Forms, Guidelines and Important Dates

Forms and Guidelines

The WGS Graduate handbook is updated annually. Questions about the department's specific degree requirements should be directed to the student's adviser and/or the Director of Graduate Studies.

Please be aware that the University Bulletin is a legal document governing all academic regulations. If anything in this handbook contradicts the Bulletin, the Bulletin will take precedence. In addition, please be aware that in the event of a public health emergency or other major event, the procedures listed in this handbook may change.

Any graduate student taking an undergraduate course for credit towards their graduate degree will be required to do additional work in that course, such as attending extra sections with the instructor and other graduate students, writing a longer final paper (minimum 20 pages) and / or doing an oral presentation about some aspect of the course material to the class.

You must submit this form to receive credit for classes through the GCWS. The deadline for applications for GCWS spring courses is Jan. 5, 2025.

Completion of a master's research paper of professional quality and length (normally 25-40 pages) on a
topic related to the degree. The paper will be read by two faculty members, at least one of whom is a member of the student's home department, and at least one of whom is a member of the WGS core or affiliate faculty.

This form MUST be signed and returned to the WGS Office (Rabb 105) along with the final electronic copy of your paper before graduation. Both the form and the final copy (post-defense) of the master's paper may be submitted to the WGS Office electronically.

Please refer to the chart below for the final deadlines for graduation. The Registrar's Office sends regular correspondence regarding graduation; please read all correspondence from the Registrar's Office.

Please refer to the the GSAS and University Bulletin policies on leaves of absence according to your specific situation. If you have questions, please reach out to the appropriate office for clarification.

Deadlines for Graduating MA Students

Graduation Date
Form Due Date
February 2025
Last day for February graduate degree candidates (final and continuing master's and PhD) to file Application for Degree. Registrar's Office will announce form availability. Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2024
Master's Paper Approval Form
due to WGS Office
WGS Master's Paper Approval Form Friday, Jan. 12, 2025
May 2025
Last day for May graduate degree candidates (final and continuing master's and PhD) to file Application for Degree. See application for details. Registrar's Office will announce form availability. Friday, March 1, 2025
Master's Paper Approval Form
due to WGS Office
WGS Master's Paper Approval Form Friday, May 10, 2025
August 2025
Last day for August graduate degree candidates (final and continuing Master’s and PhD) to file Application for Degree. See application for details. Registrar's Office will announce form availability. TBA (June 2025)
Master's Paper Approval Form
due to WGS Office
WGS Master's Paper Approval Form Friday, Aug. 8, 2025

For questions about submitting the thesis to GSAS, please contact GSAS.

The WGS deadline is after the university deadline and is for internal record-keeping purposes. To ensure that your paperwork is prepared for graduation, please adhere to the deadlines set by the Registrar's Office and GSAS.