Graduate Students
No matter where you are in your graduate studies, we're here to help you make the most of your education at the Russ College — from your graduate chair to the dean's office, to international student and scholar services to other offices across campus. We offer support so you can reach even higher levels of success after you earn your degree.
Yearly Checklists
Use these yearly checklists for master's and doctoral students to ensure you're taking advantage of the many academic, career, and extracurricular benefits we offer:
M.S. Students
Master's students, first year
- Attend orientation sessions.
- Get advice on which courses to take.
- Seek funding and employment opportunities.
- Meet faculty members who are doing research that interests you and take their classes.
- By the end of your first year, submit a plan of study to your graduate chair.
Master's students, second year
- Find out who your academic advisor is and work together to finalize a research topic.
- Take the Russ College's graduate writing course.
- Select faculty members to serve on your thesis committee.
- Take steps to develop and defend your thesis.
Ph.D. Students
Ph.D. students, first year
- Attend orientation sessions.
- Get advice on which courses to take.
- Seek funding and employment opportunities.
- Meet faculty members who are doing research that interests you and take their classes.
- By the end of the first year, submit a plan of study to your graduate chair.
Ph.D. students, later years
- Confirm who your academic advisor is and work together to finalize a research topic.
- Take the Russ College's graduate writing course.
- Select faculty members to serve on your dissertation committee.
- Schedule and take your comprehensive exam.
- Develop and obtain approval for your research project.
- Take steps to develop and defend your dissertation.
Commencement
Check with your department for graduation requirements specific to your program. Also, be sure to submit your Graduation Application.