The Graduate School does not require that all Master's students submit a
Plan of Work (POW). However, Master's students are encouraged to complete a POW in consultation with their advisor as soon as possible after the completion of one half of their course work. The Graduate School reserves the right to request a POW under some circumstances. In this capacity, the POW serves as a contract between the student and his or her graduate program, reducing the possibility of any later misunderstanding as to fulfilling degree requirements.
Whether submitted optionally or as part of the degree requirement, the POW should include both a list of the course work to be undertaken (in all programs) and the thesis or dissertation topic (except in non-thesis programs); be developed by the student and his/her advisory committee; be approved by the committee and the DGP or Department Head prior to submission to the Graduate School for final approval; be submitted (optional) prior to completion of one-half the total Master's program, or (mandatory) upon completion of 12 hours of a doctoral program.