Outline for Two Year Program

First Year

During 1st semester

  • Course work, including GEOL 8200 Professional Issues.

  • Formulate a research project and begin background work necessary to write your thesis proposal.

  • Work with your advisor to put together a degree plan; file a copy with the DGS and GPC for faculty approval, at least two weeks before finals week. Degree Plan Form.

During 2nd semester

  • Prepare your thesis research proposal and submit to your advisor, and once approved, to your committee for review. A committee-approved copy of the thesis proposal must be submitted to the department office for your academic file.

  • When the student provides copies of their thesis proposal to their examining committee, they will also provide an Evaluation Rubric Proposal form for each committee member.  The Advisor should turn the completed Evaluation Rubric forms to the department the same day as the thesis proposal.

Second Year

  • Provide a Thesis Progress Report to your committee early in the fall semester.

  • Thesis research (field and lab work; Plan A)

  • Thesis writing; communicate with your advisor! (Plan A)

  • Register thesis with the UMD Graduate School Office (Plan A)

  • Complete required forms for degree completion.
     
  • Provide a copy of your thesis to your committee at least two weeks before your defense.  
     
  • Coordinate with the department office to schedule a room with a two hour time frame. Have title, day, and time information ready for the office staff to schedule a room and share your defense within the department.
     
  • When the student provides copies of their thesis to their examining committee, they will also provide each committee member with an Evaluation Thesis Rubric form.  The Advisor should turn the completed Evaluation Rubric forms to the department the same day as the thesis defense.  

  • Present thesis research in a public oral presentation followed by a final (closed) exam with your committee.    

  • Submit the final revision of your thesis with UMD Graduate Office located at 431 Darland (Plan A).

  • Submit your thesis and the UMD University Digital Conservancy (UDC) - this is completed electronically as part of the degree completion forms.

  • Apply to Graduate online through your MyU Portal by the first day of the month in which you intend to complete all degree requirements. 

  • Application for Degree (Instructions).
     
  • Commence! UMD Commencement Manager - log in to confirm your degree information and submit the Commencement Questionnaire, even if you to not plan to attend Commencement Exercises. 

  • IMPORTANT - Remember upon completion of coursework and thesis credits, Graduate School policy requires that you register every fall and every spring for Grad 999 to remain active until your degree is awarded. This is a zero-credit (no cost) 'course' to ensure you remain registered. If you do not register, you will need to re-apply to the program for re-admission.