The purpose of this information guide for graduate students at Utah State University is:
- To learn about the role of the School of Graduate Studies.
- To understand their rights and responsibilities.
- To understand the policies, procedures, and forms that are required throughout their program to ensure their timely completion of academic requirements and success along their path to graduation.
- To familiarize students with campus resources .
Graduate Student Rights & Responsibilities
- Graduate Student Rights & Responsibilities
- Required Student Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training
- Required Employee Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training (For all students who are also employed by USU)
NOTE: All graduate students must complete the required student sexual misconduct prevention training. If they are also employed on campus, then they must also complete the required employee sexual misconduct prevention training.
Graduate Student Resources & Opportunities
Graduate Degree Requirements
- Degree Requirements
- Thesis, Plan B Paper, & Dissertation
- The Grace Semester
- Graduation
- Academic Forms
- Graduate School Deadlines
- Supervisory Committees
- School of Graduate Studies Catalog
NOTE: Due to the variability of each graduate degree, a program may have additional steps, forms, or specific requirements not listed below. Students should contact their Graduate Program Coordinator to make sure they are aware of all program requirements, required forms, timelines, and for official degree completion guidance.
Research
- Regulatory Approval & Responsible Conduct (SGS Catalog - Section 5.1)
- RCR Training
- Office of Research
- Research Centers & Facilities
- Graduate Research
- AI and Research
- Institutional Review Board
- Graduate Research & Creative Opportunities (GRCO)
- Graduate Enhancement Award (GEA)
- Presidential Doctoral Research Fellowship (PDRF)
- Presidential Arts Fellows (PAF)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I register for classes?
There are several reasons you may be unable to register, including:
- Registration holds on your account
- Incorrect student status
- Registration outside your assigned time
If you're unsure why registration is blocked, contact your Graduate Program Coordinator (GPC) for further assistance.
Where should official transcripts be sent?
Official transcripts from the applicant’s previous institution(s) may be submitted to Utah State University School of Graduate Studies using one of the methods listed on the Graduate Admissions Policies & Procedures page.
How do I get funding, an assistantship, or a tuition waiver?
Funding opportunities are generally managed by the student’s academic department.
For questions about:
Contact your Graduate Program Coordinator directly. The School of Graduate Studies administers some policies but does not award most departmental funding.
For questions about funding, financial assistance, and cost, please review the Cost & Funding page.
Where can I find graduate school deadlines, policies, and who to contact?
The School of Graduate Studies websites should be your first resource for:
- Graduate Student Rights & Responsibilities
- Graduate School Policies
- Academic Forms
- Academic Deadlines
- Thesis, Plan B Paper/Project, and Dissertation Information
- Graduation
- Contact Information for Graduate School Offices
What is the time limit for completing a graduate degree?
- A master’s degree must be completed within six yearsof entering the degree program.
- A doctorate degree must be completed within eight yearsof entering the degree program.
- Additional time may be requested by the student’s committee and submitted to the Vice Provost of Graduate Studies for review.
- This information is cited directly from the School of Graduate Studies Catalog Section 4.10.1.
Does the coursework towards my degree program ever expire?
- Coursework more than eight years old at the time of degree completion may not be used for a graduate degree unless it is revalidated.
- For further information, please review the School of Graduate Studies Catalog Section 4.10.2.
I'm preparing to graduate. What deadlines and requirements should I know?
NOTE:Information regarding preparing for graduation is cited from the School of Graduate Studies Catalog Sections 13, 14., and 15, which is cited in the Graduation page.
Graduation requires completing several steps before your degree can be awarded.
Some deadlines vary each semester. Review the Graduate School deadlines early and work closely with your Graduate Program Coordinator to ensure all requirements are completed on time.
What should I verify before I graduate?
NOTE: Information regarding preparing for graduation is cited from the School of Graduate Studies Catalog Sections 13, 14., and 15, which is cited in the Graduation page.
Before graduation, confirm that you have:
- Completed all DegreeWorks requirements
- Submitted all required academic forms including a graduation application
- Received all necessary approvals
- Met enrollment requirements for your final semester
- You have submitted your thesis/Plan B paper or project/dissertation by published deadlines (if applicable)
- Completed all departmental/program requirements
If a student's progress appears incomplete (for example, 98% complete), review DegreeWorks, pending approvals, and required Graduate School forms to identify any remaining items.
Can I receive a letter stating I have graduated if I'm on my grace semester?
NOTE: Information regarding the grace semester and preparing for graduation is cited from the School of Graduate Studies Catalog Sections 4.8., 12.5.1., and 15.
Students in the grace semester have not officially graduated until all degree requirements have been completed and the degree has been awarded.
If you need documentation for employment, licensing, or immigration purposes, please contact the School of Graduate Studies Registrar to determine whether a degree completion or enrollment verification letter is appropriate for your situation.