Degree Planning

A student meets with an advisor

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:

      1. 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.   
      2. Drafting a research proposal that is aligned with their self-designed concentration.
      3. 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

  • ClassInfo: Search for classes by term, course, subject, and instructor
  • Class Search: Search for classes by keyword, department, instructor, and term
  • Course Catalog: Read official, brief course descriptions for all courses

Registration

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.

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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 Student Services (Room 280). 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

Follow this link to request a Graduation Packet. If you apply before the window, you will need to reapply. If you miss the deadline you will have to register (and pay) for something in the following semester so mark your calendars. Submission window and deadlines:

  • Last course completed in spring semester? Submit April 2–May 1
  • Last course completed in summer semester? Submit July 2–August 1
  • Last course completed in fall semester? Submit November 2–December 1

You will receive the packet by email with two very important components:

Step 4: Stay registered

At the time your degree is awarded you must be in “active status,” which means you must be registered for that semester. Being registered for spring semester will maintain active status through August 30; that is, if you are registered for spring semester, you do not have to register for summer to have your degree granted in June, July, or August.

There are serious financial consequences if you do not maintain your active status and want to have your degree awarded at a later date. Registration in Grad999 to maintain "active status" is not allowed.

Step 5: Submit final paper

Select the appropriate link for professional paper submission requirements:

Due Date: As soon as final version of paper has been completed and approved:

  • Finishing in May: Due May 20
  • Finishing in August: Due August 20
  • Finishing in December: Due December 20

Step 6: Receive notice of degree requirements

The Graduate School will send an email saying one of two things:

  • Outstanding Degree Requirements — what courses still need to have grades posted or forms submitted OR
  • Clearance Notification Letter — everything is completely finished

Sometimes this email arrives right before commencement, so don't panic. Just check the letter for any change in registration.

  • You will receive the Outstanding Degree Requirements notice. Make sure your records agree with everything.
  • This letter will list any coursework on approved Degree Plan that still needs a grade posted, as well as any forms that still need to be submitted.
  • Note: The letter may list Final Report Form even if you have submitted it to HHH 280 because it won't be sent to the Graduate School until all HHH degree requirements have been met (final paper submission, internship, etc.).

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

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Step 1: Submit forms

Fill out your Graduate Degree Plan, then submit these forms to [email protected] by the due date below. The Student Services staff will secure the signatures needed. Review the Instructions for Completing Graduate Degree Plan. The due date is based on when you are planning to complete your degree.

  • Spring completion: March 1
  • Summer completion: July 1
  • Fall completion: October 1

Step 2: Review approved degree plan

  • You will receive email notification of approval from the Graduate Student Services and Progress office.
  • Make sure the Graduate Degree Plan matches your current registration. If your registration has changed from the courses listed on your approved Degree Plan, complete Step 4 immediately.

Step 3: Check registration, then petition (if necessary)

If your registration has changed from the courses listed on your approved Degree Plan, immediately submit a Petition to Amend Degree Plan to Humphrey Student Services (Room 280). The Graduate School will not award your degree until all courses listed on your Degree Program have been completed or amended via this petition.

Important Notes:

  • Faculty advisor signature is required, so plan ahead.
  • Do not obtain the signature of the major field Director of Graduate Studies. Submit form to Humphrey Student Services to obtain that signature.

If the change is related to courses in a minor, do obtain the signature of the minor field Director of Graduate Studies before submitting to Student Services.

Step 4: Request and submit graduation packet

Follow this link to request a Graduation Packet. If you apply before the window, you will need to reapply. If you miss the deadline you will have to register (and pay) for something in the following semester so mark your calendars. Submission window and deadlines:

  • Last course completed in spring semester? Submit April 2–May 1
  • Last course completed in summer semester? Submit July 2–August 1
  • Last course completed in fall semester? Submit November 2–December 1

You will receive the packet by email with two very important components:

  • Master's Final Report Form: Download; do not obtain any signatures; simply print it and submit it to Humphrey Room 280 as is by the deadline (see below).
  • Apply to Graduate: Follow the link provided in the Graduation Packet to submit an online application to graduate. You absolutely must — no exceptions — have this completed by the first day of the month your degree will be granted.

Step 5: Stay registered

At the time your degree is awarded you must be in “active status,” which means you must be registered for that semester. Being registered for spring semester will maintain active status through August 30; that is, if you are registered for spring semester, you do not have to register for summer to have your degree granted in June, July, or August.

There are serious financial consequences if you do not maintain your active status and want to have your degree awarded at a later date. Registration in Grad999 to maintain "active status" is not allowed.

Step 6: Receive notice of degree requirements

The Graduate School will send an email saying one of two things:

  • Outstanding Degree Requirements — what courses still need to have grades posted or forms submitted OR
  • Clearance Notification Letter — everything is completely finished

Sometimes this email arrives right before commencement, so don't panic. Just check the letter for any change in registration.

  • You will receive the Outstanding Degree Requirements notice. Make sure your records agree with everything.
  • This letter will list any coursework on approved Degree Plan that still needs a grade posted, as well as any forms that still need to be submitted.
  • Note: The letter may list Final Report Form even if you have submitted it to HHH 280 because it won't be sent to the Graduate School until all HHH degree requirements have been met (final paper submission, internship, etc.).