Master's Thesis & Capstone Mentoring Program 2026

The Master’s Thesis and Capstone Mentoring Program is free of charge for registered UCLA graduate and professional students (and only UCLA graduate and professional students are eligible to participate).

Program Description: This flexible program is designed to support master’s students who are writing theses or capstone projects (such as client projects) with aspects of the thesis that are not content/field specific. We are also happy to assist doctoral students working on qualifying papers related to advancing to candidacy. The February focus on master's thesis and capstone support kicks off with the workshops listed below. We encourage students to check out the writing group options listed here or to join our a writing retreat during spring break. Graduate students who would like to work with a writing consultant mentor during winter and spring quarters are invited to fill out the form linked here by February 12, 2026. (Spaces are limited.)

Strategies for Writing the Master's Thesis (STEM Focus)

Marilyn Gray, Graduate Writing Center Director

This workshop will give an overview of how to write a master's thesis for students in STEM fields. It will include writing activities and discussion to help participants develop their thesis topics. We will also present strategies for organizing research and literature reviews, as well as tips for drafting and revision.

Time Details: Tuesday, February 3rd, 5:15-6:30 PM
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Strategies for Writing the Master's Thesis (Humanities & Social Science focus)

Marilyn Gray, Graduate Writing Center Director
Janel Pineda, Chicana/o and Central American Studies, Graduate Writing Center Consultant
Victoria Tran, Sociology, Graduate Writing Consultant

This workshop will give an overview of how to write a master's thesis or project of similar length (like a qualifying paper) for students in the Humanities and Social Sciences. It will include writing activities and discussion to help participants develop their thesis topics. We will also present strategies for organizing research and literature reviews, as well as tips for drafting and revision.

Time Details: Thursday, February 5th, 5:15-6:30 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information

Strategies for Writing the Master's Client/Capstone Project

Marilyn Gray, Graduate Writing Center Director

This workshop will give an overview of how to write a master's client project or other master's capstone (projects other than the academic thesis). It will include strategies for developing topics, timeline, goals, and document structure. We will also present effective strategies for drafting and revision, as well as managing the project overall.

Time Details: Tuesday, February 10th, 5:15-6:30 PM
RSVP on Handshake to receive Zoom information