Information and forms for the thesis-track Master of Science program

Below you will find an outline of the steps toward graduation, with links to associated forms, and an informal time line for finishing these tasks.  Following the suggested time line will assist you in completing the degree in a timely fashion. Additionally, adhering to the time-line for completing various degree requirements is one of the factors considered when decisions are made about allocation of departmental funds for stipend support.  

If any of the information below conflicts with the Guide for Biology Graduate Students or the Graduate School Bulletin please follow those documents and notify the Graduate Coordinator of the discrepancy.

Formation of the Committee

The student should form an Advisory Committee during the first semester. Membership of the committee should be reported using the MS Advisory Committee Form.

Establishing a Plan of Study

With the assistance of the Advisory Committee, a plan of course work should be devoloped during the first semester.  Approval of the pland of study is reported using the Degree Requirement Form.

Approval of Thesis Proposal

Following presentation of the proposal to the Advisory Committee, by the end of the the 2^nd semester, provide a copy of the proposal, with committee signatures on the cover page, to the Graduate School, and provide a copy of the signed cover page to the Graduate Coordinator.

Application to Candidacy

Following completion of 12 graduate credit hours, complete the Masters Candidacy form (DOC, PDF).

Comprehensive Examination

Following completion of most of the required courses, normally at the end of the 3^rd semester, the student should take their written comprehensive exam. The advisor should notify the Graduate School and the Graduate Coordinator of the outcome of the exam via email or campus mail.

Preparation for Graduation

The Graduation Checklist (DOC, PDF) should be completed at the beginning of the semester in which you hope to graduate (ideally the 4^th semester).

Students should complete their thesis during their 4^th semester. Typically it takes at least 3 weeks between submitting the first, complete draft of the thesis to the advisor and submitting a revised, clean draft to the Advisory Committee.  Committees should be allowed at least 2 weeks to review the document prior to the defense.  Be sure to review the Guidelines for Graduate Theses and Dissertations and Checklist for Thesis & Dissertation Writers when writing the thesis.

Final Seminar and Defense

The student will present the thesis in a seminar open to the public. The seminar must be announced to the department’s faculty and graduate students, at least 3 days in advance, and must be held on campus during normal business hours.   Immediately after the seminar, the student will defend the thesis during a meeting with the Advisory Committee.  Prior to the defense, the Graduate School will provide the advisor with a form for reporting the outcome of the defense.  Additionally, the advisor should report the outcome of the defense to the Graduate Coordinator via email.

Submission of the Thesis to the Graduate School

Following revision of the thesis to the satisfaction of the Advisory Committee, the thesis should be delivered to the Graduate School, along with the form indicating Preliminary Approval of Draft of Thesis or Dissertation.  This version of the thesis should be submitted to the Graduate School at least 3 weeks prior to the deadline set by the Graduate School for delivery of the final, revised draft of the thesis.

Separation/Clearance

Two weeks prior to graduation or departure, complete the Separation/Clearance form (DOC, PDF).

Forms due Annually:

The Annual Progress Report and Funding Request form (DOC, PDF) should be completed by all graduate students shortly after the end of the fall semester.  The form is due January 20^th and covers activities from the previous calendar year as well as funding requests for the next academic year.  The completed form should be placed in the mailbox of the Graduate Coordinator after being signed by the advisor. 

Switching to the Non-thesis track

Students may switch from the thesis to the non-thesis tracks by notifying their advisor and the Graduate Coordinator.