Graduate School Roadmap

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.

May 2026 Commencement Deadlines

11/10/25
Last day to submit Application for Admission to Candidacy
1/16/26
Last day to apply for graduation for degrees awarded May 2026
1/26/26
Last day to add graduate dissertation, thesis, project, or portfolio credit
3/6/26
Recommended last day to defend thesis/dissertation
3/13/26
Last day to submit advisor-approved version of thesis/dissertation to the Graduate College via ProQuest
5/1/26
Last day to submit final version of thesis/dissertation to the Graduate College via ProQuest

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