School of Engineering Graduate School Timelines Master’s Degree Programs, MS, ME, MCE, MCM*

  1. Student is admitted meeting application and department requirements
  2. Student forms graduate committee consisting of at least 3 graduate faculty in the department, and decides on thesis or non-thesis (project) option (This must be completed by the beginning of the second semester)
    1. Thesis option
    2. Student works with graduate advisor to select courses in area of concentration and files Plan of Study (must complete in first semester)
    3. Student completes required coursework (students who attend full-time typically complete coursework in two years)
    4. During semester of graduation, student verifies Plan of Study is complete with department graduate program assistant
    5. Student schedules oral thesis defense date with committee members and informs graduate program assistant 2-3 weeks in advance to date
    6. Graduate program assistant requests degree check from Dean's Office at least 2 weeks prior to thesis defense date
    7. Student files application for degree through Enroll & Pay -> Learner Services -> Academics -> Apply for Degree by semester deadline
    8. Student passes defense and prepares to make any necessary changes to thesis as recommended by committee
    9. Notification that student has passed defense is sent to the Dean's Office
    10. Student submits electronic thesis to ProQuest/UMI and any additional bound copies required by the department; thesis is checked for Graduate School formatting standards
    11. Student verifies with Dean's Office that all degree requirements are complete, turns in thesis Title and Acceptance pages
    12. Student graduates
    1. Non-Thesis option
    2. Student works with graduate advisor to select courses in area of concentration and files Plan of Study (must complete in first semester)
    3. During semester of graduation, student verifies Plan of Study is complete with department graduate program assistant
    4. Student schedules oral project defense date with committee members and informs graduate program assistant of date 2-3 weeks in advance
    5. Graduate program assistant requests degree check from Dean's Office at least 2 weeks prior to thesis defense date
    6. Student files application for degree through Enroll & Pay -> Learner Services -> Academics -> Apply for Degree by semester deadline
    7. Student passes oral defense of project, presentation, or other examination
    8. Notification that student has passed defense is sent to the Dean's Office
    9. Student verifies with Dean’s Office that all degree requirements are complete
    10. Student graduates