Thesis Project
Degree Structure Guidelines
For further information on the MA Maritime Studies degree structure, consult the Graduate Guidelines available here. These guidelines are updated annually and should be reviewed periodically.
Thesis Information
The major written requirement for the MA Maritime Studies is a master’s thesis. A thesis is an examination of a well-defined historical and/or archaeological subject that relies chiefly on primary sources, published or unpublished, to form an argument. It should possess some degree of original thought on the topic, or in its approach to that topic.
The thesis should not be a compilation of detail or a simple narrative. Instead, it should pose an argument. It should be expository rather than descriptive. The typical MA thesis is about one hundred (100) to one hundred twenty (120) pages in length. For advice on preparing a thesis for submission, check out ECU’s Preparation Guidance and Required Elements. For new students, consult the flowchart in the link below to help guide you through the process.
In the MA in Maritime Studies students may pursue coursework and thesis writing that lead to employment as maritime historians, maritime/underwater/nautical archaeologists, or museum curators.
Students intending to pursue a career as an archaeologist are encouraged to review the process of applying to become a Registered Professional Archaeologist (see https://rpanet.org/). In many sectors of archaeological employment, becoming an RPA is a requirement for employment or promotion (see here on how to apply: https://rpanet.org/how-to-apply). A critical component of RPA certification is that the applicant must write a thesis manuscript that includes “… substantive data analysis by the applicant directed towards an explicit archaeological research problem.” Choosing a thesis topic that does not satisfy this criteria may lead to the rejection of an RPA application (leading to restrictions in career development in archaeological professions). If you intend to pursue RPA certification, it is highly advised that a student seek out the advice of an RPA-certified or RPA-qualified faculty member when framing their thesis questions.
If you are intending a career as a maritime historian or museum professional, RPA may not be required, and traditional maritime historical thesis manuscripts are acceptable for degree completion.
Flowchart of Required Documents
Agreement to Advise
Masters Pre-Thesis Approval Form