Academics
Master's To Ph.D. Policy

Step

Action

Who acts

1

Each committee member comments on whether or not the student should be encouraged to continue for a PhD. [Each member completes a form during the final examination (defense).]

Master’s Committee

2

Student downloads and signs OGS form expressing intent to pursue PhD. (This form requires department-head signature.)

Student

3

Student discusses potential PhD-advising role with one or more faculty members. If there is mutual interest, student asks faculty member to send email to Graduate Coordinator. Email should: answer: “Under what circumstances would you consider serving as this student’s PhD advisor? What are the prospects for obtaining funding for his/her research?”

Student and potential PhD advisor(s)

4

Led by Graduate Coordinator, Graduate Committee reviews all input and recommends to Dept. Head whether or not student should be admitted (based on merits, research interests, and faculty willingness to advise – independent of funding options)

Grad Committee

5

Head makes decision based on grad-committee input, taking into account other information (such as funding realities) as he/she sees fit. (No one can sign the intent form (see step 2) for the Head unless the Head gives express instruction to do so!)

Head