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Graduate School Roadmap (MS)

Navigating the path from your first graduate class to defending your masters thesis can be confusing for even the most organized and well-informed student. Graduate school is not intuitive, and having a good guide can be a game changer. The following information is meant to be utilized as a roadmap to graduating in two years. Plans look different for every student situation, so it is important to speak with your faculty or academic advisor about your specific plan. Scroll down for important upcoming deadlines, a sample graduation plan, and writing resources for your thesis.

Deadlines for May 2023 Graduation

  • 11/7/2022 – Admission to Candidacy Form Due
  • 12/23/2022 – Recommended Last Day to Present Proposal
  • 12/23/2022– Supervisory Committee Form
  • 1/13/2023 – Apply for May 2023 Graduation (Student Center)
  • 2 Weeks Prior to Defense – Defense Notification Form
  • 3/10/2023 – Recommended Last Day to Defend Thesis or Project
  • Last day to submit Advisor Approved Thesis with signed reading approval, Access Agreement, and Checklist to Graduate College
  • 4/28/2023 – Last Day to Submit FINAL Advisor/Committee Approved Thesis

Semester By Semester Plan

First Semester

(9 Cr. Coursework)

  • Choose Faculty Advisor
  • Decide on Thesis Topic
  • Begin Work on Literature Review
  • Appoint Supervisory Committee (Form)

Second Semester

(9 Cr. Coursework)

  • Complete Literature Review
  • Create Research Plan
  • Begin Research
  • Write Proposal
  • Defend Proposal

Summer Interlude

(3 Thesis Credits)

  • Continue Working on Research
  • Begin Writing Thesis

Semester Before Graduation

(3 Cr. Thesis and 3 Cr. Coursework)

  • Submit Admission to Candidacy Form
  • Continue Research
  • Continue Writing Thesis
  • Submit Application for Graduation

Semester of Graduation

(3 Thesis Cr.)

  • Complete Thesis
  • Choose Defense Date
  • Submit Defense Notification Form
  • Defend Thesis (Form)
  • Make Edits and Submit Final Thesis (Form)
  • Submit Final Version of Thesis to ProQuest