Based on Guide to Successful Thesis and Dissertation, by James E. Mauch and Jack W. Birch, 1998; and Dissertation and Theses from Start to Finish:Psychology and Related Fields, by John D. Cone and Sharon L. Foster, 2003.

What does a project/thesis advisor do?

• Advises the student in the selection of committee members
• Chairs the committee
• Serves as a teacher, mentor and senior research colleague
• Helps you develop your project idea and methodology
• Oversees the proposal meeting and oral defense
• Provides quality control
• Approves your final project before it goes to committee (A good advisor not only helps you produce a high quality project by your deadline, but she/he ultimately teaches you how to conduct investigations independently.)

What your project/thesis advisor wants from you?

• Initiative or drive
• Narrowing the area of the project that you want to investigate
• Taking the lead whenever you can in your investigation
• Be as independent as you can
• Approach your advisor armed with possible options and solutions to your questions competent and produce quality work
• Remember, your finished project will reflect on both of you.
• See page 38 in Guide to Successful Thesis and Dissertation for "Things Advisors Hate to Hear."

What you want from your project/thesis advisor

• Compatible areas of expertise
• Work styles and backgrounds
• Receptiveness to constant contact (You will be working together for possibly many months, so make sure you are comfortable with this person in a working relationship.)
• Specific, timely feedback on your work
• Will read and critique multiple drafts of each section
• Respond in a timely fashion consistently throughout the life of the project.
• Support and motivation
• Inspire you, help you maintain your enthusiasm for your research and even give you a push if you need one.

What to look for

• Expertise in your topic area, preferably a high level of expertise
• Remember that your advisor's name will be on your final project as well, which should enhance your career in the long run.
• Compatibility, both as people and as work partners.
• Compare work styles, areas of research and expertise, her/his background and publications.
• Your advisor should be skilled in research and chairing committees.
• These skills are different from teaching and researching.

What to do

• Study appropriate university rules and procedures, and be ready with proper forms.
• Talk to all faculty who have the background you need.
• Make sure you are getting the best fit for you that you can.
• In classes, look for specific, helpful feedback on papers, and exams returned in a timely fashion.
• Talk to students who have worked under the guidance of your prospective advisors. (For specific questions to ask both students and faculty, see pages 69 - 71 in Dissertation and Theses from Start to Finish.)
• Start interviewing faculty members as soon as you have tentatively selected a topic for study.
• Keep good records.

How to prepare for your interview with a potential advisor

• Review information about the advisor's background and research interests in the MSN Student Handbook
• Search appropriate databases for information about her/his publications
• Talk with other students who know her/him as a research advisor or who have had classes with her/him
• Study theses and scholarly projects produced by students under her/his direction

What to talk about in the interview

• The knowledge the advisor emphasized in her/his publications
• Knowledge gaps she/he pointed out in research
• Propose how you would approach filling in these gaps
• Two or three publications by other specialists in the same field
• Provide their names to the advisor prior to the interview