A Program of Study for each degree sought must be filed by the
appropriate deadlines in §§3,7.
While this may be filed in the student's first semester at WSU,
it is often more convenient to wait until later since program
changes are practically
inevitable. It is suggested that for a master's degree, this is
filed in the second semester of graduate work, and for
a doctoral degree, no later than four months before the
Preliminary Examination is held.
These programs are made out on forms obtainable from the Graduate
School Office by the student, with advice from his/her advisor and, if
applicable, a representative (usually the chair) of the minor department.
After tentative approval by these persons, the program should be typed and two
copies should be given to the Graduate School. Return of a fully signed copy
of the form to the student signifies final approval. Programs should be made
out thoughtfully, with due attention to all degree requirements, availability
of courses, the student's special interests, etc. However, the program is not
unalterably fixed when it is approved; program changes may be requested (on the
forms printed for this purpose, available in the department office) and are
normally approved when they are consistent with degree requirements and basic
policy.