Milestones for Graduate Certificates

1. Review and Understand Your Program's Requirements

   Start with your program’s graduate handbook and website for specific requirements, timelines, and milestones. Graduate College policies apply across all programs and serve as the guiding standard if there is a conflict.

   Generally, graduate certificates only comprise coursework.
   

2. Complete Responsible Conduct of Research Training

   All graduate students need to complete the CITI RCR training by the end of your first semester of study.

3. Create and Submit a Plan of Study

   Your Plan of Study is the official roadmap for your degree. It lists your approved coursework and committee members and ensures your classes meet program requirements. It also serves as a key tool for tracking progress and confirming eligibility for graduation.

   Master’s students should complete their Plan of Study before the end of their second semester to support steady progress. Submitting it on time helps prevent delays later, especially as you approach major milestones or begin planning for your final semester. If your coursework, pathway, or committee membership changes, the Plan of Study must be updated to reflect your current degree plan.

   Coursework and credit requirements vary by program. Consult with your advisor and committee to plan the courses that best support your academic and professional goals.

   Graduate Course Catalog

4. Complete Required Coursework

5. Prepare to Graduate

   Graduation clearance is the process used to confirm that all degree requirements have been met for the conferral of graduate degrees, including coursework, milestones, and required documentation. Before your graduating semester, review your Plan of Study and confirm that all coursework and milestones are completed or scheduled. Delays most often occur when final coursework does not match the Plan of Study, required online forms are missing or incomplete, or a final milestone is not completed on time. Students must also formally apply online to graduate, as this initiates review for degree clearance.

   If your plans change or you are unable to complete requirements as expected, speak with your advisor as soon as possible. Early communication makes it easier to update your Plan of Study, adjust your timeline, and avoid unnecessary graduation delays.

   • Revise Plan of Sudy

     Update your Plan of Study no later than 7 weeks before the end of your intended graduation semester to reflect the coursework you have actually completed. Doing this early in the semester helps ensure timely degree conferral.

   • Apply to Graduate

     Complete the graduation application with the Office of the Registrar through my.okstate.edu 5 weeks before the end of your intended graduating semester.