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Master's Timeline

CSA Masters Student Checklist

The following checklist/time-line is provided for both CSA graduate students and faculty so that all parties will be aware of key milestones. Dates in bold are deadlines set by the university (or other outside parties). Dates in italics are set by the department. Not all dates are hard deadlines, but adherence to this schedule is strongly recommended. Consult with your advisor or the Graduate Director if you have questions.

  • Application process:
    • Be sure you will have taken our pre-requisites: See the CSA Graduate Handbook, page 2.
    • August/September: Register for and take the GRE general test. The TOEFL is also required for international students. See www.ets.org.
    • February 1: Complete applications due to the graduate school. See www.miami.muohio.edu/graduate/admission.cfm. Be sure to indicate whether or not you wish to be considered for an assistantship.
  • Year one:
    • Arrival: All students are expected to arrive one week before classes begin.
      • International students: You must participate in orientation. See http://www.units.muohio.edu/internationalprograms/arrival.php#orientation for a detailed schedule.
      • All students: You will have an appointment to set your plan of study with the Graduate Director.
      • Teaching assistants: Plan to attend CSA department TA training, held the Thursday and Friday before classes start. This is mandatory for both first and second year students with teaching assistantships.
    • First semester (in your 610 course): Approach a faculty member to become your advisor.
    • Second semester:
      • Take at least 1 hour of CSA 700 with your advisor. (Note: You must take at least 6 hours of CSA 700, spread over at least two semesters.) Begin background research for your thesis.
      • Second semester, Week 7 (~March 1): With your advisor, identify your thesis topic and thesis committee. Write proposal.
  • Year two:
    • Teaching assistants: Plan to attend CSA department TA training, held the Thursday and Friday before classes start. This is mandatory for both first and second year students with teaching assistantships.
    • By Oct. 1: Complete your thesis proposal and obtain approval. Your proposal must be announced at least 5 working days in advance. See the CSA Graduate Handbook for details.
    • Second semester: Complete research and write thesis.
    • Thesis related deadlines
      • At least 10 working days before your defense: Provide your readers with a complete draft of your thesis
      • At least 15 working days before graduation: Defend thesis. Your committee may require revisions to your thesis before accepting it. To ensure on-time graduation, schedule your defense early.
      • At least 10 working days before graduation: Revise thesis, submit to library and graduate school. See page 17 of Graduate Student Handbook www.miami.muohio.edu/graduate/pdfs/Graduate_Student_Handbook_07-08.pdf

Useful documents:

Important reminders:

  • All students on assistantships, whether they are teaching assistants or research assistants, must be available to come to campus as soon as school resumes. Please plan to return promptly from breaks