1. Time Limits for Degrees
2. Thesis/Dissertation Prep.
3. Graduation
1. Time Limits for Degrees

Degree programs should be completed within the following periods of time after first registration in the Graduate School-New Brunswick:

  Normal Minimum
(full-time study)		 Normal Maximum

Master of Arts
Master of Science
Master of Arts for Teachers
Master of Science for Teachers

 1 year 3 years

Master of Philosophy
Master of City and Regional Planning
Master of Public Health

 2 years 4 years

Doctor of Public Health

 3 years 7 years

Doctor of Philosophy

 3 years
(2 beyond master's)		 7 years
(4 beyond master's)

All students are urged to consider carefully the educational and economic benefits of completing their programs as expeditiously as possible. Soon after being admitted to graduate study each student should consult with a faculty adviser and work out a reasonable timetable for meeting the requirements. Extensions beyond the normal limits shown above may (for all students except the Master of Philosophy) be granted to students in good standing. A student requiring an extension should petition the dean of the Graduate School-New Brunswick on a form available from the Office of the Graduate School. If the petition is supported by reasons of weight, and if the faculty in charge of the student's program certify that satisfactory progress is made, the extension normally is granted. Part-time students should consult their program concerning their expected times of completion.

2. Thesis and Dissertation Preparation

A pamphlet entitled Style Guide for Thesis and Dissertation Preparation is available at the Office of the Graduate School. All these, dissertations, or essays submitted to the Graduate School-New Brunswick in partial fulfillment of the requirements for master's and doctor's degrees must conform to the instructions in this pamphlet, and candidates should familiarize themselves with these instructions before they proceed to their final drafts. A thesis may be rejected by the graduate school office if it does not adhere to the stylistic and technical requirements specified in Style Guide for Thesis and Dissertation Preparation.

The Office of Academic Services provides a series of Dissertation and Thesis Workshops to help students prepare their manuscripts for submission in accordance with the requirements of The Graduate School-New Brunswick. In addition to examining the various guidelines for dissertation and thesis preparation, the workshops give students the opportunity to ask specific questions about the format of their project.

3. Graduation

When entering their final term, candidates who anticipate faculty recommendations for conferral of the degree are required to follow the procedures listed below:
  1. Ensure that all academic requirements are being completed. If a student is unable to do so by the deadline date, both forms listed below must be refiled for a later-dated diploma.
  2. Ensure that related fees and any outstanding debts to the university are paid.
  3. Submit the completed candidacy application form by the announced deadline, normally in early January, May, or October.
  4. Submit a diploma application form by the announced deadline, normally January 2, April 1, or October 1. The degree cannot be conferred as scheduled, and graduation will be delayed, if this form is filed after the deadline has passed. All forms are available from the Office of the Graduate School. Students are urged to submit the appropriate forms in advance of the deadlines, if possible. It is the responsiblity of the student to complete all requirements for graduation by the scheduled dates. Each student should consult with the graduate director of his or her program and with the Office of the Dean of the Graduate School with respect to the completion of requirements for graduation.
Conferral of degrees and diplomas occurs once a year at the annual spring commencement. However, students who file the applications and complete all other requirements for the degree by the announced October or January dates will get a diploma dated for the respective month, although they will not receive it until the following spring. Students may, therefore, request a temporary certificate of completion by submitting a written request to the university registrar (Administrative Services Building) accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. This request form may be obtained at the dean's office. At the time of commencement, degrees may be conferred in absentia only if the prospective candidate has notified the university registrar that he or she cannot attend the commencement exercises.

The diploma will be withheld from any student who is under financial obligation to the university.


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