Master’s Time Line: Forms & Requirements
This time line pertains to campuswide requirements for master’s students, as set by the Graduate School office and the Graduate Faculty Senate. Your own program could have additional requirements.
See also:
- First Semester
- Select an adviser
- Learn about the Plan of Study & Degree Requirements for master’s students
- Review the Residency Status Requirements for the Graduate School and your program
- By End of Second Semester
- Review the Plan of Study & Degree Requirements for master’s students
- Submit the Plan of Study (M1) form (pdf) or the Dual-Degree Plan of Study (DM1) form (pdf). To make changes to a plan of study that has already been sent to the Graduate School, submit the Plan of Study Substitution form (PDF). With this form you can add and/or delete coursework from your plan.
- Form a thesis committee and submit the Request for Thesis Committee (M2) form (pdf) or the Dual-Degree Request for Thesis Committee (DM2) form (pdf) (thesis option programs only). To make changes to a committee that has already been formed, submit the Change of Committee form.
- Complete the Annual Review Requirement by updating your information in the Graduate Student Progress System
- Remaining Time Before the Final Semester
- Review the enrollment requirements for master’s students
- Review the thesis process for master’s students (thesis-option students)
- Follow the Thesis & Dissertation Guidelines as you format your thesis
- Complete the Annual Review Requirement by updating your information in the Graduate Student Progress System
- Submit the Plans of Study for Designated Graduate Minors for any designated minors, at least one term before the conferral of the minor.
- Submit the Plan of Study for a graduate certificate for any graduate certificates, at least one term before the conferral of the certificate.
- Final Semester
- Check the Graduation Deadlines for Master’s Students page to learn exact due dates for forms and theses
- Complete the final examination requirement and follow the enrollment procedure required. Students expecting to present a thesis, manuscript, project, portfolio, etc. must still be enrolled.
- Double-check the Thesis & Dissertation Guidelines before you submit your thesis
- Get ready for Graduation and Commencement and ensure that your diploma will go to the right place
- Turn in the Survey of Earned Master’s by the end of the semester (Thesis-option students turn the survey in with the completed thesis.)
- Submit the Report of Master’s Examining Committee (M3) form (pdf) or the Dual-Degree Report of Master’s Examining Committee (DM3) form (pdf) (at least 2 weeks before the final day of the semester)
Reasonable Rate of Progress
Reasonable rate of progress is governed by both the campuswide policies of the Graduate School as well as academic program regulations which may be more restrictive. Failure to satisfy the Graduate School’s rate of progress policies leading to dismissal are handled by the Request for Extension process, and the decision of the vice provost for advanced studies and dean of the Graduate School in these matters is binding.
Dismissals arising from violation of academic program policies may be appealed using the Appeals Process. Students should refer to the section on Dismissal Policy and the Extension Requests and Appeals Process for Graduate Students for additional details.
Time Limit for Degree Completion
The program for the master’s degree must be completed within a period of eight years beginning with the first semester of enrollment in which the student is accepted to a degree program. Individual academic programs may stipulate a shorter time period. Time spent in the armed services will not count toward the eight-year limit (see also Active Duty Policy).
For any extension of this time limitation, the student must petition the Graduate School by submitting a request to the adviser who, in turn, submits a written recommendation to the Graduate School that is endorsed by the academic program’s director of graduate studies. The Graduate School will notify the adviser in writing of the final decision.
For academic advice or assistance with degree program planning, students should contact their advisers.