The Big Blue Thesis & Dissertation Series
A Signature Graduate Writing Experience at Tennessee State University
The Big Blue Thesis & Dissertation Series is TSU's premier program designed to help master's and doctoral students successfully navigate the research and writing process. Through expert-led seminars, practical resources, and personalized guidance, students gain the skills and support needed to move confidently from proposal development to final submission.
What the Series Offers
- Writing Seminars covering key stages of thesis and dissertation development.
- Tools & Templates to support organization, productivity, and formatting.
- Research Compliance Support for IRB, biosafety, and responsible conduct of research.
- Professional Development Sessions focused on career readiness and academic success.
Who Should Attend
The series is ideal for:
- Graduate students beginning thesis or dissertation planning
- Students actively writing and seeking structured guidance
- APEXx, POTUS, and Biomedical Scholars and advanced researchers
- Anyone wanting to strengthen academic writing, research design, or scholarly communication
Why It Matters
Producing a strong thesis or dissertation is a defining milestone in your graduate journey. The Big Blue Thesis & Dissertation Series ensures you are supported every step of the way — with coaching, clarity, and community. By participating, you join a network of TSU scholars committed to excellence, integrity, and innovation.
Join the Big Blue Writing Community
Explore upcoming seminars, register for sessions, and take the next step toward completing your thesis or dissertation with confidence.
|
Beyond Google: Unlocking Library Resources for Graduate Research Description: Learn how to use scholarly databases, peer-reviewed sources, and library research tools to efficiently locate, evaluate, and manage literature for your thesis or dissertation. This seminar will help you build a strong foundation for successful graduate research and writing. Date: September 16, 2026 • Time: 12:00–1:00 PM • Facilitator: Dean Glenda Alvin • Link: — Registration |
|
Tennessee State University Career Fair Description: This fair is your gateway to internships, full-time roles, graduate programs, job shadowing experiences, and professional networking, all in one place. Whether you’re exploring new opportunities or preparing to launch your career, this is your moment to connect with employers, learn about different industries, and chart the next step in your journey. Date: September 24, 2026 • Time: 12:00–3:00 PM • Facilitator: Dr. Kim Dale • Link: — Registration |
|
Get It Approved: The Necessary Components of a Thesis/Dissertation Proposal Description: This workshop provides an overview of the thesis/dissertation proposal, its purpose and components with the goal of providing participants with vital information for writing a proposal or prospectus that gets approved. Date: September 30, 2026 • Time: 12:00–1:00 PM • Facilitator: Dr. Vernetta Mosley • Link: — Registration |
|
Writing Productivity: A Project Management Approach to Completing Your Thesis or Dissertation Description: This workshop provides an overview of the thesis/dissertation proposal, its purpose and components with the goal of providing participants with vital information for writing a proposal or prospectus that gets approved. Date: October 7, 2026 • Time: 12:00–1:00 PM • Facilitator: Dr. Vernetta Mosley • Link: — Registration |
|
Big 10 Quality Checks: Thesis and Dissertation Formatting Description: A concise overview of the key formatting standards required for theses and dissertations. This session highlights the “Big 10” quality checks students must complete to ensure their manuscript meets university guidelines and is ready for final submission. Date: October 21, 2026 • Time: 12:00–1:00 PM • Facilitator: Dr. Trinetia Respress • Link: — Registration |
|
Laying the Groundwork: Writing the Literature Review Description: A strong literature review serves as the foundation of a successful research study. This seminar will introduce graduate students to effective strategies for locating, evaluating, organizing, and synthesizing scholarly sources. Participants will learn how to identify key themes, gaps, and trends in the literature and use these findings to establish the significance of their research. The session will provide practical tips for developing a clear, well-organized literature review that supports a thesis, dissertation, or other scholarly projects. Date: October 28, 2026 • Time: 12:00–1:00 PM • Facilitator: Dr. Marie Hammond • Link: — Registration |
|
Methodology Matters: Choosing the Right Research Approach for Your Thesis or Dissertation Description: Selecting the appropriate research methodology is critical to the success of any thesis or dissertation. This seminar will guide graduate students through the process of aligning research questions with qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approaches, helping them develop a strong and defensible research design. Participants will gain practical strategies for choosing the methodology that best supports their scholarly goals. Date: November 4, 2026 • Time: 12:00–1:00 PM • Facilitator: Dr. Owen Johnson • Link: — Registration
|