Semester one
Select an academic advisor.
This person will be key in helping you navigate through the department and Graduate School policies. If you have not already been assigned an academic advisor, check with your department chair or faculty Web pages to select one whose research fits your interests.
Resolve Admissions Contingencies.
Check your status with the Graduate School and clear any contingencies listed on your original admissions certificate. You will not be able to file a Program of Study (listed below) until all contingencies are cleared. Registration holds may be added that prevent future registration until contingencies have been cleared.
Establish ties in Washington.
If you’ve relocated from another state, you should become a Washington resident as soon as possible. Graduate tuition is considerably less for residents than for out-of-state students. Establishing residency can significantly reduce the cost of your graduate education. Non-resident waivers are only guaranteed for one (1) year.
Take Responsible Conduct of Research Training.
This online training takes about 30 minutes. All graduate students are REQUIRED to do this (especially if you want your paycheck if you are on an assistantship, or if you want your program of study processed). The training is at myResearch.wsu.edu.
Semester two
Select your committee.
By now, you’re probably settled in and have an idea of the type of research you would like to conduct. Before you start, you must select your dissertation committee, which will help guide you through your research. A dissertation committee consists of three faculty members: three permanent tenure-track faculty, one member holding the highest appropriate degree, and at least one member from your minor department. For more information consult Academic Policies.
Seek IRB approval.
The University requires approval for the use of human or animal subjects in research, so before you begin you must seek approval from the Institutional Review Board. You will need to provide proof said approval in order to use human or animal subjects in your research prior to scheduling your final examination. For more information, contact the Office of Grant and Research Development.
File a Doctoral Program of Study.
Your committee chair and other members should aid you in developing your proposed program of study. This is an official list of classes you have taken and/or will take, and research you have conducted or will conduct. After each member signs the proposed program [PDF] it should then be submitted to your department chair, who will ensure that it meets departmental and Graduate School requirements.
Submit your Program of Study.
The Program of Study should be submitted no later than the end of the first year of your post-master's graduate work. If you have not previously earned a master's degree, submit the program no later than the end of your third semester of graduate work. For more information about filing your program of study, consult Academic Policies.
Subsequent semesters
Be sure to check with your academic department for additional requirements and deadlines that may apply.
Apply for residency.
After you have proof that you’ve lived in Washington for twelve straight months, you may apply for residency [PDF], which enables you to receive the lower in-state graduate tuition rate.
Schedule and pass your preliminary examination.
Consult with your department and the Graduate School academic policies and procedures for more information about preliminary exams. Be sure to complete and submit the Preliminary Examination Scheduling Form at least ten working days prior to your exam date.
Your final semester
File an application for doctoral degree.
You should submit an application for degree [PDF] to the Graduate School at least one semester before you schedule your final examination. The Graduate School will notify you of any final graduation requirements before you enroll in your last semester.
Pay appropriate fees.
Be sure to visit the cashier’s office in Room 240 of the French Administration Building, and pay the $50 graduation fee, before you file an application for degree. Keep your receipt, as you will need to submit it to the Graduate School. There is also a $75microfilming fee and an optional $65 copyright fee, which should be paid at the same time as your graduation fee.
Schedule your final oral exam [PDF]
After you complete your dissertation, be sure to submit the final examination scheduling form and a draft of your dissertation to the Graduate School 10 working days before your exam, so they are able to schedule your final examination.
Order your cap and gown.
The Bookie begins accepting orders for graduation regalia approximately two months prior to commencement. You can place your order by calling 800-937-4978 extension 318.
Submit your dissertation to the Graduate School in digital format.
To avoid delays, be sure that your dissertation is formatted in accordance with Graduate School digital formatting guidelines [PDF]. Check the Graduate School’s Web site for other forms that should be submitted along wih your dissertation, including the Copyright Acknowledgement [PDF] form, Dissertation Agreement [PDF], and Survey of Earned Doctorates [PDF]. Your dissertation is due 5 working days after your final exam.
Update your mailing address.
Diplomas are mailed approximately ten weeks after commencement. If you move during that time, be sure to update your new mailing address at myWSU.