Degree completion steps
Degree completion steps are requirements that you need to complete as part of your degree progress. You will either use the Graduate Planning and Audit System (GPAS) or the Graduate Degree Plan (GDP) form. Your program may have additional requirements. If your degree program is not listed, visit your program office or website to obtain detailed information about graduation and graduation dates.
Note that all graduate students are required to maintain active status by registering every fall and spring term. There may be a time when you need to register solely to meet your registration requirements and avoid inactive status. Special registration categories are options to help you remain active.
Graduate Planning and Audit System (GPAS) students
The Graduate Planning and Audit System (GPAS) tracks your degree completion steps completely online. Click on the appropriate career below to see if you are a GPAS user. If you are not a GPAS user, please view the GDP section. To add or remove a graduate minor, you will need to submit a request form.
These GPAS degree completion steps are for the following students:
| College | Year of admission |
|---|---|
| Academic Health Center (AHC) | Fall 2017 and later |
| Carlson School of Management (CSOM) | Fall 2014 and later |
| College of Biological Sciences (CBS) | Fall 2016 and later |
| College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS, formerly CCE) | Spring 2015 and later |
| College of Design (CDES) | Fall 2016 and later |
| College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) | Spring 2013 and later |
| College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources (CFANS) | Fall 2014 and later |
| College of Liberal Arts (CLA) | Fall 2019 and later |
| College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) | Fall 2015 and later |
| Humphrey School of Public Affairs (HHH) | Fall 2020 and later |
| Medical School | Summer 2018 and later |
| School of Dentistry | Fall 2017 and later |
| School of Nursing | Fall 2017 and later |
| School of Pharmacy | Fall 2017 and later |
| School of Public Health | Fall 2018 and later |
These GPAS degree completion steps are for the following students:
| College | Year of admission |
|---|---|
| Academic Health Center (AHC) | Fall 2017 and later |
| Carlson School of Management (CSOM) | Fall 2014 and later |
| College of Biological Sciences (CBS) | Fall 2016 and later |
| College of Design (CDES) | Fall 2016 and later |
| College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) | Spring 2013 and later |
| College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources (CFANS) | Fall 2014 and later |
| College of Liberal Arts (CLA) | Fall 2019 and later |
| College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) | Fall 2015 and later |
| Humphrey School of Public Affairs (HHH) | Fall 2020 and later |
| Law School | Fall 2017 and later |
| Medical School | Summer 2018 and later |
| School of Dentistry | Fall 2017 and later |
| School of Nursing | Fall 2017 and later |
| School of Pharmacy | Fall 2017 and later |
| School of Public Health | Fall 2018 and later |
As a doctoral student, if you want to add a master's degree that is in your same program, please complete the add a master's degree to doctoral program (GPAS) form.
These GPAS degree completion steps are for the following students:
| College | Year of admission |
|---|---|
| Academic Health Center (AHC) | Fall 2017 and later |
| College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS, formerly CCE) | Spring 2015 and later |
| College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) | Spring 2013 and later |
| College of Liberal Arts (CLA) | Fall 2019 and later |
| Humphrey School of Public Affairs (HHH) | Fall 2020 and later |
| Medical School | Summer 2018 and later |
| School of Nursing | Fall 2017 and later |
| School of Public Health | Fall 2018 and later |
Graduate Degree Plan (GDP) students
All students follow the Gradaute Degree Plan degree completion steps, unless you fall into the GPAS categories above. You must submit your Graduate Degree Plan form at least one semester prior to your anticipated graduation. To update your degree plan, please complete the graduate student petition form.
If you have questions about your degree completion steps or are unsure if you are a GPAS or GDP student, please contact GSSP.
Years to degree completion
- For master’s students, you have five calendar years to complete your degree according to the master’s degree: performance standards and progress policy.
- For doctoral students, you have eight calendar years to complete your degree according to the doctoral degree: performance standards and progress policy.
Students admitted prior to spring 2013 adhere to a different set of policies. Please contact your graduate program or GSSP for more information.
If you need additional time for your degree, please complete the Doctoral or Master's Request for Extension to the Maximum Time Limit form.