Writing a thesis acknowledgment is a meaningful milestone, marking the completion of a master’s thesis and the end of a master’s education. Questions about its length, tone, and acceptability commonly arise for many students. To provide inspiration, here are three concise master’s thesis acknowledgment examples for you to consider as you compose your own.
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What to consider when writing a master’s thesis acknowledgement
It is very rare not to have an acknowledgment for your thesis, so almost all master’s students will face the challenge of writing one sooner or later if they are working on a thesis. Master thesis acknowledgments typically range between 100-350 words.
While there are usually no fixed rules on how to write it, remember that the acknowledgment is one of the first things that the reader (including potential assessors!) will see, as it is usually placed before the thesis introduction. Thus, you want to make a good impression. While making an acknowledgment personal, keep it somewhat formal.
Furthermore, it is good to thank your supervisor, even if you did not have the best relationship, out of courtesy. You can also express gratitude to family, friends, or even pets, but keep in mind that many theses are publicly available, so do not share anything that you would not want the world to know. Again, maintaining a somewhat formal tone will help with this.
If you want more information, check out this post on general tips that I wrote on how to create a distinct and meaningful acknowledgment section that reflects your gratitude and appreciation.
You may also like: 5 inspiring PhD thesis acknowledgement examples
Master’s thesis acknowledgement example 1: formal and polite
While some individuals are naturally expressive, openly sharing their private lives even in public, others may not feel as comfortable with such openness—and that’s perfectly acceptable.
Crafting a brief, formal, and polite thesis acknowledgement is a universal practice, ensuring that you convey appreciation without overstepping personal boundaries.
| I am delighted to present this culmination of my master’s degree journey in Media Studies. This thesis marks the end of a significant chapter, and I am profoundly grateful for the support I received along the way. First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Lourat, for his constructive feedback and unwavering guidance throughout the thesis process. His encouragement, insightful steering, and challenging questions significantly contributed to the formulation of my thoughts and my ability to make a meaningful contribution to the fields of journalism and business. I must also express my sincere appreciation to all the interviewees from the media industry and business sector. Their generosity in sharing their time and invaluable insights during the interviews forms the foundation of my thesis, and I am truly grateful for their perspectives. Lastly, I extend my deepest thanks to my family and friends for their continuous encouragement and unwavering belief in my ability to complete this thesis and attain my master’s degree. Their support has been a cornerstone of my academic journey. |
Master’s thesis acknowledgement example 2: emotional and personal
If you are more emotional and personal, and want to include that in your thesis acknowledgement, this is also perfectly fine. Remember, do you, as long as you keep it to an acceptable level of formality.
| ‘Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.’ – Malcolm X A few years ago, the completion of my master’s thesis and the realization of my higher education goals felt like an improbable feat. This academic journey has been transformative, providing profound insights into my identity and fostering positive personal growth. In this acknowledgment, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the key figures who played pivotal roles in shaping the person I am today. Foremost are my parents, Anita and John, whose emphasis on education since my childhood now resonates with clarity. Their unwavering support and belief in the doors education opens have become a cherished gift. Thank you, Ma and Pa. A special acknowledgment goes to my elder brother Linus, an inspiring figure whose footsteps I followed to UC Davis. His constant presence and guidance have been invaluable throughout the highs and lows of university life. Deep appreciation extends to my dear friends – Martha, Andy, Jordie, and Christine. Our shared journey, from late-night study sessions to mutual encouragement, has made completing our thesis projects feel like a collective achievement. Leaving university with academic accomplishments and lifelong friends is a privilege. Gratitude also goes to the professors and lecturers of the graduate program in Avian Sciences. Your guidance has been instrumental in fostering significant academic and personal growth during this program. Lastly, profound thanks to Professor Matthew, my thesis supervisor. From content to career mentoring, your support has been unparalleled. I am deeply grateful for your contribution to this thesis and for preparing me for the post-university chapter. |
Master’s thesis acknowledgement example 3: humorous and grateful
While maintaining a degree of formality in a thesis acknowledgement, there’s room for a touch of humor to let your personality shine through. Embracing a lighthearted tone doesn’t diminish the significance of the acknowledgment; rather, it can add a personal and engaging touch.
| In the wise words of the proverb, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ Little did I know, it also takes that same village and an exorbitant amount of coffee to raise a master’s thesis. My recent journey has been a rollercoaster fueled by caffeine and the kindness of 251 people who valiantly filled out my online survey. A massive shoutout to these heroes – you saved a desperate student from caffeine-induced despair! Moving on to the academic front, a heartfelt thank you to my dynamic duo of supervisors, Dr. Wu and Professor Martinia. Allowing me to embark on this thesis-writing adventure within the framework of your ongoing research project has been both an honor and a unique experience. It’s not every day you get to blend academic research with practical relevance. This journey has sparked a desire in me to pursue a PhD in the future! Now, a round of applause for the countless friends who’ve been my steadfast companions throughout this academic odyssey. You’ve weathered the storms of my studies, and for that, I raise my metaphorical glass – cheers, guys! Lastly, a special thank you to Thomas, my partner in life and occasional crime. Your stability and unwavering emotional support have been the anchor in the storm of my ideas and plans. I couldn’t have done it without you. |
