Guidelines for Degree Completion

To successfully complete your graduate study in a timely manner, its important you complete your degree program's and the Graduate School's requirements. Following is an outline of important steps in your graduate study career. Your major professor (advisor) can help you, but its your responsibility to solicit their assistance and complete the requirements. Failure to complete these steps may delay your graduation date.

In addition to the information provided below, you should review the Graduate School's checklist for students:

Selecting a major professor (advisor)

At the time of acceptance you are assigned a temporary advisor to help you get started at K-State. Based on your degree type and research interests you may choose another IMSE graduate faculty member to supervise and examine your work. Your major professor helps you develop your Program of Study and determines when your work is complete and ready to be taken to the supervisory committee for Final Examination.

Program of Study

The Program of Study is a list of courses the student intends to complete to meet the requirements of the degree. Full-time students should file their Program of Study with the Graduate School before the end of their second semester of study. Part-time students should file their Program of Study at the completion of nine (9) credit hours.

Annual progress report for doctoral students and funded master students

This report must be completed annually at the end of the spring semester by all IMSE Ph.D. students and all funded master's students. This report serves several purposes. Most importantly, it is used by you and your advisor(s) to formally review progress towards completing your degree. This report is also submitted to the Department Head for the primary purpose of determining GRA and GTA positions for the upcoming year. Annual reports will be maintained by the IMSE Office as part of your academic record.

Annual progress report for non-funded master students

This report must be completed annually at the end of the spring semester by all IMSE master’s students who have not received funding in the previous year. It is used by you and your advisor(s) to formally review progress toward completing your degree. Annual reports will be maintained by the IMSE Office as part of your academic record.

Approval to schedule final examination

The Approval to Schedule Final examination form (Masters) or Approval to Schedule Final examination form (Doctoral) is due by the submission date for the graduate's name to appear in the Commencement program. Otherwise, the form is due 10 working days prior to defense.

Final examination

All graduate students are required to complete a final examination (or dissertation defense for doctoral students). Final exam details are provided in the IMSE Graduate Handbook (masters page 4; doctoral page 12).

The Graduate School website is full of useful information for K-State graduate students. Key sections include:

Guidelines and forms