamp(2rem,4vw,4rem);align-items:start;}\n.about-body p{font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:1.1rem;color:#4A5060;line-height:1.8;margin-bottom:1.1rem;}\n.about-facts{background:#E6EEF6;border-radius:8px;padding:2rem;}\n.about-facts__title{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.72rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.15em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#00629A;margin-bottom:1.25rem;}\n.about-facts dl{display:grid;gap:.85rem;}\n.about-facts dt{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.78rem;font-weight:700;color:#636B78;letter-spacing:.05em;text-transform:uppercase;}\n.about-facts dd{font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:1rem;color:#1C2430;margin-left:0;padding-left:.75rem;border-left:2px solid #008ED6;}\n.tabs__list{display:flex;gap:.25rem;border-bottom:2px solid #C2D4E6;margin-bottom:2rem;flex-wrap:wrap;}\n.tabs__btn{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-weight:600;font-size:.88rem;color:#4A5060;background:none;border:none;padding:.7rem 1.25rem;cursor:pointer;border-bottom:3px solid transparent;margin-bottom:-2px;border-radius:6px 6px 0 0;transition:color .15s,background .15s,border-color .15s;}\n.tabs__btn:hover{color:#002147;background:#E6EEF6;}\n.tabs__btn[aria-selected=\"true\"]{color:#002147;border-bottom-color:#008ED6;background:#F3F7FB;}\n.tabs__panel{display:none;}\n.tabs__panel.is-active{display:block;}\n.program-list{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fill,minmax(280px,1fr));gap:1rem;}\n.program-card{background:#FFFFFF;border:1px solid #C2D4E6;border-radius:8px;padding:1.25rem 1.5rem;display:flex;align-items:flex-start;gap:.85rem;transition:border-color .2s,box-shadow .2s;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;}\n.program-card:hover{border-color:#008ED6;box-shadow:0 4px 20px rgba(0,142,214,.1);}\n.program-card__dot{width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:#008ED6;margin-top:.55rem;flex-shrink:0;}\n.program-card__name{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.92rem;font-weight:600;color:#002147;margin-bottom:.2rem;}\n.program-card__level{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.72rem;font-weight:600;letter-spacing:.08em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#636B78;}\n.accordion{border:1px solid #C2D4E6;border-radius:8px;overflow:hidden;}\n.accordion+.accordion{margin-top:.75rem;}\n.accordion__trigger{width:100%;text-align:left;background:#FFFFFF;border:none;padding:1.1rem 1.5rem;font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-weight:600;font-size:.95rem;color:#002147;cursor:pointer;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;gap:1rem;transition:background .15s;}\n.accordion__trigger:hover{background:#F3F7FB;}\n.accordion__trigger[aria-expanded=\"true\"]{background:#002147;color:#FFFFFF;}\n.accordion__icon{width:20px;height:20px;border-radius:50%;background:#E6EEF6;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-size:14px;flex-shrink:0;transition:background .15s,transform .3s;}\n.accordion__trigger[aria-expanded=\"true\"] .accordion__icon{background:rgba(255,255,255,.15);color:#FFFFFF;transform:rotate(180deg);}\n.accordion__body{display:none;padding:1.5rem;background:#F3F7FB;border-top:1px solid #C2D4E6;font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:1.05rem;color:#4A5060;line-height:1.75;}\n.accordion__body.is-open{display:block;}\n.accordion__body p+p{margin-top:.85rem;}\n.accordion__body ul{list-style:disc;padding-left:1.5rem;margin-top:.75rem;}\n.accordion__body li{margin-bottom:.35rem;}\n.faculty-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fill,minmax(260px,1fr));gap:1.25rem;}\n.faculty-card{background:#FFFFFF;border:1px solid #C2D4E6;border-radius:8px;padding:1.5rem;}\n.faculty-card__name{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:1rem;color:#002147;margin-bottom:.2rem;}\n.faculty-card__title{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.8rem;color:#00629A;font-weight:600;margin-bottom:.5rem;}\n.faculty-card__contact{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.78rem;color:#636B78;}\n.faculty-card__contact a{color:#00629A;text-decoration:underline;}\n.cta-band{background:#00152E;padding:clamp(3rem,6vw,5rem) 0;}\n.cta-band__inner{display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:2rem;flex-wrap:wrap;}\n.cta-band__title{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:clamp(1.5rem,3vw,2.2rem);color:#FFFFFF;line-height:1.15;margin-bottom:.5rem;}\n.cta-band__sub{font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:1.1rem;color:#C0C8D4;}\n.cta-band__btns{display:flex;gap:.75rem;flex-wrap:wrap;flex-shrink:0;}\n.contact-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:3rem;align-items:start;}\n.contact-info__title{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-size:1.2rem;color:#002147;margin-bottom:1.25rem;}\n.contact-item{display:flex;gap:.85rem;align-items:flex-start;margin-bottom:1.1rem;}\n.contact-icon{font-size:1.3rem;line-height:1;margin-top:.1rem;flex-shrink:0;}\n.contact-item__label{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.75rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#636B78;margin-bottom:.15rem;}\n.contact-item__val{font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:1rem;color:#1C2430;}\n.contact-item__val a{color:#00629A;text-decoration:underline;}\n.form-group{margin-bottom:1.25rem;}\n.form-label{display:block;font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-weight:600;font-size:.85rem;color:#1C2430;margin-bottom:.4rem;}\n.required{color:#C62828;}\n.form-control{display:block;width:100%;font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:1rem;color:#1C2430;background:#FFFFFF;border:1.5px solid #C2D4E6;border-radius:8px;padding:.65rem .9rem;transition:border-color .2s;}\n.form-control:focus{outline:none;border-color:#008ED6;box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(0,142,214,.15);}\ntextarea.form-control{min-height:120px;resize:vertical;}\n.form-control.is-error{border-color:#C62828;}\n.form-error{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.8rem;color:#C62828;margin-top:.3rem;display:none;}\n.form-error.is-visible{display:block;}\n.form-status{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.9rem;padding:.85rem 1.1rem;border-radius:8px;margin-bottom:1rem;display:none;}\n.form-status.is-ok{display:block;background:#F0FFF1;color:#2E7D32;border:1px solid #a5d6a7;}\n.form-status.is-err{display:block;background:#FFF0F0;color:#C62828;border:1px solid #ef9a9a;}\n.site-footer{background:#00152E;padding:clamp(3rem,6vw,5rem) 0 2rem;}\n.footer__grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.5fr 1fr 1fr 1fr;gap:2.5rem;margin-bottom:3rem;}\n.footer__brand-name{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-weight:800;font-size:1.1rem;color:#FFFFFF;margin-bottom:.35rem;}\n.footer__brand-sub{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.82rem;color:#C0C8D4;margin-bottom:.85rem;}\n.footer__brand-contact{font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:.95rem;color:#96A0AE;line-height:1.8;}\n.footer__brand-contact a{color:#3DB4F0;text-decoration:underline;}\n.footer__col-title{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.7rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.15em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#96A0AE;margin-bottom:.85rem;}\n.site-footer nav ul{display:grid;gap:.5rem;}\n.site-footer nav a{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.85rem;color:#C0C8D4;transition:color .15s;}\n.site-footer nav a:hover{color:#FFFFFF;}\n.footer__legal{border-top:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.08);padding-top:1.5rem;display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:1rem;}\n.footer__legal p{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.78rem;color:#96A0AE;}\n.footer__legal-links{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:1rem;}\n.footer__legal-links a{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.78rem;color:#96A0AE;text-decoration:underline;}\n.footer__legal-links a:hover{color:#FFFFFF;}\n.fnav-toggle{position:fixed;right:0;top:50%;transform:translateY(-50%) translateX(0);z-index:500;display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:center;justify-content:center;gap:.25rem;background:#002147;color:#FFFFFF;border:none;border-radius:6px 0 0 6px;padding:.9rem .55rem;cursor:pointer;box-shadow:-2px 0 12px rgba(0,21,46,.35);opacity:0;visibility:hidden;transform:translateY(-50%) translateX(100%);transition:opacity .3s ease,visibility .3s ease,transform .3s ease,background .15s;}.fnav-toggle.is-visible{opacity:1;visibility:visible;transform:translateY(-50%) translateX(0);}.fnav-toggle:hover{background:#007ABB;}.fnav-toggle__icon{font-size:1rem;line-height:1;display:block;}.fnav-toggle__label{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.55rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.15em;text-transform:uppercase;writing-mode:vertical-rl;text-orientation:mixed;transform:rotate(180deg);margin-top:.3rem;color:#FFFFFF;}\n.fnav-overlay{position:fixed;inset:0;background:rgba(0,21,46,.55);z-index:600;opacity:0;visibility:hidden;transition:opacity .3s,visibility .3s;}\n.fnav-overlay.is-open{opacity:1;visibility:visible;}\n.fnav-drawer{position:fixed;top:0;right:-340px;width:320px;max-width:90vw;height:100%;background:#FFFFFF;z-index:700;display:flex;flex-direction:column;box-shadow:-4px 0 40px rgba(0,21,46,.25);transition:right .35s cubic-bezier(0.22,1,0.36,1);}\n.fnav-drawer.is-open{right:0;}\n.fnav-drawer__header{background:#002147;padding:1.25rem 1.5rem;display:flex;align-items:flex-start;justify-content:space-between;gap:1rem;flex-shrink:0;}\n.fnav-drawer__eyebrow{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.65rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.15em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#3DB4F0;display:block;margin-bottom:.2rem;}\n.fnav-drawer__title{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.95rem;font-weight:700;color:#FFFFFF;display:block;}\n.fnav-close{background:rgba(255,255,255,.1);border:none;color:#FFFFFF;font-size:1.4rem;width:32px;height:32px;border-radius:50%;cursor:pointer;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;flex-shrink:0;transition:background .15s;}\n.fnav-close:hover{background:rgba(255,255,255,.2);}\n.fnav-drawer__body{flex:1;overflow-y:auto;padding:1.5rem;}\n.fnav-group__label{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.65rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.15em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#636B78;display:block;margin-bottom:.75rem;}\n.fnav-group__items{display:grid;gap:.2rem;}\n.fnav-item{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:.75rem;padding:.65rem .75rem;border-radius:8px;font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.88rem;font-weight:500;color:#4A5060;transition:background .15s,color .15s;}\n.fnav-item:hover{background:#E6EEF6;color:#002147;}\n.fnav-item.is-active{background:#EBF6FD;color:#00629A;font-weight:600;}\n.fnav-item__dot{width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:#C2D4E6;flex-shrink:0;transition:background .15s;}\n.fnav-item.is-active .fnav-item__dot{background:#008ED6;}\n.fnav-drawer__footer{color:#FFFFFF !important;border-top:1px solid #C2D4E6;padding:1rem 1.5rem;flex-shrink:0;}\n.fnav-footer-link{color:#FFFFFF !important;text-decoration:none;font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.82rem;font-weight:600;color:#00629A;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:2px;}\n.jsu-btt{position:fixed;bottom:28px;right:28px;z-index:900;background:#008ED6;border:none;border-radius:50%;width:44px;height:44px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;cursor:pointer;color:#FFFFFF;font-size:22px;line-height:1;opacity:0;visibility:hidden;transform:translateY(10px);transition:opacity .25s,visibility .25s,transform .25s,background .15s;box-shadow:0 4px 16px rgba(0,142,214,.35);}\n.jsu-btt.is-visible{opacity:1;visibility:visible;transform:translateY(0);}\n.jsu-btt:hover{background:#007ABB;}\n.jsu-btt:focus-visible{outline:3px solid #5BAADC;outline-offset:3px;}\n.sr-only{position:absolute;width:1px;height:1px;padding:0;margin:-1px;overflow:hidden;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);white-space:nowrap;border:0;color:#1C2430;background:#FFFFFF;}\n.resource-list{display:grid;gap:.75rem;}\n.resource-item{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:1rem;padding:1rem 1.25rem;background:#FFFFFF;border:1px solid #C2D4E6;border-radius:8px;transition:border-color .2s;}\n.resource-item:hover{border-color:#008ED6;}\n.resource-icon{font-size:1.5rem;flex-shrink:0;}\n.resource-item__name{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-weight:600;font-size:.92rem;color:#002147;}\n.resource-item__desc{font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:.9rem;color:#636B78;}\n.resource-item__link{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.8rem;font-weight:600;color:#00629A;text-decoration:underline;margin-left:auto;white-space:nowrap;flex-shrink:0;}\n@media(max-width:900px){.about-grid,.contact-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;}.footer__grid{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;}.hero__inner{grid-template-columns:1fr;}.hero__stat-band{flex-direction:row;flex-wrap:wrap;min-width:0;}}\n@media(max-width:600px){.footer__grid{grid-template-columns:1fr;}.cta-band__inner{flex-direction:column;}}\n\n    .contact-items{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:2.5rem;margin-top:0;}\n    .contact-item{display:flex;gap:.85rem;align-items:flex-start;min-width:220px;}\n    .contact-icon{font-size:1.3rem;line-height:1;margin-top:.1rem;flex-shrink:0;}\n    .contact-item__label{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.75rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#636B78;margin-bottom:.15rem;}\n    .contact-item__val{font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:1rem;color:#1C2430;}\n    .contact-item__val a{color:#00629A;text-decoration:underline;}\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\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 !important;\n}\n.sec p,\n.sec li,\n.sec dd,\n.sec dt {\n    color: #4A5060 !important;\n}\n.sec a {\n    color: #00629A !important;\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\n\/* \u2500\u2500 A11y: keep the CLOSED nav drawer out of the tab order \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\n   Fixes WAVE\/axe \"aria-hidden element contains focusable content\". *\/\n.fnav-drawer{transition:right .35s cubic-bezier(0.22,1,0.36,1),visibility 0s linear .35s;}\n.fnav-drawer.is-open{visibility:visible;transition:right .35s cubic-bezier(0.22,1,0.36,1),visibility 0s linear 0s;}\n.fnav-drawer:not(.is-open){visibility:hidden;}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Contents box \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\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.contents-box{background:#EAF3FB;border:1px solid #C2D4E6;border-radius:12px;padding:1.4rem 1.6rem;max-width:760px;}\n.contents-box__title{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.8rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#00629A;margin:0 0 .8rem;}\n.contents-list{list-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(210px,1fr));gap:.5rem 1.5rem;}\n.contents-list a{font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:1.04rem;color:#00629A;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:2px;}\n.back-link{display:inline-block;margin-top:1.25rem;font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.82rem;font-weight:600;color:#00629A;text-decoration:none;}\n.back-link:hover{text-decoration:underline;}\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Prose subsections \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\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.sub{margin-bottom:2rem;max-width:960px;}\n.sub:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}\n.sub__head{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:1.12rem;font-weight:700;color:#002147;margin:0 0 .8rem;padding-bottom:.4rem;border-bottom:2px solid #D9E2EC;}\n.prose{max-width:960px;font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:1.06rem;line-height:1.75;color:#1C2430;}\n.prose p{margin:0 0 1.1rem;}\n.prose p:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}\n.lead-in{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-weight:700;color:#002147;margin:1.2rem 0 .6rem;}\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Bullet + numbered lists \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\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.bullet-list{list-style:none;margin:0 0 .5rem;padding:0;display:grid;gap:.55rem;max-width:940px;}\n.bullet-list li{position:relative;padding-left:1.5rem;font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:1.05rem;line-height:1.6;color:#1C2430;}\n.bullet-list li::before{content:\"\";position:absolute;left:0;top:.62rem;width:.45rem;height:.45rem;border-radius:50%;background:#00659E;}\n.bullet-list .sub-list{margin:.5rem 0 0;}\n.bullet-list .sub-list li::before{background:#8AA9C4;width:.35rem;height:.35rem;top:.66rem;}\n.step-item{margin-bottom:1.5rem;max-width:940px;}\n.step-lead{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:1.04rem;font-weight:700;color:#002147;margin:0 0 .6rem;display:flex;gap:.7rem;align-items:baseline;}\n.step-num{flex-shrink:0;width:1.5rem;height:1.5rem;border-radius:50%;background:#002147;color:#FFFFFF;font-size:.82rem;display:inline-flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;}\n.num-detail{counter-reset:d;list-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;display:grid;gap:1rem;max-width:940px;}\n.num-detail li{counter-increment:d;position:relative;padding-left:2.4rem;font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:1.05rem;line-height:1.65;color:#1C2430;}\n.num-detail li::before{content:counter(d);position:absolute;left:0;top:0;width:1.6rem;height:1.6rem;border-radius:50%;background:#00659E;color:#FFFFFF;font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.85rem;font-weight:700;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;}\n.num-detail strong{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;color:#002147;}\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Preliminary items table \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\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.prelim-table{width:100%;max-width:820px;border-collapse:collapse;margin:0;}\n.prelim-table thead th{background:#002147;color:#FFFFFF;font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.78rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.05em;text-transform:uppercase;text-align:left;padding:.7rem 1rem;}\n.prelim-table td{padding:.55rem 1rem;border-bottom:1px solid #E4EBF2;font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:1.02rem;color:#1C2430;vertical-align:top;}\n.prelim-table td:first-child{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-weight:600;color:#002147;white-space:nowrap;}\n.prelim-table tbody tr:hover{background:#F6F9FC;}\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Sample pages grid \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\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.sample-grid{list-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(240px,1fr));gap:.75rem 1.5rem;max-width:800px;}\n.sample-grid li{display:flex;align-items:baseline;gap:.7rem;}\n.sample-grid a{flex:1;font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:1.05rem;color:#00629A;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:2px;}\n.sample-grid .muted{flex:1;font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:1.05rem;color:#5A6472;}\n.res-badge{flex-shrink:0;font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;font-size:.6rem;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.06em;padding:.22rem .48rem;border-radius:5px;background:#EAF3FB;color:#00629A;border:1px solid #C2D4E6;min-width:2.9rem;text-align:center;}\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Callouts \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\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.note-callout{background:#FBF6E9;border:1px solid #E8DCC0;border-left:4px solid #C79A3B;border-radius:10px;padding:1.1rem 1.4rem;font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:1.05rem;line-height:1.6;color:#1C2430;max-width:940px;}\n.note-callout strong{font-family:'Sora',sans-serif;color:#7A5A12;}\n.frame-callout{background:#EAF3FB;border:1px solid #C2D4E6;border-left:4px solid #00659E;border-radius:12px;padding:clamp(1.4rem,3vw,2rem);max-width:920px;}\n.frame-callout p{font-family:'Crimson Pro',Georgia,serif;font-size:1.08rem;line-height:1.7;color:#1C2430;margin:0 0 1rem;}\n.frame-callout p:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}\n.frame-callout .cta-row{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:.75rem;margin-top:.4rem;}\n\/* \u2500\u2500 A11y: inline + callout links + light-section primary btn \u2500\u2500 *\/\n.jsu-main-content p a,.jsu-main-content li a{text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:2px;}\n.jsu-main-content .frame-callout a,.jsu-main-content .note-callout a{text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:2px;}\n.jsu-main-content a.btn--primary{color:#FFFFFF !important;text-decoration:none;}\n<\/style>\n<\/head>\n<body>\n<a href=\"#main-content\" class=\"skip-link\">Skip to main content<\/a>\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\">\n<div class=\"w\"><ol class=\"breadcrumb__list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/\">JSU Home<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/\">Division of Graduate Studies<\/a><\/li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">Tips for Completing the Master&rsquo;s Thesis or Project<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n\n<main id=\"main-content\" class=\"jsu-main-content\">\n\n  <!-- HERO \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\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  <section class=\"hero dk\" aria-labelledby=\"hero-h\">\n  <div class=\"w\"><div class=\"hero__inner\"><div>\n    <span class=\"hero__tag\">DIVISION OF GRADUATE STUDIES<\/span>\n    <h1 class=\"hero__title\" id=\"hero-h\">Tips for Completing the <em>Master&rsquo;s Thesis or Project<\/em><\/h1>\n    <p class=\"hero__desc\">\n      Format standards, technical details, and the approval process for preparing your\n      master&rsquo;s thesis or project at Jackson State University.\n    <\/p>\n    <div class=\"hero__btns\">\n      <a href=\"#contents\" class=\"btn btn--primary\">View Contents<\/a>\n      <a href=\"#sample\" class=\"btn btn--outline-white\">Sample Pages<\/a>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- OVERVIEW + CONTENTS \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\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  <section class=\"sec\" id=\"overview\" aria-labelledby=\"overview-h\">\n  <div class=\"w\">\n    <div class=\"sec-head\">\n      <span class=\"sec-eyebrow\">Overview<\/span>\n      <h2 class=\"sec-title\" id=\"overview-h\">About this guide<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"prose\" style=\"margin-bottom:2rem;\">\n      <p>\n        Students in selected Master&rsquo;s programs must demonstrate evidence of a high\n        degree of scholarship, competence in scholarly exposition, and the ability to\n        select, organize, and apply knowledge through a thesis. The\n        &ldquo;Guidelines for Preparing the Master&rsquo;s Thesis,&rdquo; as developed and\n        enhanced by the Graduate Faculty of Jackson State University, provides examples of\n        best practices concerning format standards that must be met before it receives\n        final approval by the Division of Graduate Studies. This unit highlights items\n        from Chapter 3: Technical Details. It is not meant to replace the\n        &ldquo;Guidelines for Preparing the Master&rsquo;s Thesis&rdquo; or\n        &ldquo;Guidelines for Preparing the Master&rsquo;s Project.&rdquo; Each student\n        should obtain a copy of the <a href=\"https:\/\/jsums.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/66\/2026\/10\/Thesis.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Guidelines for Preparing the Master&rsquo;s Thesis<\/a>\n        for full details.\n      <\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"contents-box\" id=\"contents\">\n      <p class=\"contents-box__title\">Contents<\/p>\n      <ul class=\"contents-list\">\n        <li><a href=\"#initial\">Initial Steps<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"#arrangement\">Preliminary Items<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"#text\">Text<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"#end\">End Items<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"#approval\">Approval Process<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"#closing\">Closing Comments<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"#responsibilities\">Responsibilities<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"#sample\">Sample Pages<\/a><\/li>\n      <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- INITIAL STEPS \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\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  <section class=\"sec sec--off\" id=\"initial\" aria-labelledby=\"initial-h\">\n  <div class=\"w\">\n    <div class=\"sec-head\">\n      <span class=\"sec-eyebrow\">Step 1<\/span>\n      <h2 class=\"sec-title\" id=\"initial-h\">Initial steps<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"step-item\">\n      <p class=\"step-lead\"><span class=\"step-num\" aria-hidden=\"true\">1<\/span> Thesis\/Project Committee Approval Form (<a href=\"https:\/\/jsums.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/66\/2026\/10\/Committee-Approval-Form-Revised-1-19-22-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">click here for a Committee Approval Form<\/a>)<\/p>\n      <ul class=\"bullet-list\">\n        <li>This form is essential for students who are writing a thesis or project. It is established policy that the student selects his\/her advisor with consent of the department chair. The advisor assists the student in the formation of a committee of the appropriate number of graduate faculty members. This form documents the constitution of a student&rsquo;s committee and approval of the student&rsquo;s research proposal by the student&rsquo;s committee.<\/li>\n        <li>The signatures of the committee members indicate their willingness to serve on your committee and their approval of the proposal. After all the signatures have been obtained, file this form with the Division of Graduate Studies.<\/li>\n        <li>This form must be filed <strong>before<\/strong> you start your research.<\/li>\n      <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"step-item\">\n      <p class=\"step-lead\"><span class=\"step-num\" aria-hidden=\"true\">2<\/span> Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)<\/p>\n      <ul class=\"bullet-list\">\n        <li>If your proposed research involves human subjects, it must be approved by the Jackson State University Institutional Review Board (IRB).<\/li>\n        <li>If your proposed research involves animals, it must be approved by the JSU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).<\/li>\n        <li>A full explanation of the procedures and Federal Guidelines are available from the JSU Office of Research Compliance.<\/li>\n      <\/ul>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"step-item\">\n      <p class=\"step-lead\"><span class=\"step-num\" aria-hidden=\"true\">3<\/span> Proposal<\/p>\n      <div class=\"prose\"><p>The Division of Graduate Studies does not define the content or style for a proposal. Please consult your committee chairperson.<\/p><\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <a href=\"#contents\" class=\"back-link\">&uarr; Back to contents<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- PRELIMINARY ITEMS \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\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  <section class=\"sec\" id=\"arrangement\" aria-labelledby=\"arrangement-h\">\n  <div class=\"w\">\n    <div class=\"sec-head\">\n      <span class=\"sec-eyebrow\">Front Matter<\/span>\n      <h2 class=\"sec-title\" id=\"arrangement-h\">Arrangement of preliminary items<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <table class=\"prelim-table\">\n      <caption class=\"sr-only\" style=\"position:absolute;width:1px;height:1px;overflow:hidden;clip:rect(0,0,0,0);\">Arrangement and numbering of preliminary items in the thesis or project<\/caption>\n      <thead>\n        <tr><th scope=\"col\">Item<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Status<\/th><th scope=\"col\">Page Numbering<\/th><\/tr>\n      <\/thead>\n      <tbody>\n        <tr><td>Title Page<\/td><td>Required<\/td><td>Counted as page &ldquo;i&rdquo;, but not numbered<\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><td>Approval Page<\/td><td>Required<\/td><td>Counted as page &ldquo;ii&rdquo;, but not numbered<\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><td>Copyright Page<\/td><td>Optional<\/td><td>No page number<\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><td>Dedication Page<\/td><td>Optional<\/td><td>No page number<\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><td>Table of Contents<\/td><td>Required<\/td><td>Must be numbered as page &ldquo;iii&rdquo;<\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><td>List of Tables<\/td><td>If needed<\/td><td>Small Roman numeral<\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><td>List of Figures<\/td><td>If needed<\/td><td>Small Roman numeral<\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><td>Acknowledgements<\/td><td>Required<\/td><td>Small Roman numeral<\/td><\/tr>\n        <tr><td>Abstract<\/td><td>Required<\/td><td>Counted as page, but not numbered<\/td><\/tr>\n      <\/tbody>\n    <\/table>\n    <ol class=\"num-detail\" style=\"margin-top:1.75rem;\">\n        <li><strong>Title Page:<\/strong> This page is assigned the Roman numeral &ldquo;i&rdquo;, although the number does not appear. The date used is the month and year of commencement. The page must be spaced EXACTLY as shown in Appendix A of the &ldquo;Guidelines for Preparing the Master&rsquo;s Thesis&rdquo; or the Project Guidelines.<\/li>\n        <li><strong>Approval Page:<\/strong> Each copy of the thesis\/project must have an approval page using the exact wording and format shown on the sample page in Appendix A of the &ldquo;Guidelines for Preparing the Master&rsquo;s Thesis&rdquo; or the Project Guidelines. This sheet must be on the same brand and weight of paper as the remainder of the thesis\/project. Although the page may be a copy, THE COMMITTEE SIGNATURES MUST BE ORIGINAL. Black ink is required for the original signatures. (Use of ink of other color will result in the thesis\/project being returned.) Approval pages are not numbered.<\/li>\n        <li><strong>Table of Contents:<\/strong> The first page of the Table of Contents must be &ldquo;iii&rdquo;. Other pages are numbered consecutively. The page number is centered at the bottom of the page. Chapter or Section Titles, References, Appendix(es) and Vita must be included. Although it is not necessary to include all levels of headings, inclusion must be consistent. If a particular level is included at any point, all headings of that level must be included. This page should have a 2-inch top margin.<\/li>\n        <li><strong>Abstract:<\/strong> The abstract is a brief summary of the problem and the results of the research. The abstract of a thesis\/project should be a concise review of the work and must not exceed 600 words. This page is numbered for the Table of Contents, but the page number must not appear on the page. This page should have a 2-inch top margin.<\/li>\n    <\/ol>\n    <a href=\"#contents\" class=\"back-link\">&uarr; Back to contents<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- TEXT + PAPER \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\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  <section class=\"sec sec--off\" id=\"text\" aria-labelledby=\"text-h\">\n  <div class=\"w\">\n    <div class=\"sec-head\">\n      <span class=\"sec-eyebrow\">Formatting<\/span>\n      <h2 class=\"sec-title\" id=\"text-h\">Text<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"prose\" style=\"margin-bottom:1.25rem;\">\n      <p>Refer to the style manual required by your department for items not discussed in the &ldquo;Guidelines for Preparing the Master&rsquo;s Thesis&rdquo; or the Project Guidelines.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n    <ul class=\"bullet-list\">\n      <li><strong>Font<\/strong> &mdash; the recommended font is Times Roman, size 12.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>Line Spacing<\/strong> &mdash; standard double spacing is used for the document text. Most style manuals require single spacing for long quotations and bibliographic entries (double spacing should be used between entries).<\/li>\n      <li><strong>Margins<\/strong>\n        <ul class=\"bullet-list sub-list\">\n          <li>Left: 1.5 inches (this allows for binding).<\/li>\n          <li>Right and Bottom: 1 inch.<\/li>\n          <li>Top: start of major section = 2 inches; all other pages = 1 inch.<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/li>\n      <li><strong>Page Numbers<\/strong>\n        <ul class=\"bullet-list sub-list\">\n          <li>The first page of the text section must be &lsquo;1&rsquo;.<\/li>\n          <li>Pages are numbered consecutively beginning with 1 and continuing to the end of the document.<\/li>\n          <li>Page numbers for the start of each Chapter or major section are placed in the center-bottom position (1 inch or 7 lines up from the bottom).<\/li>\n          <li>Page numbers for all other pages must be placed one inch (line 7) from the top and even with the right margin.<\/li>\n          <li>No other numbering scheme is acceptable; the standard scheme may not be disrupted with insertions numbered 10a, 10b, 10c, etc.<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n\n    <p class=\"lead-in\">Paper<\/p>\n    <ul class=\"bullet-list\">\n        <li>Initial submission of the thesis\/project, for review by the Graduate Reader, should be on &ldquo;regular&rdquo; paper.<\/li>\n        <li><strong>Thesis:<\/strong> after the corrections of the Graduate Reader are made, the student will submit three (3) unbound copies of the thesis, on white, (at least) 20-pound, 25% rag, acid-free paper, to the Division of Graduate Studies.<\/li>\n        <li><strong>Project:<\/strong> after the corrections of the Graduate Reader are made, the student will submit one (1) spiral-bound copy of the project, on white, (at least) 20-pound, 25% rag, acid-free paper, to the Division of Graduate Studies.<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n    <a href=\"#contents\" class=\"back-link\">&uarr; Back to contents<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- END ITEMS \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\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  <section class=\"sec\" id=\"end\" aria-labelledby=\"end-h\">\n  <div class=\"w\">\n    <div class=\"sec-head\">\n      <span class=\"sec-eyebrow\">Back Matter<\/span>\n      <h2 class=\"sec-title\" id=\"end-h\">End items<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <ul class=\"bullet-list\">\n        <li><strong>Bibliography \/ List of References:<\/strong> the format for the citations should be that used by the appropriate style manual for the student&rsquo;s department.<\/li>\n        <li><strong>Appendix or Appendices:<\/strong> an appendix (or appendixes or appendices), if included, is preceded by a numbered page with the designation centered vertically and horizontally between the margins.<\/li>\n        <li><strong>If IRB approval was required, a copy of your approval letter must be included as an appendix.<\/strong><\/li>\n        <li><strong>Vita:<\/strong> a vita is written in narrative form or outline form and contains appropriate personal, academic and professional information. It is the last item in the manuscript and appears with no preceding separation page and no page number.<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n    <a href=\"#contents\" class=\"back-link\">&uarr; Back to contents<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- APPROVAL PROCESS \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\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  <section class=\"sec sec--off\" id=\"approval\" aria-labelledby=\"approval-h\">\n  <div class=\"w\">\n    <div class=\"sec-head\">\n      <span class=\"sec-eyebrow\">Defense &amp; Submission<\/span>\n      <h2 class=\"sec-title\" id=\"approval-h\">Approval process<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <ul class=\"bullet-list\">\n      <li><strong>Timeline:<\/strong> 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. Click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/gradadmissions\/dates-deadlines-and-notices\/\">here<\/a> for Dates and Deadlines.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>Scheduling your Defense:<\/strong> the chairperson of the committee for the candidate for the degree, in concurrence with the other members of the committee, shall notify the members of the committee, the Department Chair, the Dean of the College, the Dean of the Division of Graduate Studies, and other appropriate persons of the place, date, and time of the defense.<\/li>\n      <li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/gadmappl\/forms\/DefenseResults.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Committee Report of Defense Results<\/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 submission of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/on-line-graduation-clearance-graduate-students\/\">Final Clearance for Graduation<\/a>.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>First Submission:<\/strong> one unbound copy of the thesis\/project must be presented to the committee.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>The Committee:<\/strong> the FIRST SUBMISSION will be reviewed to determine format and compliance with the appropriate guidelines from the department&rsquo;s adopted style manual. The student will be notified if any revisions are necessary, in a timely manner. If revisions of the manuscript are necessary, the student must incorporate the changes and resubmit to the committee.<\/li>\n      <li><strong>Second Submission:<\/strong>\n        <ul class=\"bullet-list sub-list\">\n          <li><strong>Thesis:<\/strong> after the corrections of the committee are made, the student will submit three (3) unbound copies of the thesis, on white, (at least) 20-pound, 25% rag, acid-free paper. One copy will be placed in the JSU Library, one copy will be sent to the department, and one copy is for the student.<\/li>\n          <li><strong>Project:<\/strong> after the corrections are made, the student will submit one (1) spiral-bound copy of the project, on white, (at least) 20-pound, 25% rag, acid-free paper. This copy will be placed in the JSU Library.<\/li>\n        <\/ul>\n      <\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n    <a href=\"#contents\" class=\"back-link\">&uarr; Back to contents<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- CLOSING COMMENTS \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\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  <section class=\"sec\" id=\"closing\" aria-labelledby=\"closing-h\">\n  <div class=\"w\">\n    <div class=\"sec-head\">\n      <span class=\"sec-eyebrow\">Closing Comments<\/span>\n      <h2 class=\"sec-title\" id=\"closing-h\">A note on approval<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"note-callout\">\n      Submission of a thesis\/project should not be interpreted as approval. Approval comes\n      only after the document is read and the format reviewed for consistency with\n      guidelines. The final copy of the thesis\/project must be acceptable to all members\n      of the committee as witnessed by the signatures on the approval page.\n    <\/div>\n    <a href=\"#contents\" class=\"back-link\">&uarr; Back to contents<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- RESPONSIBILITIES \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\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  <section class=\"sec sec--off\" id=\"responsibilities\" aria-labelledby=\"responsibilities-h\">\n  <div class=\"w\">\n    <div class=\"sec-head\">\n      <span class=\"sec-eyebrow\">Roles<\/span>\n      <h2 class=\"sec-title\" id=\"responsibilities-h\">Responsibilities<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"sub\">\n      <h3 class=\"sub__head\">Student&rsquo;s Responsibility<\/h3>\n      <ul class=\"bullet-list\">\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 the 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=\"sub\">\n      <h3 class=\"sub__head\">Committee&rsquo;s Responsibility<\/h3>\n      <div class=\"prose\" style=\"margin-bottom:.7rem;\"><p>It is the committee members&rsquo; responsibility to&hellip;<\/p><\/div>\n      <ul class=\"bullet-list\">\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=\"sub\">\n      <h3 class=\"sub__head\">Advisor and Committee&rsquo;s Responsibility<\/h3>\n      <div class=\"prose\" style=\"margin-bottom:.7rem;\"><p>It is the chairperson&rsquo;s and committee members&rsquo; responsibility to know the policies, rules, and regulations of both the Division of Graduate Studies and the major department relative to the thesis\/project process. In addition, the chair is also responsible for&hellip;<\/p><\/div>\n      <ul class=\"bullet-list\">\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=\"sub\">\n      <h3 class=\"sub__head\">Department Chair \/ Program Director&rsquo;s Responsibility<\/h3>\n      <div class=\"prose\" style=\"margin-bottom:.7rem;\"><p>It is the department chair\/program director&rsquo;s responsibility to know and enforce the policies, rules, and regulations of both the Division of Graduate Studies and the department\/program. The chair\/director is also responsible for&hellip;<\/p><\/div>\n      <ul class=\"bullet-list\">\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    <a href=\"#contents\" class=\"back-link\">&uarr; Back to contents<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- SAMPLE PAGES \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\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  <section class=\"sec\" id=\"sample\" aria-labelledby=\"sample-h\">\n  <div class=\"w\">\n    <div class=\"sec-head\">\n      <span class=\"sec-eyebrow\">Templates<\/span>\n      <h2 class=\"sec-title\" id=\"sample-h\">Sample pages<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <ul class=\"sample-grid\">\n        <li>\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/jsums.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/66\/2026\/10\/title.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"Title Page (PDF)\">Title Page<\/a>\n          <span class=\"res-badge\">PDF<\/span>\n        <\/li>\n        <li>\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/jsums.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/66\/2026\/10\/approval.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"Approval Page (PDF)\">Approval Page<\/a>\n          <span class=\"res-badge\">PDF<\/span>\n        <\/li>\n        <li>\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/jsums.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/66\/2026\/10\/contents.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"Table of Contents (PDF)\">Table of Contents<\/a>\n          <span class=\"res-badge\">PDF<\/span>\n        <\/li>\n        <li><span class=\"muted\">Abstract<\/span><span class=\"res-badge\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&mdash;<\/span><\/li>\n        <li>\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/jsums.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/66\/2026\/10\/sample-table.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"Sample Table (PDF)\">Sample Table<\/a>\n          <span class=\"res-badge\">PDF<\/span>\n        <\/li>\n        <li>\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/jsums.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/66\/2026\/10\/vita.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"Vita (PDF)\">Vita<\/a>\n          <span class=\"res-badge\">PDF<\/span>\n        <\/li>\n        <li>\n          <a href=\"https:\/\/jsums.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/66\/2026\/10\/sample-figure.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\"Sample Figure (PDF)\">Sample Figure<\/a>\n          <span class=\"res-badge\">PDF<\/span>\n        <\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n    <a href=\"#contents\" class=\"back-link\">&uarr; Back to contents<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- IMPORTANT DATES \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\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  <section class=\"sec sec--off\" id=\"dates\" aria-labelledby=\"dates-h\">\n  <div class=\"w\">\n    <div class=\"sec-head\">\n      <span class=\"sec-eyebrow\">Stay on Track<\/span>\n      <h2 class=\"sec-title\" id=\"dates-h\">Important dates<\/h2>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"frame-callout\">\n      <p>\n        Keep up-to-date with all important dates for the current semester at Jackson\n        State University. If you have any questions about the information listed, please\n        do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to help you further.\n      <\/p>\n      <div class=\"cta-row\">\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/important-dates\/\" class=\"btn btn--primary\">View Important Dates<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n  <!-- CONTACT \u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\u2500\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  <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\">Location<\/span>\n      <h2 class=\"sec-title\" id=\"contact-h\">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\">Location<\/div>\n          <div class=\"contact-item__val\">Division of Graduate Studies<br>1400 John R. Lynch Street<br>Jackson, MS 39217-0280<\/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\">Division of Graduate Studies<br>Jackson State University<br>P.O. Box 17095<br>Jackson, MS 39217<\/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>\n  <\/div>\n  <\/section>\n\n<\/main>\n<button class=\"fnav-toggle\" aria-label=\"Open page navigation menu\"\n        aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"fnav-drawer\" type=\"button\">\n<span class=\"fnav-toggle__icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#9776;<\/span>\n<span class=\"fnav-toggle__label\">Menu<\/span>\n<\/button>\n<div class=\"fnav-overlay\" id=\"fnav-overlay\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/div>\n<nav class=\"fnav-drawer\" id=\"fnav-drawer\" aria-label=\"Page navigation\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"fnav-drawer__header\">\n<div>\n  <span class=\"fnav-drawer__eyebrow\">Division of Graduate Studies<\/span>\n  <span class=\"fnav-drawer__title\">Thesis \/ Project Tips<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<button class=\"fnav-close\" aria-label=\"Close navigation menu\" type=\"button\">&times;<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fnav-drawer__body\">\n<div class=\"fnav-group\">\n<ul class=\"fnav-group__items\" role=\"list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Home<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/prospective-students-home\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Students<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:1.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/prospective-students-home\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Prospective Students<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:2.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/areas-of-study\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Areas of Study<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:2.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/masters-admissions\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Masters Admissions<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:2.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/specialist-admissions\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Specialist Admissions<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:2.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/doctoral-admissions\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Doctoral Admissions<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:2.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/non-degree-seeking-admissions\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Non-Degree Seeking Admissions<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:2.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/graduate-funding-financial-aid\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Graduate Funding &amp; Financial Aid<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:2.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/important-dates\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Important Dates<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:1.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/current-students\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Current Students<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:2.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/graduate-catalog\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Graduate Catalog<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:2.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/cyberorientation\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Cyber Orientation<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:2.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/dissertation-thesis\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Dissertation &amp; Thesis<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:2.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/jsums.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/66\/2026\/10\/Spring-2025-Dissertation-Thesis-Project-Timeline.pdf\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Dissertation, Thesis &amp; Project Timeline<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:2.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/researchcompliance\/irb-protocol\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Institutional Review Board (IRB)<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:2.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/researchcompliance\/protocolprocess\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Animal Care and Use Committee<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:2.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/disability\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Students With Disabilities<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:2.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/researchcompliance\/biosafety\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Biosafety Committee<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:2.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/wrightcenter\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Richard Wright Center<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:2.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/sampson.jsums.edu\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">University Library<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:1.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/international-students\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">International Students<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:1.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/affordable-care-act-3\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Affordable Care Act<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/graduate-forms\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Forms<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/best-practices\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Guidelines &amp; Best Practices<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/annual-report\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Annual Reports<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/graduation-education-website\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Resources<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:1.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/student-success-resources\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Student Success Resources<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/graduate-council-overview\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Council<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:1.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/graduate-council-overview\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Council Overview<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:1.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/graduate-curriculum-committee\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Curriculum Committee<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:1.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/graduate-faculty-committee\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Faculty Status Committee<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:1.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/graduate-council-members\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Council Members<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:1.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/graduate-council-meeting-dates\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Meeting Dates<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:1.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/graduate-council-meeting-minutes\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Minutes<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/graduate-student-association\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">GSA<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/graduate-school-staff\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Staff<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"padding-left:1.25rem;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/quick-contacts\/\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">Contact Us<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/jsusafe\" class=\"fnav-item\" aria-current=\"false\"><span class=\"fnav-item__dot\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><span class=\"fnav-item__text\">COVID Updates<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"fnav-drawer__footer\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsums.edu\/graduateschool\/\" class=\"fnav-footer-link\" style=\"color:#FFFFFF !important;\">\n&#8592; Division of Graduate Studies\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<button class=\"jsu-btt\" id=\"jsu-btt\" aria-label=\"Back to top\" type=\"button\">&#8679;<\/button>\n<script>\n(function(){\n'use strict';\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Year \u2500\u2500 *\/\nvar yr=document.getElementById('year');\nif(yr)yr.textContent=new Date().getFullYear();\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Drawer Nav \u2500\u2500 *\/\nvar toggle=document.querySelector('.fnav-toggle'),\n    drawer=document.getElementById('fnav-drawer'),\n    overlay=document.getElementById('fnav-overlay'),\n    closeBtn=document.querySelector('.fnav-close'),\n    navLinks=document.querySelectorAll('.fnav-item[href^=\"#\"]'),\n    isOpen=false;\n\nfunction openD(){\n  isOpen=true;\n  drawer.classList.add('is-open');\n  overlay.classList.add('is-open');\n  drawer.removeAttribute('aria-hidden');\n  overlay.removeAttribute('aria-hidden');\n  toggle.setAttribute('aria-expanded','true');\n  document.body.style.overflow='hidden';\n  var f=drawer.querySelector('button,[href],[tabindex]:not([tabindex=\"-1\"])');\n  if(f)f.focus();\n}\nfunction closeD(){\n  isOpen=false;\n  drawer.classList.remove('is-open');\n  overlay.classList.remove('is-open');\n  drawer.setAttribute('aria-hidden','true');\n  overlay.setAttribute('aria-hidden','true');\n  toggle.setAttribute('aria-expanded','false');\n  document.body.style.overflow='';\n  if(toggle)toggle.focus();\n}\n\nif(toggle)toggle.addEventListener('click',openD);\nif(closeBtn)closeBtn.addEventListener('click',closeD);\nif(overlay)overlay.addEventListener('click',closeD);\n\ndocument.addEventListener('keydown',function(e){\n  if(!isOpen)return;\n  if(e.key==='Escape'){closeD();return;}\n  if(e.key==='Tab'){\n    var focusable=Array.from(drawer.querySelectorAll(\n      'button:not([disabled]),[href],[tabindex]:not([tabindex=\"-1\"])'\n    )).filter(function(el){return el.offsetParent!==null;});\n    if(!focusable.length)return;\n    var first=focusable[0],last=focusable[focusable.length-1];\n    if(e.shiftKey&&document.activeElement===first){e.preventDefault();last.focus();}\n    else if(!e.shiftKey&&document.activeElement===last){e.preventDefault();first.focus();}\n  }\n});\n\nnavLinks.forEach(function(link){\n  link.addEventListener('click',function(e){\n    var t=document.querySelector(this.getAttribute('href'));\n    if(!t)return;\n    e.preventDefault();\n    closeD();\n    setTimeout(function(){\n      var ab=document.getElementById('wpadminbar');\n      var off=24+(ab?ab.offsetHeight:0);\n      window.scrollTo({top:t.getBoundingClientRect().top+window.pageYOffset-off,behavior:'smooth'});\n      t.setAttribute('tabindex','-1');\n      t.focus({preventScroll:true});\n    },220);\n  });\n});\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 IntersectionObserver: active section in drawer \u2500\u2500 *\/\nif('IntersectionObserver' in window){\n  var sm={};\n  navLinks.forEach(function(link){\n    var id=link.getAttribute('href').replace('#','');\n    var el=document.getElementById(id);\n    if(el)sm[id]=link;\n  });\n  var io=new IntersectionObserver(function(entries){\n    entries.forEach(function(entry){\n      if(entry.isIntersecting){\n        Object.values(sm).forEach(function(l){\n          l.classList.remove('is-active');\n          l.setAttribute('aria-current','false');\n        });\n        var a=sm[entry.target.id];\n        if(a){a.classList.add('is-active');a.setAttribute('aria-current','true');}\n      }\n    });\n  },{rootMargin:'-20% 0px -60% 0px',threshold:0});\n  Object.keys(sm).forEach(function(id){\n    var el=document.getElementById(id);\n    if(el)io.observe(el);\n  });\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Scroll: BTT + Menu toggle show\/hide \u2500\u2500 *\/\nvar btt=document.getElementById('jsu-btt');\nvar tog=document.querySelector('.fnav-toggle');\n\nwindow.addEventListener('scroll',function(){\n  var y=window.pageYOffset;\n  \/* Back-to-top: show after 300px *\/\n  if(btt)btt.classList.toggle('is-visible',y>300);\n  \/* Menu tab: show after 200px, hide when back at very top *\/\n  if(tog)tog.classList.toggle('is-visible',y>200);\n},{passive:true});\n\nif(btt){\n  btt.addEventListener('click',function(){\n    window.scrollTo({top:0,behavior:'smooth'});\n  });\n}\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Tabs (ARIA tablist) \u2500\u2500 *\/\nvar tabs=document.querySelectorAll('[role=\"tab\"]');\nvar panels=document.querySelectorAll('[role=\"tabpanel\"]');\n\ntabs.forEach(function(btn,i){\n  btn.addEventListener('click',function(){\n    tabs.forEach(function(b){\n      b.setAttribute('aria-selected','false');\n      b.setAttribute('tabindex','-1');\n    });\n    panels.forEach(function(p){\n      p.classList.remove('is-active');\n      p.setAttribute('hidden','');\n    });\n    btn.setAttribute('aria-selected','true');\n    btn.setAttribute('tabindex','0');\n    var p=document.getElementById(btn.getAttribute('aria-controls'));\n    if(p){p.classList.add('is-active');p.removeAttribute('hidden');}\n  });\n  btn.addEventListener('keydown',function(e){\n    var d=0;\n    if(e.key==='ArrowRight')d=1;\n    if(e.key==='ArrowLeft')d=-1;\n    if(d===0)return;\n    e.preventDefault();\n    var n=(i+d+tabs.length)%tabs.length;\n    tabs[n].focus();\n    tabs[n].click();\n  });\n});\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Accordion \u2500\u2500 *\/\ndocument.querySelectorAll('.accordion__trigger').forEach(function(btn){\n  btn.addEventListener('click',function(){\n    var ex=btn.getAttribute('aria-expanded')==='true';\n    var body=document.getElementById(btn.getAttribute('aria-controls'));\n    btn.setAttribute('aria-expanded',String(!ex));\n    if(body)body.classList.toggle('is-open',!ex);\n  });\n});\n\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Contact form validation \u2500\u2500 *\/\nwindow.submitContactForm=function(){\n  var n=document.getElementById('cf-name'),\n      em=document.getElementById('cf-email'),\n      msg=document.getElementById('cf-message'),\n      st=document.getElementById('form-status'),\n      ok=true;\n  [n,em,msg].forEach(function(el){\n    if(!el)return;\n    el.classList.remove('is-error');\n    var err=document.getElementById(el.getAttribute('aria-describedby'));\n    if(err)err.classList.remove('is-visible');\n  });\n  if(st){st.className='form-status';st.textContent='';}\n  function flag(el){\n    ok=false;el.classList.add('is-error');\n    var err=document.getElementById(el.getAttribute('aria-describedby'));\n    if(err)err.classList.add('is-visible');\n  }\n  if(n&&!n.value.trim())flag(n);\n  if(em&&!\/^[^\\s@]+@[^\\s@]+\\.[^\\s@]+$\/.test(em.value))flag(em);\n  if(msg&&!msg.value.trim())flag(msg);\n  if(!ok){\n    if(st){st.className='form-status is-err';st.textContent='Please correct the highlighted fields before submitting.';}\n    var fe=document.querySelector('.form-control.is-error');\n    if(fe)fe.focus();\n    return;\n  }\n  if(st){\n    st.className='form-status is-ok';\n    st.textContent=\"Thank you! Your message has been sent. We'll respond within 1-2 business days.\";\n    st.focus();\n  }\n  [n,em,msg].forEach(function(el){if(el)el.value='';});\n  var sub=document.getElementById('cf-subject');\n  if(sub)sub.selectedIndex=0;\n};\n\n})();\n<\/script>\n<\/body>\n<\/html>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tips for Completing the Master&rsquo;s Thesis or Project &middot; Jackson State University Skip to main content JSU Home Division of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"full-width-container","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-861","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jsums.org\/graduateschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/861","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jsums.org\/graduateschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jsums.org\/graduateschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jsums.org\/graduateschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jsums.org\/graduateschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=861"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/jsums.org\/graduateschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/861\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1151,"href":"https:\/\/jsums.org\/graduateschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/861\/revisions\/1151"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jsums.org\/graduateschool\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=861"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}