Degree Completion Check List
Master's Plan A (with thesis)
Professional Master's of Engineering (design project option)

Degree Completion Checklist - print version (pdf)

The following Graduate School requirements must be met in the following order.  To help you keep track of your degree completion requirements, check off each step when completed, and retain this check list for your reference.  For additional information about Graduate School requirements, refer to the current Graduate School Catalog.  **Be sure to contact your graduate program office concerning addtional, program-specific requirements.**

  Step 1:  Maintain active student status by registering in the Graduate School every
                     fall and spring term (including the term in which you complete all requirements and clear for your degree.)
  Step 2:  File your Degree Program form with the Graduate School (316 Johnston)

• The Degree Program form is available in 316 Johnston, and online.
• Check with your graduate office regarding program-specific deadlines for submission of the Degree Program form.
• The Graduate School must receive your Degree Program form at least one term prior to your anticipated term of degree clearance. 
• Your Degree Program must be approved by the Graduate School before you can  obtain your Graduation Packet and defend.

  Step 3:  Obtain your Graduation Packet from the Graduate School (316 Johnston)

• About one semester before your final oral examination, obtain the Graduation Packet in 316 Johnston, or request online.

  Step 4:  Submit the forms in the Graduation Packet per instructions

  Step 4a:  The Reviewers Report form must be signed and submitted to the Graduate School (316 Johnston) in order for you to obtain the Examination Report form.
  Step 4b:  The Graduate Application for Degree form must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar by the first business day of the month you intend to graduate.

  Step 5:  Submit the Examination Report form, signed by your committee to the Graduate School (316 Johnston)

• The signed Examination Report form must be submitted by the lastbusiness day of the month you intend to graduate.

  Step 6:  Submit your thesis to the Graduate School.

  Step 6a:  A signature page with your adviser(s) signatures.
  Step 6b:  One additional copy of the title page must be submitted.

• All thesis materials must be submitted to the Graduate School by the lastbusiness day of the month you intend to graduate.

  Step 7:  Follow instructions provided to you by the Graduate School regarding your degree
                     clearance

• During the 2nd or 3rd week of the month you apply to graduate, as indicated on the Graduate Application for Degree form (see Step 4b), you will receive an email communication from the Graduate School to your U of M email address. The email will either
• alert you to remaining degree requirements that must be completed in order for your degree to be awarded; or
• will confirm that you have completed all degree requirements, and inform you of the date upon which your degree will be awarded.

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING COMMENCEMENT ATTENDANCE: 
Commencement attendance does not imply that you have completed all degree requirements and officially graduated.  For information specifically related to eligibility requirements and deadlines for attending the Graduate School commencement ceremony, please refer to the Graduate School’s Commencement Attendance Approval form, available in your graduation packet and online.