University of Texas at Austin

CSEM PhD Proposal Abstract Guidelines

  • Length: 2 pages (total, not including title page)
  • May be single spaced, 11-point font, 1-inch margins
  • List committee members on the title page of the abstract
  • General background on the research area and identification of the problems to be addressed (1/2 – 1 page)
  • Discussion of Areas A, B, and C. It should be made clear what techniques will be used or developed and what outstanding issues will be addressed in each of these three areas. This part of the abstract must be written precisely; vague or ambiguous statements should be avoided as much as the current state of research makes possible. (1 – 1½ pages)
  • May additionally include short list of important references and courses taken in each area related to the research if it helps the reader understand the work better

The overriding concern regarding the abstract is that it must represent a program of research involving an interdisciplinary theme that draws on knowledge from the three CSEM concentration areas. An abstract that describes merely disciplinary work is not acceptable.