Your Graduate Degree Timeline
| Step | What to Do | When | Approved By |
| 1: Orientation | Meet with your degree program Graduate Advisor to plan your course of study. Here is a link of advisors: Directors of Graduate Study |
Before semester registration. | Graduate Advisor |
| 2: Plan of Study | Together with your Advisor, prepare a Plan of Study. Use this form if the program does not have a specific form. Plan of Study. |
Your advisor will tell you—but no later than your 12th credit hour. | Graduate Advisor and other degree program faculty. |
| 3a: Assessment Committee | Form a Comprehensive Assessment Committee.
OR |
Determined by individual degree program. | Graduate Advisor or Program Chair. |
| 3b: Thesis/ Dissertation | If your program requires a thesis/ dissertation, select an advisor and at least two thesis committee members. (This committee takes the place of the Comprehensive Assessment Committee). | Determined by individual degree program. | Graduate advisor or Program Chair. |
| 4: Plan for Graduation | The official graduation dates are:
Marshall University observes two Commencement ceremonies.
Doctoral degree candidates are invested with the academic hood signifying the appropriate degree during the Commencement ceremony. Doctoral candidates may invite a major professor, advisor or dissertation committee chair to participate in the hooding. Master’s and Education Specialist candidates wear academic hoods with regalia during the ceremony. |
Before or at the beginning of your final semester. | Office of the Registrar |
| 5: Apply for Graduation. | Application for Graduation. | Before or at the beginning of your final semester. For exact time see University Calendar | Graduate Advisor |
| 6: Countdown to Commencement | 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 |
| 7a: Comprehensive Examination | Submit your comprehensive examination approval. Comprehensive Assessment Evaluation Report
OR |
Determined by individual degree program. | Graduate Advisor |
| 7b: Defend Thesis/Dissertation | Defend your thesis/dissertation and submit approval. ETD final submission form Upload your approved ETD to the ETD Administrator site. |
Determined by individual degree program. | Thesis/Dissertation committee. |