Your thesis is the culmination of the hard work and experience that you put into your graduate program, but you might find that you have a hard time coming up with a master's thesis topic. A thesis is essentially a research project relating to your field of study. You can write about almost anything, but many students have a hard time narrowing down their choice of topics. Here are some tips and techniques to help you choose the subject that interests you the most.
Talk with Your Advisor
Master's level programs pair you with an advisor when you enroll. This is a trusted professor, working within your program, that can guide you and assist you throughout your studies. Your advisor will also work closely with you on your thesis. The professor might suggest some data and information that you can use, give you notes on your paper and push you in the right direction. If you have problems coming up with a thesis topic, sit down with your advisor and talk about your interests and get some feedback about which topics are the best for you.
Think About Your Interests
Far too many students make the mistake of choosing a topic based on what they think others will like. This can result in long hours struggling to write about your topic and nights when you just want to scream. Before choosing a topic, make a quick list of topics and ideas that pique your interest. Once you give some thought to those topics and think about the unique slant that you can add to the existing research, you'll find that you can better narrow down your choices.
Look at a Topic You Can Test
James Hayton, PhD, recommends that you look at a subject or a topic that you can test. Psychology students often need to come up with a master's thesis topic that involves some level of experimentation or research. You might propose a thesis on how different colors of light can affect mood and then perform a study that tests your hypothesis. If you come up with a topic that relates to the lack of minority nurses in the country, you can conduct research by talking with doctors and hospital administrators to get their own feelings and experiences on the subject.
Check Journals and Publications
If you are really at a loss for topic ideas, don't be afraid to read a few professional journals and publications. Look for journals relating to your industry, and check out some of the latest news and information published by others. This can introduce you to a number of topics that you don't usually cover in your classes and get you excited about studying that subject. You may also find that new research exists on a topic you studied in class. If one headline or article grabs your attention, look at similar research on the subject and how you can incorporate that information into your thesis.
Master's level programs often require a thesis defense in order to demonstrate what you have learned. You may be required present your findings in front of a panel of professors and other experts and answer their questions and challenges to your findings. While you may have some problems finding and choosing a master's thesis topic, you should ultimately choose a topic that will hold your attention for the duration of the study.