Milestones for Graduate Students
Milestones for the Master’s Student
| Procedure | Time |
|---|---|
| 1. Apply for admission. Submit all program requirements, official transcripts, and an official copy of the appropriate standardized test score if it is required. | At least 6 weeks prior to registration (7 to 8 months prior to registration for foreign students). Note: Some programs have specific deadlines in advance of these suggested time periods. View the Graduate Programs page for program deadlines. |
| 2. Become familiar with general regulations, campus services, and the degree plan for your program. Visit the Academic Resources page for more information. |
Before registration. |
| 3. Meet with Program Director or Academic Program Coordinator to plan a course of study for the first semester. | Before first semester registration. |
| 4. Submit degree plan to the Graduate College for approval. Visit with your Program Director or Academic Program Coordinator to start this process. | Complete within the 1 st semester of your Master’s program. |
| 5. If the thesis route is chosen, submit the Application for Thesis Committee. | Deadlines vary per semester. Review the Thesis & Dissertation page. |
| 6. Apply for graduation. | Approximately 9 months prior to commencement. See graduation application deadlines. |
| 7. Check to be sure the degree plan is up to date and all course work is complete. | Well before the final comprehensive examination. Follow regular procedures for updates or substitutions with the Program Director of Academic Program Coordinator. |
| 8. Schedule and complete final comprehensive examination or schedule a final defense of the thesis. | Deadlines vary per department. Visit with your Program Director or Academic Program Coordinator to start this process. |
| 9. Submit a final defended copy of the thesis. | By deadline date. |
| 10. Arrange for cap and gown at University Bookstore. | By deadline date for placing order. Edinburg Campus: (956) 665-2252 Brownsville Campus: (956) 882-8249 Email: utrgv@bkstr.com |
Milestones for the Doctoral Student
| Procedure | Time |
|---|---|
| 1. Apply for admission. Submit all program requirements, official transcripts, and an official copy of the appropriate standardized test score if it is required. | Doctoral programs have specific deadlines. View the Graduate Programs page for program deadlines. |
| 2. Become familiar with general regulations, campus services, and the degree plan for your program. Visit the Academic Resources for more information. |
Before registration. |
| 3. Meet with Program Director or Academic Program Coordinator to plan a course of study for the first semester. | Before first semester registration. |
| 4. Submit degree plan to the Graduate College for approval. Visit with your Program Director or Academic Program Coordinator to start this process. | Complete within the 1st semester of your doctoral program. |
| 5. Complete coursework detailed on the proposed degree program. | |
| 6. Take written/oral qualifying examination. | Per departmental requirements. Visit with your Program Director or Academic Program Coordinator to review this process. |
| 7. Submit an application for Dissertation Committee. Review Thesis & Dissertation Manual for further instructions. | Well in advance of dissertation proposal presentation. Typically around the 2nd semester of the doctoral program. |
| 8. Submit a proposal for the dissertation with Dissertation Committee. | Well in advance of the expected graduation date. |
| 9. Prepare dissertation. | Per departmental requirements. |
| 10. Apply for graduation. | Approximately 9 months prior to commencement. See graduation application deadlines. |
| 11. Schedule the final defense of the dissertation. | Time varies. Schedule with Dissertation Committee. |
| 12. Submit a final defended copy of the dissertation. | See deadline date. |
| 13. Arrange for cap and gown at University Bookstore. | By deadline date for placing order. Edinburg Campus: (956) 665-2252 Brownsville Campus: (956) 882-8249 Email: utrgv@bkstr.com |