Key Steps, Deadlines, and Forms

Plan I = thesis | Plan II = no thesis, extra courses

Plan Action Deadline Signatures Copies
I+II Complete graduate advising with advisors for registration every semester advisor, advising comm D***
I+II Complete add/drop of classes consult advisor every semester grad, advisor D
I Choose research advisor by 2nd semester
I+II If in PhD program, email grad school* 1st week of graduating sem
I+II Submit request for transfer of graduate credit (date) none GS, D
I Appoint/change master’s thesis committee by 3rd semester comm, chair GS, D
I+II Submit application for degree (through myBama**) 1st week of graduating sem (date) chair 2GS, D
I Schedule thesis defense >8 weeks before grad
I Submit thesis to dept comm 2 weeks before thesis defense
I Submit announcement of thesis defense 2 weeks before thesis defense none GS, D
I Complete thesis defense (approval form) >6 weeks before grad committee GS, D
I Submit Electronic Thesis acceptance form after thesis defense comm, chair 3GS, D
I Submit approved thesis to grad school, including

  • strict adherence to Grad School formatting
    requirements (see sample & preparation manual)
  • thesis (x2)
  • thesis acceptance page (x3; see p.3 of sample)
  • abstract (x2; see p.10 of sample)
  • receipt for binding
 6 weeks before grad (date) GS
II Take comprehensive exam (approval form)
NOTE: can count as Prelim		 >2 weeks before grad (date) committee GS, D

NOTES

*Email Eric Harris (eharris@ua.edu) at Grad School that you are picking up MS degree on the way to PhD; this will allow next step to be available.

**After notifying Grad School that you are picking up MS on the way to PhD, apply for MS degree through myBama: myBama > Student tab > Student Services > Student Records > Apply to Graduate.

***D = department; GS = Graduate School