How to Write a Thesis

So you've applied, or plan to apply to a Masters program of your choice. Congratulations on continuing your education! As you become aware of the requisites of such a degree, it dawns on you that you will have to complete a thesis. Depending on the department, the thesis may or may not have a data collection section. However, every thesis has the same process by which it becomes approved and credited for completion. Here are some beginning to end tips that I am passing on.
1. Pick your adviser before you pick your topic. I realize this may sound counterintuitive, but you will be working with this person for the duration and if the adviser does not have subject buy-in, then you will not have as much enthusiasm for the long haul. Discuss what interests you with your adviser and come up with a topic together.
2. Begin writing immediately. Once the topic has been chosen, begin to brainstorm what you would like to do, avenues of study and research that you should pursue, and even parts of the literature review and methods section. Consider your thesis as a 1000 piece puzzle. You may not have all or even the larger pieces, but when you write and research, you are slowly getting those pieces together. A little work consistently over a longer period is better quality wise and is less stressful.
3. Keep communication open with your adviser. When i did not see or hear from my adviser in several weeks, I began to resent and even feel like I was being a pest. Do not worry if you are being a pest. Remember, you are paying for your degree and all of your professors work for you. If you need something from them, ask. Do not let two weeks go by without 'checking in.' This will help move the process along and make things less awkward as well.
4. If doing data collection, make friends with the campus internet pool contact if doing on-line data. For paper and pencil tests or other form of research, find the main 'go to' person and make sure they know who you are and think of you fondly. Once again, keep the lines of communication open so you can ask questions. You will have questions.
5. Work with your committee members' schedules. A little respect goes a long way. When you ask your committee to meet to approve your thesis, be considerate of times that will work best for them. However, do not be so accommodating that never set a meeting time.
6. Do not forget your fellow colleges as resources. Your friends that came into the program at the same time as yourself will be going through the same process. Ask them how they approached a certain issue that you are having. It is really amazing how much other people know.
7. Finally, when you get discouraged, remember that a thesis paper has been written by someone dumber than you. You can do it! Just remember that it is really a game of give and take that will better prepare you for getting proposals and projects approved in your job to come.
It will be a proud day when you get the bound copy of your thesis to sit on your book shelf for years to collect dust, right beside the framed Masters diploma. Good luck!