Degree Programs

Master's Degree Timeline

The QERM master's degree program requires a thesis and is an integrated program of coursework and research during which the student learns the fundamental principles and practices of conducting research.

The following timeline provides a quick reference to the required steps and necessary forms leading to the completion of the degree, as well as guidance on the expected rate of progress. The steps in the timeline are discussed in greater detail in other sections of this site. Except where noted, all forms are available online:

1. First Year of Study :
   
   
• INITIAL FACULTY ADVISOR: Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) assigns initial faculty advisor for the first year of study. The advisor assists in answering general questions about the program and may assist the student in gaining an understanding of current research projects on campus.
  
  
• CORE COURSEWORK: Core coursework is completed during the first three quarters of the program.
  
  
• MEET WITH FACULTY: Student identifies and initiates contact with several faculty members on campus to discuss their research and identify potential funding/research opportunities.
  
  
• QUALIFYING EXAMINATIONS: All students take the statistical theory and applied methods examination at the end of spring quarter. Students not passing both examinations have one additional opportunity to take the exams the following spring. Students completing a master's degree must pass both exams at the master's level. Students planning to pursue a doctoral degree in QERM must pass both exams at the doctoral level.
  
  
• FUTURE FUNDING: Secure funding source for the next academic year (research assistantship or teaching assistantship). It is recommended that you begin this process early in winter quarter.
  
  
2. Early in Second Year:
   
   
   • FORM YOUR COMMITTEE: Your committee should consist of two to four members. The chair and at least one-half must be members of the Graduate Faculty. At least two members, including the chair, must also be members of the QERM faculty. Notify the QERM GPC, in writing, of proposed supervisory committee members in order to review for suitability of faculty balance in relation to the selcted topic.
     
     
   • FIRST COMMITTEE MEETING: The following forms must be completed and returned to the GPA: Plan of Stud for Master's Degree (signed by all committee members); Human and Animal Advisory Certification form; Supervisory Committee Meeting Documentation form (completed by chair).
     
     
   • COMMITTEE MEETING DOCUMENTATION FORM: To properly document each meeting, the Committee Meeting Documentation form should be completed by the chair and returned to the GPA who will place it in the student's academic file.
     
     
   • THESIS PROPOSAL: A student is expected to submit a thesis proposal before the end of the 5th quarter of study. A copy of the Committee Meeting Documentation form verifying that the proposal has been accepted by the supervisory committee, and a copy of the proposal, must be forwarded to the GPA.
     
     
3. Quarter Thesis will be Defended (approximately 24-36 months)
   
   
   • MASTER'S DEGREE REQUEST: Complete online Master's Degree Request form the 1st day of the quarter until the Sunday of the 7th week of the quarter you expect to graduate.
     
     
   • REVIEW OF NEAR-TO-FINAL THESIS: Reviewed and approved by committee chair and decision on a final examination date that quarter determined. Circulate near-to-final copy of thesis to committee, allowing adequate time for review before defense (approximately four weeks). Notify GPA of time, date and location of Final Exam.
     
     
   • FINAL EXAMINATION/PRESENTATION: Final Exam/defense can only be taken during quarters in which you are registered for a minimum of 2 credits.
     
     
   • SUBMISSION OF THESIS: Submit finalized thesis (incorporating any comments from committee at the final exam) to the Graduate School by last day of quarter. If all other requirements are met, the final version of the thesis may be submitted the following quarter (within the first four weeks) if a Graduate Degree Late Fee is paid in lieu of registering for credit.
     
     
   • GRADUATE DEGREE LATE FEE: The Graduate Degree Late Fee is an option in lieu of registration for a given quarter for eligible students who did not: 1) file a timely Master's Degree Request during the current quarter or, 2) submit the thesis (within first 4 weeks of quarter) that was successfully defended by the end of the previous quarter, i.e. only formatting the thesis to Graduate School requirements remains to be completed .