Steps to Graduation

Step	What to Do	When	Approved By
1	Meet with your degree program Graduate Advisor to plan your course of study. Don’t know who your advisor is? Directors of Graduate Study	Before semester registration.	Graduate Advisor
2	Together with your Advisor, prepare a Plan of Study. Plan of Study.	Your advisor will tell you—but no later than your 12th credit hour.	Graduate Advisor and other degree program faculty.
4	Form a Comprehensive Assessment Committee.	Determined by individual degree program.	Graduate Advisor or Program Chair.
3	If a thesis/dissertation is required, identify an advisor and thesis committee. (This committee takes the place of the Comprehensive Assessment Committee).	Determined by individual degree program.	Graduate advisor or Program Chair.
4	Apply for graduation. Application for Graduation.	Before or at the beginning of your final semester. For exact time see University Calendar	Graduate Advisor
5	Attend Countdown to Commencement for information about caps/gowns, announcements, rings etc.	November and March of each year. Announced by Registrar’s Office.	Office of the Registrar
6	Submit  your comprehensive examination approval. Comprehensive Assessment Evaluation Report	Determined by individual degree program.	Graduate Advisor
7	If a thesis/dissertation is required, defend your thesis/dissertation and submit approval. ETD final submission form	Determined by individual degree program.	Thesis/Dissertation committee.
8	If a thesis/dissertation is required, upload your approved ETD to the ETD Administrator site.	Determined by individual degree program.	Thesis/Dissertation committee.