Milestones for your Graduate Program

1. Review and Understand Your Program's Requirements

   Start with your program’s degree sheet in the university catalog, along with your department’s graduate handbook and website, for specific requirements, timelines, and milestones. Graduate College policies apply across all programs and serve as the guiding standard in the event of a conflict.

   If you have a problem or concern, start by speaking with your advisor or graduate coordinator, since many issues can be resolved quickly at the program level. If an exception is needed, there is usually a formal review process that may involve documentation, approvals, and deadlines. Addressing the issue early gives you more options.

2. Complete Responsible Conduct of Research Training

   Complete the CITI RCR training by the end of your first semester of study.
   

3. Form a Graduate Advisory Committee

   All master’s thesis students must form a graduate advisory committee of at least three members. The committee supports your academic progress by reviewing and approving your Plan of Study and providing guidance throughout the program. The committee will also review and approve your final thesis.

4. 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

5. Complete Required Coursework

6. Complete Research and Thesis

   Students completing a thesis as part of their program should carefully review the requirements and timelines on the Graduate College and University Academic websites. Completing your thesis involves multiple steps that take time, including coordinating with your committee, meeting review timelines, and obtaining required approvals. Work closely with your advisor and committee to plan your timeline and ensure all expectations are met. Starting early is the best way to avoid last-minute issues.

7. Prepare for Graduation

   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 Study

     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.

   • Complete Thesis Formatting and Guide to Graduation

     Attend a recorded session of the guide to graduation, which covers how to format your thesis document and all the key deadlines as you approach graduation.

   • 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.

   • Oral Defense Form

     Complete the oral defense of your thesis before your graduate committee. Submit the Oral Defense Form (in RoundUp or EdVision, depending on your program).
     

   • Thesis Document Approval Form

     This form becomes available (in RoundUp or EdVision, depending on your program) after your oral defense form is completed. Your committee uses this form to confirm approval of your document.

   • Upload (deposit) Thesis

     Use the link provided to you after the Thesis Document Approval form is completed to upload your thesis to ProQuest.

   • Graduate College Accepts Thesis

     Be sure to monitor the email address you provide when uploading your document, as most students are required to make formatting corrections before the Graduate College's final acceptance of their thesis. Your thesis must be approved by the Graduate College for your degree to be conferred.