CSE Masters Student Checklist and Timeline

The following checklist/time-line is provided for both CSE 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 program. Not all dates are hard deadlines, but adherence to this schedule is strongly recommended. Consult with your advisor or the Graduate Program Director if you have questions.

• Application process:

  • Be sure you will have taken appropriate pre-requisite courses prior to enrollment in this program.
  • 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. For a detailed schedule see http://www.units.muohio.edu/internationalprograms/arrival.php#orientation.
    • All students: Make an appointment with the Graduate Program Director to set your plan of study.
    • Teaching assistants: Plan to attend the GA training program, held the Thursday and Friday before classes start. This is mandatory for both first and second year students with graduate assistantships.
  • First semester : Approach a faculty member to become your thesis advisor.
  • Second semester:
    • Take at least 1 hour of thesis research (course number 700) with your advisor. (Note: You must take at least 6 hours of thesis hours, spread over at least two semesters to complete the program.)
    • Start background research for your thesis.
    • Week 7 (~March 1): With your advisor, identify your thesis topic and thesis committee. Write your thesis proposal.

• Year two

• • Teaching assistants: Plan to attend GA training, held the Thursday and Friday before classes start by teh School of Engineering and Applied Science. This is mandatory for both first and second year students with teaching assistantships.
  • By Oct. 1: Complete your thesis proposal and obtain approval from your thesis advisor. Your proposal defense must be announced at least 5 working days in advance.
  • Second semester: Complete research and write thesis.
  • • 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 http://www.miami.muohio.edu/documents_and_policies/graduatebulletin09/index.html.
  • Thesis related deadlines

Useful documents: 

• The Miami Graduate School Bulletin
• The Miami Graduate Handbook
• The Graduate School's guidelines for preparing and submitting your thesis.

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.