Chronology and Procedures - Master of Science Degrees

After a student has been admitted to the Graduate College at Oklahoma State University for the purpose of receiving a Master of Science degree in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics the following procedures are to be followed.  

1.

The student consults with the graduate director  to seek advice on initial enrollment and on activities of graduate students. The director will serve as temporary advisor until a committee  is formed.

2.

An advisory committee is formed (usually during the second semester of enrollment) to monitor the student's progress throughout the degree program. This committee is selected by the student in consultation with the graduate director. One member of the committee will serve as advisor and is principally responsible for advising the student.

3.

The student together with the advisory committee creates a plan of study which lists the courses that are to be taken. At the same time a preliminary decision is made as to whether the thesis, report, or creative component option will be exercised. These decisions are tentative and are usually made in the second semester of study. The preliminary plan of study must be submitted to the Graduate College for approval. The plan of study must be updated during the semester prior to graduation.

4.

The Master's Comprehensive Exams  are taken as soon after completion of the appropriate courses as is possible. These exams are offered three times a year, in the week preceding each semester.

5.

The student conducts the independent study component of the degree program, whether this be a thesis, report, or creative component. This is usually done after the student has completed the core course work and passed the Master's Comprehensive Exams.

6.

A formal defense or presentation must be made of a thesis or report. Application for this defense must be filed with the Graduate College in advance. The defense should come as soon after completion of the thesis or report as is possible. For a creative component the student makes a public presentation.

7.

A thesis or report must be typed according to Graduate College guidelines and must be submitted before specific dates. These rules can be obtained from the Graduate College. There are no formatting requirements for the written portion of a creative component.

8.

A Verification of Completion form must be filed with the Graduate College certifying the completion of the thesis, report, or creative component. A copy of the thesis, report, or creative component must be given to the graduate director  for public display.

9.

At the time of enrollment for the final semester of study, an Application for Diploma must be filed with the Graduate College.

10.

For those choosing the thesis option, a binding fee must be paid in the Bursar's Office and the certification form must be turned into the Graduate College. The form is obtained from the Graduate College after the thesis has been formally accepted by that office.

11.

If the student plans to attend commencement, arrangements can be made for cap and gown at the Student Union Bookstore.