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--- mastersdegree [2026/04/06 19:35] – Removed linked pdf with explanation on how to file paperwork and turned that information into html directly on the page. Also made link text more descriptive. asimons
+++ mastersdegree [2026/10/13 07:25] (current) – lnor
@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 ====How to File the Paperwork in GradSphere====
-Note: all of this information is for the process when GradSphere was first implemented in Spring 2024. There may be changes to how GradSphere works, if this is the case and you have questions about this process please email gradadvisor@math.ucdavis.edu (and then update this wiki so everyone else can benefit from your knowledge too!)
+*Last updated October 2026*
 **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: Add degree objective:**
+**Step 2: Consult with the GPC (gradadvisor@math.ucdavis.edu) or your faculty advisor:** This is a requirement, and a short email should do.
-Log into GradSphere, and select “add/change degree objective”.
-Note: as of 4/1/2026, this form is not officially implemented in GradSphere, which means you need to fill it out yourself and email it to gradadvisor@math.ucdavis.edu. The front office will then sign it and submit the form to grad studies for you.
-You can find the form under Home, then Legacy/PDF Academic Forms, and then "Petition to Change/Add Major(s) or Degree Objective(s)"
+**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."**
-You will have to fill out form GS301: “Petition to add a degree objective”. You will have to include your personal information and sign at the bottom. Somewhere around the middle of page 2, you will have a few other questions including:
+**Step 4: Wait for approval:**
-"Do you intend to complete your current degree objective?" Check **yes** if you still plan on finishing your PhD. Then select "Multiple Degree Objectives" under Applicable Box(es). In the table, your present degree objective is PhD and your new degree objective is MA.
+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!
-Under "Briefly explain the reason for the change(s)", past students have simply written "I have satisfied all requirements for my Master's Degree".
-**Step 3: Wait for Approval:**
+**Step 5: Advance to candidacy:** In GradSphere,
-The front office needs to approve the form and upload it for you, 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!
+  - Select **"Advance to Candidacy"**
+  - Select the **"Masters Plan II"** Degree Pathway
+  - Fill out the form
-**Step 4: Advance to Candidacy:**
+//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.//
-On GradSphere, under the Home page select “Advance to Candidacy”. Fill out the corresponding form. Note that you should select “Masters Plan II” for Degree pathway.
-In Spring 2024, there was a $55 filing fee. You paid this at the GS Forms Store online or in person at Dutton Hall, and then uploaded a receipt. As of Spring 2026, there is no filing fee. Hooray for free degrees!
+**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 5: Wait for Approval:**
+**Step 7: The Math Department submits a report for you:**
-Grad Studies will approve the form, and you should receive an email when this is done.
+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.
-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 "complete."
+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 6: The Math Department Submits a Report For You:**
+**Step 8: Complete your degree!**
-The GPC needs to submit the “Master’s 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 chair of 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.
+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.
-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 7: Complete Your Degree!**
+**Step 9: Wait (this is the last time, I promise):**
-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. Upload the approval you got in step 6 (this can be a screenshot of the report).
-**Step 8: 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!**