Steps to Student Degree

Advisors, departments, and programs may have additions or modifications to the list. These steps are provided to give you a general guideline of what to expect and discuss with your department.

STEP 1 - REGISTRATION

Description:
Students must be registered every fall and spring semester in a credit-bearing course or in continuous registration (CR). If graduating in summer, registration in a course or CR is required
Timeline:
Every spring and fall semester (More Information)

STEP 2 - ADVISOR & COMMITTEE

Description:
Select advisor and committee in consultation with your department
Timeline:
Prior to filling out the GS6 Form, Program of Study

STEP 3 - GS6 FORM, PROGRAM OF STUDY

Description:
List of courses, the members of your committee, and other requirements to complete your degree
Timeline:
Submitted to the Graduate School prior to your fourth regular semester registration

STEP 4 - PRELIMINARY EXAM (PH.D. STUDENTS)

Description:
An exam to determine whether a Ph.D. student is qualified to continue toward the doctorate
Timeline:
At least two semesters prior to the Ph.D. student's final examination/defense

STEP 5 - GS16 FORM, REPORT OF PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION FOR THE PH.D. DEGREE (PH.D. STUDENTS)

Description:
Members of a Ph.D. student's committee sign this form after the student has completed his/her preliminary examination
Timeline:
Submitted to the Graduate School within two working days after the results of the examination are known

STEP 6 - GS25 FORM, APPLICATION FOR GRADUATION

Description:
Lists the term that you plan on completing your graduation requirements, the name that you want printed on your diploma, any course changes that may need to be made to your GS6 Form, Program of Study, any discrepancy grades that need to be addressed, and any departmental requirements that need to be satisfied
Timeline:
Submitted to the Graduate School by the deadline date of the semester that you intend on completing your degree requirements

STEP 7 - GS9A FORM, PETITION FOR COMMITTEE MEMBER CHANGES

Description:
Lists any changes that have been made to your committee since your GS6 Form, Program of Study was approved by the Graduate School
Timeline:
As changes occur, but after your GS6 Form, Program of Study has been approved by the Graduate School, and prior to your preliminary (Ph.D. students) or final examinations

STEP 8 - FINAL EXAMINATION/DEFENSE

Description:
Members of a student's committee sign this form after the student has completed his/her final examination/defense
Timeline:
Completed by the deadline date of the semester that you intend on completing your degree requirements

STEP 9 - GS24 FORM, REPORT OF FINAL EXAMINATION RESULTS

Description:
Members of your committee sign this form after you have completed your final examination/defense
Timeline:
Submitted to the Graduate School within two working days after the results of the examination are known, and by the deadline date of the semester that you intend on completing your degree requirements

STEP 10 - COMPLETE SUBMISSION OF YOUR THESIS OR DISSERTATION TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL

Description:
If a thesis or dissertation is required for your degree (More Information)
Timeline:
Submitted to the Graduate School by the deadline date of the semester that you intend on completing your degree requirements

STEP 11 - COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY

Description:
Recognizes all of the graduate students who are completing their degree requirements
Timeline:
Refer to Commencement Ceremony

STEP 12 - RECEIVE DIPLOMA FROM THE REGISTRAR'S OFFICE

Description:
Refer to Registrar's Office
Timeline:
The Registrar's Office mails your diploma to you approximately six - eight weeks after the last day of classes of the semester that you completed your degree requirements.