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M.S. Satisfactory Progress Thesis Option
Students must make satisfactory progress toward their degree each semester. The following guidelines define satisfactory progress for students in the M.S. program with thesis.
First Year
| January | Review first-semester performance with the GPD to discuss any problem areas and possible remedies. Discuss course choices and TA/RA performance (if applicable) during the first semester. Assess thesis research opportunities early in spring semester. RES-ECON 791Y will provide an introduction to research methods. |
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| April 1st | Obtain a faculty sponsor to serve as a Thesis Advisor and apply to the Graduate Studies Committee to enter the Thesis Option. This application is made to the GPD by submitting the form M.S. Thesis Research Plan for Summer which is available on the Graduate Student Canvas page. As part of this form, report to your advisor your topic, topic abstract, funding source (Is there a grant that will fund your research?), and summer work plan. The GPD will notify you whether you are approved for the Thesis Option by May 15th. |
| April/May | Meet with your thesis advisor to further develop your summer research and outline your summer work |
| August | Submit a progress report to the GPD |
| August 31st | Submit the Thesis Proposal to the GPD and the Graduate School. The Thesis Committee will be formally appointed at this time with a memo from the GPD to the Graduate School. Completion of the thesis proposal by this date is required to demonstrate satisfactory progress on thesis research. |
Second Year
| September | Students are required to present the work they have done during the summer at the Graduate Student Conference, which takes place on the first Friday of classes each year. Alternatively, with approval from the thesis committee, the student may opt to present to the department at a later date. Additionally, students must review course requirements and choices with the GPD. Students should have a clear plan to complete their thesis work by the following spring. |
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| March/April | Finish writing the thesis and present the seminar/defense |
In addition to ongoing assessments, the Graduate Studies Committee conducts reviews of M.S. students' progress after each semester and each summer. These reviews assess course grades and overall progress. Additionally, if applicable, teaching or research assistantship performance is evaluated.
In evaluating satisfactory progress, no arbitrary standards are imposed, but failure to maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 will result in the Graduate Studies Committee determining that a student is not making satisfactory progress. Students who are not making satisfactory progress will be notified in writing. They are subject to loss of funding or dismissal from the program.