When to do What
        A brief order of events during your MA program:
 
1) Enter program (first semester)
        Take Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE) or report GRE Analytical Writing Score of 4.0 or higher to the Testing Office by end of first semester
                Note: WPE from another CSU may be used to satisfy WPE requirement -- contact Enrollment Services for details
 
2) Advance to Candidacy (usually 2nd semester)
        after you have completed at least 6 units of your program (with at least a grade of B)
                (classes that will be counted for your graduation)
        after you have fulfilled the WPE requirement
 
        NOTE: you must Advance before you can register for thesis units or file for Grad Check (AKA Request to Graduate)
 
3) Select your committee and thesis topic
        have committee member paperwork filed
        (contact Graduate Advisor)
 
4) Preliminary Orals
        MAR: after you have attended at least 6 Colloquia (for those who Advance after Summer '98)
            OR after you have attended at least 4 Colloquia (for those who Advance after Summer '04)
 
5) Conduct research and write, write, write
        confer with committee as needed
 
6) File for Graduation
        between the previous May 1st and October 15th for Spring or Summer graduation
        between the previous December 1st and March 1st for Fall or Winter graduation
 
7) Final Orals
        MAR: after you have passed 3 comps and all 6 required Colloquia
                   (12 required Colloquia for those who Advanced before Summer '04)
 
8) Submit thesis to University Thesis Office
 
9) Graduate! (Of course, complete all your program courses as well before you graduate)

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Updated 10/28/04