Master's Degrees: Planning, Registration, and Completion
From the moment you start at the Humphrey School to the time you graduate, you will take an active role in planning and completing your degree. The information, resources needed, and steps to complete your degree are outlined below. The Office of Career and Student Success is here to help you navigate—please contact us with any questions.
Curriculum and Degree Requirements
Course Planning
Utilize your degree program’s Program Planning Worksheet to select courses and review degree requirements.
Concentration Planning Forms
In addition to the required core courses, MPP, MURP, and MHR students will select a concentration that encompasses a set of additional courses and experiences that provide an integrated portfolio of professional preparation. Students can select a focus in an established area of concentration or self-design a concentration with their advisor and with the approval of the academic advisor. Students can take concentration and elective courses at the Humphrey School and from other University departments.
View the concentration planning forms for MPP, MURP, and MHR areas. Please note that forms for the MHR concentrations are currently being developed. If you have questions, contact your academic advisor.
Final Paper, Capstone, and Thesis Information
- MDP, MPA, & MURP students must complete the Capstone Workshop (PA 8081) as part of their degree
MPA students will, as a default, complete a Capstone Course. Those students who are interested in completing a professional paper, in lieu of the Capstone Course, may seek an exception from the DGS by:
- Demonstrating a history of academic excellence and diligence in meeting established assignment deadlines as well as a strong track record of on-time course completion.
- Drafting a research proposal that is aligned with their self-designed concentration.
- Recruiting a faculty member who agrees to oversee the professional paper process.
- MHR, MPP, & MS-STEP students will select one of the following options: Capstone Workshop (PA 8081) OR Individual Paper (PA 8921)
Class and Registration Information
Class Information
- Class Search: Search for classes by keyword, department, instructor, and term
- Course Catalog: Read official, brief course descriptions for all courses
- Schedule Builder: Use Schedule Builder to help you find and plan your class schedule for a semester.
Registration
- Register for classes on OneStop
- View the cancel/add/refund deadlines
- Learn how to register as a non-degree seeking student
Master's Degree Completion Steps
For students who entered in Fall 2020 or later, please use the Humphrey Masters Programs GPAS degree completion instructions.
If you entered prior to Fall 2020, continue using the steps below.
Step 1: Complete and submit forms
Fill out your Program Planning Worksheet and submit to your faculty advisor for approval and signature. Once signed and approved, send the completed form to your program coordinator and [email protected] by the due date below:
- Spring completion: February 1
- Summer completion: June 1
- Fall completion: October 1
Our Graduate Program Coordinator will prepare your GPAS (Graduate Planning and Audit System) and will send you an email asking you to submit your GPAS.
Important Notes:
- Faculty advisor signature is required before submission of your PPW.
- If completing a graduate minor, do obtain the signature of the minor field Director of Graduate Studies before submitting.
- If you began at the Humphrey School prior to Fall of 2020, you will be graduating using the previous process using your Graduate Degree Plan (GDP). If you are in that group, please submit your GDP to your coordinator and [email protected] by the due dates above.
Step 2: Submit Professional Paper Topic Approval Form
This step is for all MS–STEP students and any other students who complete the individual professional paper option. Submit degree-appropriate Paper Topic Approval Form by the deadline found on the form to Humphrey Career & Student Services ([email protected]). View the paper topic approval forms.
Important Notes:
- Signature is required from professional paper supervisor (also called "paper committee chair"). Make an appointment well before the deadline to allow time for discussion and approval of proposal.
- After approval of supervisor/committee chair, obtain the signatures of all other committee members.
Step 3: Request and submit Graduation Packet
Access the application by going to MyU: Academics then the Degree Progress tab.
Click on the Apply to Graduate link.
Submit your application for degree no later than the first day of the month you would like to graduate.
- You may only apply to graduate once.
- The Office of the Registrar assumes when you are prepared to graduate based on your submission. See when you should apply based on the month you intend to graduate.
If you have questions or need to change your expected graduation term or month after you have applied, please email [email protected].
PhD Planning and Overview
Visit the PhD in public affairs Google site or download our PhD handbook for information on degree planning and completion. You'll also find information about important first steps to take after you're admitted, including how to register for classes, how to access University of Minnesota student resources, and details about funding opportunities. For additional information, email Carla Mantel or call her at 612-624-5288.
Certificates: Planning and Completion
The word “graduation” can have many meanings. You will not find the word used in the flow of certificate completion procedures. Instead, we talk about "commencement," the ceremony held in May that celebrates your certificate completion. It is not actually when you get your certificate. You will receive your certificate when the following certificate requirements have been met:
- All coursework approved for your plan of study has been completed with a passing grade
- All necessary Humphrey and Graduate School documents have been submitted and approved
- Your University account balance is zero
There are several steps in planning and completing your certificate. We are here to help you navigate every step of the way. It is easier to tackle by following the steps listed below.
Certificate Completion Steps
For certificate degree completion, please follow the steps outlined on the “PBC Degree Completions Steps” website.