Kansas State University

Graduate School

Kansas State University

103 Fairchild Hall

Manhattan, Kansas 66506

 

785-532-6191

1-800-651-1816 (toll free)

 

785-532-2983 fax

grad@k-state.edu

 

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Checklist for Master's Students

 

Click here for a printable version of the below checklist:

Master's Degree - Coursework Only
Master's Degree - Thesis/Report

The KSU Graduate School website referenced in this checklist is www.ksu.edu/grad.

 

 

  • Obtain copy of departmental handbooks or other documents outlining specific program requirements from the graduate program director and review these documents.

     

  • Complete prerequisite/deficiency requirements early in the program. If applicable, request the advisor to submit a letter to the Graduate School stating the prerequisite/deficiency requirements noted on the admission letter have been completed.

     

  • Select a major professor.

     

  • Select research topic in consultation with the major professor if completing the thesis or report option.

     

  • Select a supervisory committee. A minimum of three graduate faculty serve as the supervisory committee, including major professor. Check with the major professor or department head to determine if there are departmental or program requirements regarding composition of the supervisory committee. If a faculty member from another University is appointed, a vita is required.

     

  • Prepare a program of study in consultation with the major professor. Review "Preparing a Master's Program of Study" on the Graduate School website. The program of study form can be downloaded from this website. Choose one of the following program options (subject to the approval of your department or program): (a) Thesis: a minimum of 30 hours of graduate credit including a maximum of 6 to 8 hours of master's thesis research credit. (b) Report: a minimum of 30 hours of graduate credit including a maximum of 2 hours of master's report credit. (c) Non-thesis / non-report: a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit in course work only, but including evidence of scholarly effort, such as term papers or production of creative work. NOTE:Some master's degrees require more than 30 hours. Follow departmental guidelines on number of required hours and course work requirements.

     

  • Schedule meeting with supervisory committee to discuss program of study and research, if applicable. Obtain supervisory committee's signature on the approved program of study. It is suggested to provide a copy of the proposed program of study to the supervisory committee prior to the meeting.

     

  • Submit to the Graduate School the original and 1 copy of the approved Program of Study signed by all members of the supervisory committee, the major professor, the department head or graduate program director, and the student. The program of study should be submitted after completing 9 hours of graduate credit and no later than the semester prior to graduation.

     

  • If changes need to be made to the Program of Study, submit a Program/Committee Change form to the Graduate School. This form can be downloaded from the Graduate School website.

     

  • Approval of Proposal for a thesis or report, if required by the program. Follow specific departmental guidelines for preparation and presentation for the proposal. Follow departmental timelines for submission of proposal to the supervisory committee.

     

  • Obtain approval form from Institutional Review for Use of Human Subjects and/or Animals, or other compliance requirements, if applicable, prior to collecting data. Please Note: If using human subjects or animals, complete the Training and Educational Modules for Researchers NOTE: This is mandatory for IRB approval. Please go to http://www.ksu.edu/research/complyfor more information and to complete the training modules. This applies to all research projects.

     

  • Collect and analyze data, if applicable.

     

  • Write thesis or the report, if applicable, following departmental guidelines and formatting specified by Graduate School. Review "Templates and Tutorials" on the Graduate School Website.

     

  • If applicable, provide members of the supervisory committee a copy of the thesis or report, a minimum of 10 working days prior to the scheduled defense.

     

  • Submit the "Approval to Schedule Final Examination" form signed by the major professor, department head or graduate program chairperson, and all committee members to the Graduate School 10 working days prior to the examination. If completing a thesis or report, submit a copy of the abstract and abstract title page. The Graduate School will send an email to you whether or not the degree requirements have been satisfied. Note: Deadlines to graduate are published for each semester on the Graduate School website. You must be enrolled the semester you take your final examination and graduate. The number of hours needed for enrollment will depend upon your employment status with the University.

     

  • Complete iSIS Graduation Application. 

  • Submit the final examination ballot to the Graduate School after the supervisory committee has signed. Retain one copy for personal file and give the major professor one copy.

     

  • Make revisions to the thesis or report based on feedback obtained from the committee.

     

  • Work closely with the major professor in preparing the final copy of the electronic thesis or report.

     

  • Submit electronic thesis or report. See electronic submission guidelines at "Electronic Theses, Dissertations, and Reports"on the Graduate School website.

     

  • Complete online exit survey and K-State Alumni Association information.

     

  • Pay appropriate fees to the Cashier's Office in Anderson Hall.

     

  • If attending commencement, deadlines and information about the event are available on the Graduate School website.