Masters Timeline

Year One

Consult with faculty - select an advisor
- Submit "Track and Advisor Delcaration form" to the BIOE program assistant
Begin research - Select a thesis project
- Start reading relevant literature and developing approaches to your thesis research
Complete 2-3 classes per semester
Start forming your thesis committee
Complete and submit your Plan of Study for committee approval
Secure funding for upcoming semesters by mid-spring
Utilize the summer break to conduct research and develop your project

Complete 2-3 more classes per semester - you should be completing all coursework
Update your Plan of Study as needed
Continue your thesis research
- Your work should be becoming more "self-contained." Overcome the complexities and modify your project accordingly
- Contact your committee members to discuss your progress and/or problems to see if they have any advice
Get actively involved in your field by attending conferences and society meetings
- Present your research and make a name for yourself
- Network with those around you and start making steps towards your career goals
- Actively seek out employment opportunities
Publish your research in applicable journals
- Don't wait until your project is completed, publish as your findings become conclusive - file for patents where applicable
- Publications make you more marketable and offer leverage over other job applicants
Finalize your thesis
- Submit it for your committee to review and schedule your oral defense
- Leave yourself enough time to make revisions prior to the semester deadlines
- Apply for graduation to the applicable semester prior to university deadlines - consult BIOE website for a complete list of steps toward graduation