The graduate school requires the degree plan to be submitted during the first semester of study. It also serves as the application for Admission to Candidacy.

For the thesis plan, students should make every effort to find a Thesis Advisor in an area of research compatible with their interests as soon as possible. Thesis Advisors may require students to take certain courses in order to prepare the student for research; therefore, students should allow the Thesis Advisor to assist in the selection of courses for their degree plan.

Minor courses are, in general, not allowed in the degree plan of the non-thesis plan, but are allowed on a limited basis in the degree plan of the thesis plan, as long as those courses would support the student’s research. No minor courses will be counted if an equivalent computer science course exists. Please see the Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog for the details of minors at the master’s level. Please see the Graduate Advisor for minor course degree plan approval before taking the minor courses.