Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- mastersdegree [2024/06/11 18:43] – asimons
+++ mastersdegree [2026/10/13 07:25] (current) – lnor
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-====Getting your Master's Degree====
+======Getting your Master's Degree======
 If you are in the PhD program, you will automatically fulfill all requirements for a Master's degree in the course of your PhD work! This page exists to tell you how to actually get this degree once you've fulfilled all requirements.
-===Requirements for your Master's Degree===
+====Requirements for your Master's Degree====
-Updated requirements can be found at [[https://www.math.ucdavis.edu/grad/gpc/degree_req/math-ma-masters-plan-ii-comprehensive-exam | this]] math department webpage. Note that the "comprehensive exam" is the same as the PhD prelim exams. In the unusual case that you need a Master's degree (e.g. for a summer job) but did not pass your prelims, you should talk to the current graduate program chair. There is a "Master's pass" that is lower score than the PhD pass for prelim exams.
+Updated requirements can be found on the [[https://www.math.ucdavis.edu/grad/gpc/degree_req/math-ma-masters-plan-ii-comprehensive-exam | math department degree requirements (pure math) page]] for pure math students, and on the [[https://www.math.ucdavis.edu/grad/degree_req_view?plan=8 | math department degree requirements (applied math) page]] for applied math students. Note that the "comprehensive exam" is the same as the PhD prelim exams. In the unusual case that you need a Master's degree (e.g. for a summer job) but did not pass your prelims, you should talk to the current graduate program chair. There is a "Master's pass" that is lower score than the PhD pass for prelim exams.
 Also note that most students finish all requirements by the end of their second year in the PhD program, since the requirements include fewer courses than the PhD course requirement.
-===Why get your Master's Degree? ===
+====Why get your Master's Degree? ====
 Here are a few reasons to go through the work to get your degree:
   * You've earned it!
@@ Line 14: / Line 14: @@
   * If you're considering leaving the program, make sure you leave with a degree and not empty-handed
-===How to File the Paperwork===
+====How to File the Paperwork in GradSphere====
-You can find all information about the filing process in
+*Last updated October 2026*
-{{ :how_to_get_your_masters_degree_through_gradsphere.pdf | this pdf}}
-Cheers! Enjoy your graduate degree!!
+**Step 1: Confirm you have completed all requirements:**
+Check out the requirements linked above! If you are on the standard PhD track, you will likely complete all of these requirements sometime during your second year.
+**Step 2: Consult with the GPC (gradadvisor@math.ucdavis.edu) or your faculty advisor:** This is a requirement, and a short email should do.
+**Step 3: Add degree objective**
+  - Login to [[https://gradsphere.ucdavis.edu/|GradSphere]]
+  - Select **"Change of Major or Degree"**
+  - Select **"yes"** to whether you have consulted with your GPC or faculty advisor (see step 2)
+  - Fill out the form
+    * Degree objective added within current program: **Part II**
+    * Briefly explain the reason for changes: **"I have satisfied all requirements for my Master's degree."**
+**Step 4: Wait for approval:**
+The front office and the graduate chair need to approve the form, and then Grad Studies needs to approve it. You should receive an email when Grad Studies approves the form. Then you're ready for the next step!
+**Step 5: Advance to candidacy:** In GradSphere,
+  - Select **"Advance to Candidacy"**
+  - Select the **"Masters Plan II"** Degree Pathway
+  - Fill out the form
+//Important: You might not have the "Masters Plan II" Degree Pathway if you're filing over the summer or if you're enrolled in fewer than 12 credits. In the summer case, you will likely have to wait until the fall to advance to candidacy.//
+**Step 6: Wait for approval:**
+Grad Studies will approve the form, and you should receive an email when this is done. They will also have to "upload to banner", which can take longer. You'll have to wait until they've done this and the bar at the top shows "Completed - Approved."
+**Step 7: The Math Department submits a report for you:**
+The GPC needs to submit the "Master's Plan II Report" for you in GradSphere. This means that the graduate program coordinator (currently Minh) submits the report, and then it is approved by the GPC before being routed to Grad Studies. If you do not see that a report has been initiated in GradSphere and more than 48 hours have passed since Grad Studies approved your Advancement to Candidacy form, then feel free to email gradadvisor@math.ucdavis.edu.
+Once this is approved, you should get an email and can find the approved copy in the "My Application" tab in GradSphere. Again, you need to wait until it has moved from "upload to banner" to "completed", even if you get an email saying it was approved.
+**Step 8: Complete your degree!**
+In GradSphere go to "Home", then "Degree Completion", and select "Filing Process". When you select "Masters Plan II" it should auto complete some information. Fill out the rest of the required information.
+**Step 9: Wait (this is the last time, I promise):**
+Grad Studies will sit on this form for some (hopefully short) amount of time... and then approve it. When that happens, you have your Master’s degree! You should receive an email from Graduate Studies informing you that you officially have completed your Master’s degree, and this email will have information about how you will get your diploma.
+**Make sure to read that email fully, especially if you are moving to a new home/rental place in the next year!**
+Cheers! Enjoy your graduate degree!! (And go celebrate with your math friends :)