Northwest Missouri State University

• Graduate School
• Welcome
• Apply Now!
• Admission Requirements
• International Students
• Degrees and Programs »
  • Degree List and Description
  • Catalog
  • Online Courses
  • Online MBA
  • Kansas City Center
  • St. Joseph Center
  • MSSU Collaborative Programs
  • Outreach
• Financial Assistance »
  • Calculate Graduate Fees
  • Graduate Assistantships
  • Scholarships
  • FAFSA on the Web
• Registration
• Publications »
  • Apply Now!
  • Applications and Forms
  • Graduate Assistants
  • Policies and Procedures
  • Thesis Guidelines
    and Outlines
  • Newsletters
  • Creative Scholarly Accomplishments
  • Research Abstracts
• Steps Toward a
  Graduate Degree
• Request Information
• Contact Us
• Other Resources
• Housing »
  • Residential Life
  • Missouri Residency Requirements
• Calendar of Events
• Graduate Council »
  • Mission Statement
  • Functions
  • Forms
  • Membership
• Maryville Community
• Faculty Research »
  • Research Abstracts
  • Institutional Review Board
• Virtual Campus

Home » Graduate School

Steps Toward a Graduate Degree

1. Request Graduate Information
2. Complete and submit a Graduate Application (required GRE,GMAT/MFT score must be on file for MBA applications to be considered)
3. During the first trimester or term of Graduate Study
   • Meet admission examination requirements as set by program (GRE or alternative requirement)
   • Complete departmental writing sample (See Advisor)
   • File Approved Program Form with Advisor Approval (Students receiving Financial Assistance or Graduate Assistantship must submit APF at time of enrollment)
4. Review for Candidacy
   • Ensure that all requirements for candidacy are met within first 15 graduate hours
5. Beginning of final trimester or beginning of trimester prior to final trimester (if within 6 hours of completion of degree):
   • File Final Application for Comprehensive Assessment and Graduate Degree with the Graduate Office by the end of the 3rd week of the trimester in fall and spring, and  during the first week in summer.
     • IF NEW CERTIFICATION IS INVOLVED, see the Director of Certification.
     • Comprehensive Assessment - Students must have been admitted to candidacy to be eligible and must have at least a 3.0 GPA in all course work and in the major. If you are in the GIST program or earning certification, it is recommended that you take and pass the PRAXIS the trimester prior to taking the comprehensive exam and/or the trimester prior to graduation.  
6. Comprehensive Assessment
   • Take the comprehensive examination or present portfolio evaluation  (Portfolio for Reading, Special Education, Teaching: Early Childhood, Teaching:Elementary(self contained), Educational Leadership (master's and specialist) and MA English only) on date set by the department. Students will be notified by their program director of comprehensive final dates.
7. Thesis or Scholarly Research
   • Thesis or scholarly paper (original) due in Graduate Office by prearranged date. Thesis guidelines are available online or in the Graduate Office.
8. Research Component
   • This form is required for research other than a thesis or Scholarly paper. Form must be filed with the Graduate Office no later than the term of degree completion.
9. During last trimester of graduate study
   • Check with Graduate Office to ensure records are complete. Pay graduation fee to the Cashiering Office. This fee must be paid whether or not the student participates in commencement ceremony. The current fee is stated on the Final Application for Comprehensive Assessment and Graduate Degree.
10. Prior to commencement
    • A schedule of commencement activities will be e-mailed from the Registrar's Office. Included will be the form and instructions for ordering cap, gown, and hood, if attending commencement exercises. Students interested in graduation announcements should contact the Bookstore. Contact the Office of Career Services at 660.562.1250, if you wish to establish a credential file.