Sample Format

[Title Goes Here]

Thesis Proposal

Master of Public Policy [PhD Program]

Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy

University of Regina

University of Saskatchewan

[Name Goes Here]

[Date Goes Here]

Approved by Advisory Committee Members:

[Name of Chair], Thesis Committee Chair Date

[Name of Supervisor], Supervisor Date

[Name of Committee Member], Thesis Committee Member Date

[Name of Committee Member], Thesis Committee Member Date

[Name of Committee Member], Thesis Committee Member Date

Introduction (1-2 pages)

In this section you describe the problem or issue that you are addressing, including why the problem is interesting (e.g., there is something that cannot be explained; the standard explanations no longer appear to work). The Introduction should start very broadly and then narrow to the specific issue that you are addressing (the “funnel” approach).

Problem Statement / Hypotheses (1-2 pages)

This section includes a detailed statement and discussion of the problem; in some cases you will be able to state the problem as a hypothesis (please note that not all theses involve hypothesis testing). The problem stated must be one that you can answer with an appropriate methodology (in cases where a hypothesis has been stated, the hypothesis must be testable). This section must also contain the general research approach you will take to the examination (or the testing) of the problem (but not the detailed methods).

Background / Existing State of Knowledge (2-4 pages)

There must be enough detail in this section so that the relevant theory and empirical work is understandable to public policy people outside the area of your research, such as the members of your committee. In addition, you must include enough background to show that: (a) you are familiar with the work that has already been done in the area and on the topic; (b) you understand that work; and (c) that you know how your proposed research fits in with the existing body of work. This...