Stages and Steps

Students aiming for the Master’s degree pass through the following steps:

Temporary advising: Until the student selects a permanent advisor, the Coordinator of Graduate Studies serves as a temporary advisor.  The temporary advisor guides the student in course selection in the initial stages, answers questions about program policies and requirements, and facilitates the process of selecting a permanent advisor and establishing a program of study.

Establishing the Program of Study: No later than the registration period for the third semester (at about the 10th week of the second semester), the student selects a permanent advisor, and with that advisor selects the rest of the graduate committee, and sets out the courses that will constitute the student’s Program of Study for the degree.  These decisions are registered with the Graduate School via Form GS 6, which must be signed by the advisor and submitted to the Department for administrative signatures.

Completing course work: Over the first three semesters, the student completes all required and elective courses included in the GS 6 Program of Study.

Completing the Thesis or Technical Paper: Under the guidance of his or her graduate advisor, the student selects a research topic and completes the thesis or technical paper.  The paper is not complete and ready for defense until the advisor gives approval.

Applying for Graduation:  Early in the semester when the student expects to graduate, Form GS 25, Graduation Application, is submitted. The deadline is announced and posted each semester.

Defending the Thesis or Technical Paper:  When the advisor gives approval, the student proceeds to schedule the Final Oral Examination with the rest of the graduate committee.   The advisor-approved draft of the thesis or technical paper should be distributed to the committee for their reading, at least 2 weeks in advance of the defense.  The defense is open to the public.  The signed Form GS 24, Report of Final Examination, is submitted to the Graduate School immediately following the defense.

Final steps: After the defense, the student makes final revisions to the thesis or technical paper as directed by the advisor and committee.  When the revisions are approved and correct formatting is assured, permanent copies of the thesis or technical paper are produced for the archives.  In the case of the technical paper, an informally bound copy must be submitted to the Department. In the case of a thesis, formal hard-bound copies are submitted to both the Graduate School and the Department. Completion of these final steps are reported to the Graduate School on Form GS 25B, Departmental Requirements Clearance Form.

Graduation:  The Graduate School holds its own Commencement ceremonies in December and May.  Degrees are conferred and each student is individually recognized by name.