Master’s & Certificate Completion Checklist

Master’s Thesis 

Getting Started:

Once fully admitted with final, official transcripts and degree confirmation sent to the AU Graduate School, students should: 

• Contact your departmental advisor
• Register for classes*
• Check the Graduate School calendar for deadlines
• Begin selecting your advisory committee 

Making Progress:  

• Register each semester** with advisement from your major professor
• Work towards completion of required courses for your program
• Check the Graduate School calendar for deadlines
• Complete comprehensive exams (if your program requires)
• Make progress on the Master’s thesis (see timeline graphic) 

Nearing Completion (one semester before you graduate): 

• Register for classes*
• Schedule a graduation check with your departmental advisor (recommended)
• Check the Graduate School calendar for deadlines
• Make progress on the Master’s thesis (see timeline graphic)
• Submit the Committee, Transfers, Exceptions and Candidacy (CTEC) Form (required of all degree-seeking students)
• Submit the Graduation Application through AU Access > My Academics > Grad Application (required of all students) 

Graduating (the semester you plan to graduate): 

• Register* (one credit hour minimum)
• Check the Graduate School calendar for deadlines
• Clear all holds, incomplete grades, and any financial obligations
• Follow the Master’s thesis timeline (see timeline graphic)
• Use the Thesis and Dissertation Guide
• Submit Master’s Thesis Final Examination Report and ETD Publishing Approval Form
• Submit PDF of Thesis on AUETD
• Order regalia and participate in the commencement & graduation ceremonies (see dates and deadlines)
• Join the Auburn University Alumni Association 

Master’s Non-Thesis / Education Specialist (EdS) 

Getting Started:  

Once fully admitted with final, official transcripts and degree confirmation sent to the AU Graduate School, students should: 

• Contact your departmental advisor
• Register for classes*
• Check the Graduate School calendar for deadlines
• Begin selecting your advisory committee 

Making Progress:  

• Register each semester** with advisement from your major professor
• Work towards completion of required courses for your program
• Check the Graduate School calendar for deadlines
• Complete comprehensive exams (if your program requires it) 

Nearing Completion (one semester before you graduate): 

• Register for classes*
• Schedule a graduation check with your departmental advisor (recommended)
• Check the Graduate School calendar for deadlines
• Submit the Committee, Transfers, Exceptions and Candidacy (CTEC) Form (required of all degree-seeking students)
• Submit the Graduation Application through AU Access > My Academics > Grad Application (required of all students) 

Graduating (the semester you plan to graduate): 

• Register* (one credit hour minimum)
• Check the Graduate School calendar for deadlines
• Clear all holds, incomplete grades, and any financial obligations
• Schedule final oral exam (if program requires this); the non-thesis exam form will be initiated by the Graduate School 
• Order regalia and participate in the commencement & graduation ceremonies (see dates and deadlines)
• Join the Auburn University Alumni Association 

Graduate Certificate 

Getting Started: 

Once fully admitted with final, official transcripts and degree confirmation sent to the AU Graduate School, students should: 

• Contact your departmental advisor
• Register for classes*  
• Check the Graduate School calendar for deadlines 

Making Progress:  

• Register each semester** with advisement from your major professor
• Work towards completion of required courses for your certificate
• Check the Graduate School calendar for deadlines
• Complete comprehensive exams (if your program requires) 

Nearing Completion (one semester before you graduate): 

• Register for classes*
• Schedule a graduation check with your departmental advisor (recommended)
• Check the Graduate School calendar for deadlines
• Submit the Graduation Application through AU Access > My Academics > Grad Application (required of all students)
• See the certificate FAQ page if you have any issues with submitting the Graduation Application for the certificate program. 

Graduating (the semester you plan to graduate): 

• Register* (one credit hour minimum)
• Check the Graduate School calendar for deadlines
• Clear all holds, incomplete grades, and any financial obligations
• Order regalia and participate in the commencement & graduation ceremonies (see dates and deadlines)
• Join the Auburn University Alumni Association 

* Students must be enrolled/registered for a minimum of one credit hour per semester (fall and spring; summer optional unless program requires). All students must be registered in the term in which they graduate. Students using or deferring federal financial aid or F-1 student visa holders may have different credit hour requirements. Please contact the Financial Aid Office or Office of International Programs if one of the above applies to you. 

** Students must be registered for two out of three semesters in an academic year, per the Continuous Enrollment Policy. Students must be registered for a minimum of one credit hour in the term in which they graduate.