Master's students may choose one of four different plans to complete their degrees:
- Plan A—Thesis option. Students complete coursework and a thesis.
- Plan B—Report option. Students complete coursework and a report.
- Plan C—Coursework option. Students complete coursework and a defense.
- Plan D—Coursework only option.
Each plan has different requirements, as summarized in the table below. All required forms (marked with an "X") are due in the Graduate School at the time indicated in the form description. Some programs may submit forms to the Graduate School for students; please check with the Graduate Program Assistant.
See Master of Science and Master of Business Administration or Master of Forestry for additional degree requirements.
| Plan A | Plan B | Plan C | Plan D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official, final transcript from previous college, if it is not Michigan Tech. If this does not include proof-of-degree, then an official proof of final degree is also required. First Semester/Before arrival on campus | X | X | X | X |
| Patent, Research and Proprietary Rights Agreement First semester | X | X | X | X |
| Advisor and Committee Recommendation Form Second semester | X | X | X | X |
| M4—Degree Schedule Semester prior to defense/final semester OR semester prior to moving to full time research only mode | X | X | X | X |
| Research Only Mode Petition Due one week prior to the first day of classes in the semester student plans to enter research only mode. All required coursework and credits must be completed and the appropriate tracking forms must be on file. | X | X | ||
| Commencement Application Form Eight weeks prior to desired commencement ceremony (see "Deadlines") | X | X | X | X |
| Pre-defense Form Two weeks before oral exam. | X | X | X | |
| Draft of thesis as a traditional or online submission Two weeks before oral exam | X | |||
| TD-Review—Review of a Thesis or Dissertation Completed by Graduate School staff and returned to student after review of draft and final thesis. | ||||
| M6—Report on Oral Exam Two weeks after oral exam | X | X | X | |
| M6-D—Verification of Degree Requirements Completion End of final exam week of final semester | X | |||
| Final thesis as a traditional or online submission Must be accepted by first day of next semester | X | |||
| Final report submitted in a sturdy binder; signature page with original signatures. Must be accepted by first day of next semester | X | |||
| Degree Completion Form—final information and order form for any bound copies Due in final semester | X | X | X | X |
| Return University keys to Public Safety, return all library books, and pay any outstanding fees before leaving campus. | ||||
| Online questionnaire for exiting graduate students (optional) After degree requirements are complete. |