Graduate Degree Timeline

UW School of Graduate Education

Navigating the grad school process can feel overwhelming. You want to be sure you follow the correct steps, submit the right forms and do it all on time! The good news is we are here to help lay out each step and keep you on track for your grad school timeline.

In your first semester, discuss your thesis/dissertation and committee members with your advisor. Look for committee members who are passionate about your focus and have compatible communication styles to set yourself up for success. Within your first two semesters, submit your Committee Assignment Form.

Committee Assignment Form

Program of Study

Once your Committee Assignment Form is approved, you can begin creating your Program of Study with your advisor. This roadmap will outline the courses, research and milestones required for your degree timeline. You will be responsible for maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA, and adhering to completion deadlines—six years for master’s students and eight years for doctoral students.

Grad Degree Timeline: Next Steps

Once you have formed your committee and submitted your Program of Study, it's time to move forward with the grad school process. We have outlined a timeline to help guide you, and remember that communication with your committee is key to staying on track!

A recent UW doctoral graduate and their family pose in front of a University of Wyoming sign.

At your first committee meeting, ideally within your first two semesters, discuss your research proposal or project plan to ensure viability and alignment with your goals.

The preliminary exam must occur at least 15 weeks before your final exam/defense. Submit this report to the Registrar’s office, regardless of whether you pass or fail.

After working on your courses and research, you will submit your thesis/dissertation or project to your committee at least three weeks before the final exam/defense.

An Anticipated Graduation Date form must be submitted, in WyoRecords, for the semester in which you plan to graduate. Register via the survey located on the commencement website.

Your final exam can be held within your final semester. The exam will take place at least 10 days before the last day of finals, the details must be announced two weeks in advance.

Complete the necessary thesis or dissertation revisions compliant with UW format approved by your committee.

Submit your Report of Final Exam to the Registrar’s Office on or before the last day of classes.

For those looking to embargo their thesis/dissertation (an intentional delay in the publication of its results), an embargo request must be included with compelling written justification and a proposed embargo period not to exceed one year. All embargo requests are subject to approval by the School of Graduate Education and the Research and Economic Development Division.

*Ed.D.: use this form. 

Upload your thesis or dissertation to ProQuest.

All Ph.D. students must submit the Survey of Earned Doctorates on or before the last day of classes in the semester you plan to graduate.

Stay up to date on important submission dates through the UW Office of the Registrar.