M.S.
NAVIGATION

Department of Geological Sciences

ROADMAP TO THE M.S. DEGREE

The chart below shows the sequence of events that should ordinarily be followed by all M.S. students. All students should also consult the checklist for graduate students in the University Catalog. Note that part time graduate students should follow the same sequence, but may take longer than 4 semesters to complete all requirements.

Semester	Milepost
Prior to 1^st	Meet with the Graduate Advisor for Initial advisement. During this advisement, the overall requirements for the M.S. degree will be reviewed, and your first semester class schedule will be determined. You should also contact faculty members whose research interests overlap with your interests.
1^st	Meet with various faculty members to discuss potential thesis projects. By the end of the first semester, you should select a Faculty Advisor who will guide you through the remainder of the program.
1^st or 2^nd	Submit study plan prior to completing more than 9 units of graduate level coursework (including any transferred units or units take prior to admission). Note that study plan must be completed within a 5 year period following admission, or completion of the first class shown on your study plan.
2^nd	A Thesis Committee should be formally established prior to writing a thesis proposal. The Thesis Committee form must be signed by all committee members and turned into MH-254.
2^nd	Write Thesis Proposal. An approved of thesis proposal form signed by all committee members must be filed before registering for Geol 598 or 599.
Summer and 3^rd	Conduct research and collect and analyze data.
3^rd	Apply for graduation. Check with the Office of Graduate Studies for deadline, fees, and application form.
3^rd and 4^th	Write thesis. See here for detailed thesis timeline. Submit an acceptable draft to your thesis committee members at least 4 weeks before your defense and 6 weeks before end of semester. Follow the departmental and University guidelines for theses. Complete all coursework as indicated on the study plan.
4^th	Schedule your Thesis Defense. A Thesis Defense Scheduling Form must be filed at least one week before the date of the defense.
4^th	Complete Thesis Defense. Committee approves thesis by signing cover page.
4^th	Submit final copies of thesis – see current class schedule for deadline dates. Copies of the thesis must be submitted to the library, Department of Geological Sciences, and your Faculty Advisor. See Thesis Guidelines fore more information.