Master's Degree Timeline Checklist

Master's Degree Timeline Checklist

• Designation of Major Professor: Upon beginning your program.

• Designation of Advisory Committee and Out-of-Department Representative: During first semester.

• Approval of Program of Study (POS) by Advisory Committee, and submission of POS to Dean of Graduate Education:

• The middle of second semester. (Failure to submit the POS in a timely manner can result in probation, loss of assistantship and inability to graduate on time. This form is available on line http://graded.sdsmt.edu/forms/ -- please complete the Program of Study cover page and the coursework page. This form is also available in the graduate office, MI 235

• Approval of Thesis Proposal/Research Problem Plan/Project Topic by Advisory Committee: Second semester.

• Comprehensive Written Examination: During final semester, minimum of 3 weeks prior to oral defense. (Examination Schedule Request must be submitted to Graduate Office 5 days prior to exam.)

• Thesis submitted to all members of Advisory Committee: Not later than 10 working days prior to oral defense.

• Oral defense: Not later than 15 working days prior to graduation.  (Examination Schedule Request must be submitted to Graduate Office 5 days prior to exam.)

• Thesis submitted to Dean of Graduate Education for final approval: After all revisions/corrections mandated by Advisory Committee are complete, minimum of 10 days prior to graduation.

• Prior to leaving campus - All financial obligations must be taken care of, keys turned in, and current graduation information submitted. International students must check in with the Ivanhoe International Center.