M.S. Degree Checklist

Information on this page is summarized from the "Department of Geology M.S. Program Requirements" (printed copies may be obtained from the Graduate Coordinator). Information regarding Departmental exceptions to the Arts and Sciences guidelines is available in the Geology Main office. In addition, at least one chapter of your thesis/dissertation, in final form, should be examined by the Office of Graduate Affairs, College of Arts and Sciences for conformity to the rules before you complete and photocopy all the chapters. This will assure in advance the acceptance of your document.

Please note that some requirements have recently been modified. If you started your degree program prior to the Fall 2006, please contact the Graduate Coordinator if you have any questions regarding your graduation requirements.

REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION (Effective Fall 2006):

Minimum Graduate GPA that must be maintained Accumulation of more than 7 hours of grades of C, or more than 4 hours of grades below C make the student subject to dismissal.	3.00
Minimum number of Graduate Credit Hours needed.	32
Number of Thesis I hours needed (GEOL 60199). GEOL 60199 (Thesis I) hours are taken after successful completion of the thesis proposal and usually in the second year of study. In the event that graduation is delayed until some later term, the student must enroll for GEOL 60299 (Thesis II) continually, including summers, until graduation.	6
Minimum number of credit hours beyond the 6 required Thesis I Hours.	26
Minimum number of credit hours of Formal Coursework needed.	20 e.g., Six courses of 3 credits each, plus orientation and college teaching (1 credit each).
Minimum number of 60,000 or higher level credit hours of Formal course work needed This requirement is satisfied by taking any combination of 60,000-level or greater formal courses including research orientation; but excluding research and thesis hours. Note, also that you may take 50,000 level coursework in allied disciplines, including Biological Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, or Math & Computer Sciences, or in Civil Engineering (at U. Akron) by petitioning the Graduate Studies Committee. If successfully petitioned, these courses will apply toward the 13 hours required at the 60,000 or greater level.	13
Preparation of the Program of Study and Thesis Proposal Candidates for the M.S. degree must develop their research plan in conjunction with their potential advisor and committee members, noting the scope of the work in the form of a Thesis proposal and determining Program of study that lists the formal coursework required to provide the student with the skills necessary to successfully complete the proposed research project. This should be accomplished at least four weeks prior to the Thesis Proposal Defense.	Required File signed MS Program of Study form with the Graduate Coordinator.
Successful Thesis Proposal Defense All Masters students are required to successfully complete an oral thesis proposal defense evaluated by their proposed thesis advisor and committee. The primary goal of the meeting is to refine the student's thinking and approach to the research and the method of carrying it out, and to facilitate input on these same matters from the Thesis Committee members. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Thesis Committee votes regarding approval or disapproval of the proposal. For full‑time Master's students, the entire procedure should be completed prior to the end of the second semester of study. For part‑time Master's students, the procedure must be completed prior to the end of the semester in which the student completes 16 hours of credit toward the degree.	Required File the Thesis Proposal Processing Form with Graduate Coordinator, and the Notification of Approved Thesis Topic with the Office of Graduate Affairs, College of Arts & Sciences and the Graduate Coordinator.
Successful Public Oral Thesis Defense All Masters students are required to successfully complete an oral thesis defense which is open to the Kent State community and publicly announced at least 10 working days in advance of the event. This provides the student with the opportunity to share the results of their research with their peers and the wider community, and will help prepare them to present their work at professional meetings. Presentation of their student research at a meeting is recommended, but not required for graduation.	Required File a Report of Final Exam and Application for Graduation forms in College of A&S, Office of Graduate Affairs, with a copy to the Graduate Coordinator, upon completion of this requirement.

There are several deadlines (including those for applying for graduation, completing the thesis/dissertation defense, and presentation of thesis/dissertation to the Office of Graduate Affairs, College of Arts & Sciences) that must be met in order to graduate in a timely fashion. If the student applies for graduation in one term and is delayed in finishing the work, it is necessary to file a re-application in the Office of Graduate Affairs, College of Arts & Sciences during the term in which graduation is anticipated. The re-application must be in the Office of Graduate Affairs by the deadline for application for graduation. Although reminders from the Graduate Coordinator and the Office of Graduate Affairs will be sent out, the Graduate Catalogue clearly stipulates that it is the responsibility of the student to meet the deadlines.

The degree must be completed within 6 years of enrollment in the first coursework.

Application to Graduate
Due by 4:00 pm Friday of the first week of classes for the semester in which you wish to graduate

Thesis Defense Deadline
Typically about 5 weeks before commencement (look for the posted deadlines each semester)

Thesis Submission Deadline
Typically about 3 weeks before commencement (look for the posted deadlines each semester)

RECOMMENDED SCHEDULE FOR M.S. STUDENTS FUNDED BY THE DEPARTMENT:

Semester I	Course work underway; select advisor and thesis topic; discuss selection of thesis committee with advisor. Meet with advisor and committee to develop and submit the MS Program of Study Form
Semester II	Committee meeting and proposal submitted by mid-semester break. Thesis Proposal Processing Form completed and submitted to Graduate Coordinator. Notification of Approved Thesis Topic form completed and submitted to the Office of Graduate Affairs, College of Arts & Sciences with a copy to the Graduate Coordinator.
Summer I	Research initiated.
Semester III	Coursework and research continues.
Semester IV	Begin writing thesis following the Style Guide; hold a committee meeting.
Summer II	Finish writing thesis; "Report of Final Exam" form (available from the Department Office) completed and submitted to the Office of Graduate Affairs, College of Arts & Sciences with a copy to the Graduate Coordinator; Submit an Application for Graduation form. Complete the Department of Geology Graduate Student Check-out Form Graduate in August or December.

What options do I have when selecting formal coursework to fit my course of study?

The department requires 20 hours of formal coursework, of which 2 hours come from orientation and college teaching. That means you need 6 courses (assuming 3 credits each). Keep in mind that in addition to the formal courses offered in the department you have the following options available to help you develop the skills you need:

(a) You can take courses at the University of Akron through the Memorandum of Understanding, without transfer. This widens your choice of coursework substantially. Forms are available in the main office to do this.

(b) You can cross-train in coursework in allied fields. You may want to check out the GIS or Remote Sensing courses in Geography; the Wetlands, Limnology, and Ecology courses in Biological Sciences; the Environmental Chemistry courses in Chemistry; computer programming courses in Math & Computer Science; or relevant courses in Physics. See the Registrar's web page for available courses by semester.

(c) You can take up to 6 hours of research credit that count towards the minimum of 32 hours for the M.S. degree in Geology. You may petition the Graduate Studies Committee (GSC) for an exception to this limit if you and your advisor feel that more than 6 hours of research credit are needed as a substitute for formal coursework in your program of study. The maximum allowed by the College of Arts and Sciences is 12 hours of research credit.

What is the Geology Colloquium?

The Geology Colloquium series presents interesting talks by outside guests, departmental faculty and graduate students. It's a great way to stay current on topics of interest in the field of Geology. All graduate students are expected to attend the Geology Colloquium.

Can I transfer geological coursework from another institution?

Yes, you can transfer up to 12 hours of graduate credit, graded B or higher, from an accredited institution, as long as the work was done within six years of the completion date of your M.S. in Geology. (That is, masters coursework has a 6 year "shelf life").

Can I pursue two Masters degrees simultaneously or sequentially at KSU?

Yes, you can! You can share 12 hours of coursework between the 2 Masters programs.

Where can I go to get the thesis style guide and the necessary forms I will need as I progress through the program?

The KSU College of Arts & Sciences Style Guide and Instructions for Typing Theses and Dissertations (updated in June 1998) is available in the College Office 108 Bowman Hall. You can also access these materials from this website (see above), or at the appropriate page in the Arts and Sciences website (http://as.kent.edu/gradforms.htm).

How can I efficiently plan my M.S. program, including thesis and coursework, so that I can finish the degree in a timely manner?

See the recommended schedule above. Remember that ultimately you are responsible for successful completion. Consult regularly with your advisor.