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Benchmarks

First Semester

  • Meet with the Associate Dean to discuss the formation of your faculty committee.
  • Formalize your three-member faculty committee, including naming a chair
  • Complete 9 s.h. of course work (in at least two departments or disciplines)
  • Meet with the Associate Director of Academic Programs to review overall Plan of Study
  • Begin work on language requirement

Second Semester

  • Meet with your advisory committee to plan your international research project
  • Complete 18 s.h. of course work
  • Complete language requirement
  • Consider scheduling a Research Consultation at the Main Library

Third Semester

  • Meet with the Associate Dean to discuss and amend as needed your Plan of Study
  • Meet with the Associate Director of Academic Programs to verify all degree requirements will be met by the end of your fourth semester and to review paperwork required for thesis deposit and defense
  • Meet with the faculty advisory committee to discuss thesis plans
  • Complete 27 s.h. of course work
  • Plan your thesis or final project
    • Prepare a proposal and reading list with the advice of your committee
    • Prepare a calendar of deadlines and stages of preparation to ensure the completion of research, international research, writing, and revision in time to submit the thesis to meet the deadline for the date you plan to graduate (consult with the director of your advisory committee)
    • You may wish to sign up for an independent study with one of your faculty advisors to make progress toward the thesis
    • Check to be sure all of your committee members will be available in the semester when you need to schedule your defense
    • Read the Thesis and Dissertation Preparation manual on the Graduate College website and direct any procedural questions to the Associate Director of Academic Programs

Fourth Semester

  • Meet with the Associate Dean for a final evaluation of your requirements and to discuss the scheduling of your presentation of research
  • Meet with the Associate Director of Academic Programs to complete required paperwork for the Graduate College
  • File an “application for degree” form with the Office of the Registrar
  • Complete 36 s.h. of course work
  • Present your research in a public forum
  • Make a “first deposit” of your thesis to the Graduate College
  • Defend your thesis
  • Make a “final deposit” of your thesis to the Graduate College