Graduation
- What is a Program of Study?
- What is the deadline for final programs of study?
- What is the application deadline for graduation?
- What is the Graduate School application for degree and diploma fee?
- Do I need to apply to graduate?
- How do I prepare and write my thesis/dissertation?
- What are comprehensive or qualifying exams?
- Who can be part of an exam committee?
- Who should I contact with questions regarding my thesis/dissertation?
- How many copies of the thesis/dissertation am I required to turn in to the Graduate Clerk?
- When do I get my graduate degree diploma?
- How can I share my perceptions about my graduate student experience?
What is a Program of Study?
A Program of Study is a curricular roadmap of a student's degree-seeking academic program (i.e., courses).
What is the deadline for final programs of study?
A final Program of Study must be submitted to and approved by the Graduate School during the semester immediately preceding the semester in which a student intends to graduate.
What is the application deadline for graduation?
Within the first two weeks of the fall or spring semester in which the student expects to complete work for the degree, or the last day of spring semester for graduation during the summer semester, an application for graduation must be filed with the Graduate School.
What is the Graduate School application for degree and diploma fee?
An application and diploma fee of $20 must be paid to the Office of Registration and Records. This fee can be paid in person or via a call to the University Cashier's office (208-282-2900).
Do I need to apply to graduate?
Yes. The application to graduate is found on the Graduate School homepage.
How do I prepare and write my thesis/dissertation?
Students may register for thesis credits any semester they are enrolled as a degree-seeking student, subject to the approval of the department chair or program director, but the letters "IP" (in progress) are recorded on the transcript in place of a grade for all such registrations until final approval is obtained. Thesis or dissertation credits are not awarded to the student until after completion and final approval by the examining committee. At this time, the advisor reports a grade of S or U for all previous thesis registrations.
What are comprehensive or qualifying exams?
Comprehensive and/or qualifying examinations are typically scheduled at the conclusion of a student's formal course work/Program of Study; and often involve both written and oral components.
Who can be part of an exam committee?
Oral examinations are open to all members of the Graduate Faculty as observers. Oral examinations are not open to non-Graduate Faculty without permission of the advisor and the Dean of the Graduate School.
Who should I contact with questions regarding my thesis/dissertation?
Students should work closely with their advisor and department. Students are also welcome to contact the Graduate School with questions. The Graduate School: Instructions for Preparing Thesis, dissertations, Doctor of Arts papers, and Professional Projects can be found here.
How many copies of the thesis/dissertation am I required to turn in to the Graduate Clerk?
Thesis Clearance: The student must submit to the Graduate School the following items two (2) weeks following the final oral examination.
- A copy of the signed letter to the bindery
- Two (2) copies of the abstract
- One (1) copy of the thesis in final form
- The insurance postal receipt for the thesis copies mailed to the bindery
- A signed copy of the committee approval page
- A signed copy of the student Copy Authorization page
- A copy of the money order being sent to the bindery
Dissertation Clearance: Dissertation clearance is essentially the same as thesis clearance. The following must be submitted to the Graduate School two (2) weeks following the final oral examination:
- Three (3) copies of the abstract and three copies of the title page (on appropriate paper)
- One (1) unbound copy of the dissertation in final form for microfilming (on appropriate paper)
- The microfilm agreement form along with a money order for microfilming
- Survey of Earned Doctorates form (available in the Graduate School)
- Copy of the letter to the bindery
- One (1) copy of the dissertation in final form
- Insurance postal receipt for the dissertation copies mailing to the bindery
- Optional completed copyright form and money order
- A signed copy of the committee approval page
- A signed copy of the student Copy Authorization page
- A copy of the money order being sent to the bindery
The Major Advisor is responsible for the timely reporting of the grade change for the thesis/ dissertation to the Registrar's Office. This grade change should be submitted no later than two (2) weeks after semester's end.
When do I get my graduate degree diploma?
Diplomas are mailed from the Office of Registration and Records within 90 days of graduation, assuming all appropriate fees have been paid.
How can I share my perceptions about my graduate student experience?
All graduate students are invited and ENCOURAGED to complete the Graduate School exit survey accessible on-line via the "apply to graduate" link.