Developing and Filing a Degree Program

The student is required to develop a graduate degree program in collaboration with the principal advisor and a student advisory committee (SAC) for both the MS and Ph.D degrees. A student's "program" is the list of courses that the student will complete to receive his/her degree. The list is recorded on the Degree Program form, signed by the advisor(s) and the DGS, and submitted to the Graduate School . This is the responsibility of the student.

Students begin the program approval process by submitting their forms (signed by their advisor) along with a Committee Reporting form signed by all the members of SAC to the program coordinator (not DGS). The program coordinator will review the form to ensure all requirements are met. The DGS will not sign the form without this program review step.

For MS students, the program should be filed by the end of their first year. For PhD students, the program must be filed before the student can take any preliminary exams or the final defense. The Graduate School requires that students should submit their completed degree program forms to the Graduate School at least the semester before the written prelim and two semesters before the preliminary oral examination.

The degree program form is available from the Graduate School, 316 Johnston Hall, or online at www.grad.umn.edu/forms The form should list all coursework, completed and proposed, that will be offered in fulfillment of degree requirements in the major field and in the minor field or supporting program, including any transfer work. At least two-thirds of the total number of course credits included on any degree program form must be taken A-F. The members of a student's preliminary oral examining committee also are listed on this form.

Students may request to transfer graduate course credits earned at another graduate institution by including the courses on the proposed degree program form. Graduate credits earned at other recognized graduate institutions may be applied to MS or doctoral degrees if the coursework is graduate level and was taught by faculty authorized to teach graduate courses. Official transcripts of the graded work must be attached to the degree program form, unless they have already been included in the student's Graduate School file. Transfer of graduate credit is not allowed for courses taken before the awarding of a baccalaureate degree.

Once approved by the Graduate School , the program must be fulfilled in every detail to meet graduation requirements and before the final oral examination can be scheduled. No changes can be made except by petition. Program changes should be requested by completing a Graduate School petition form.