GRADUATE STUDENT JOURNEY
Welcome to the Office of Graduate Services’ graduate journey. Intended for visitors and members of the College of Arts and Sciences community, this journey provides practical guidance when mapping educational pathways and professional futures. Along with guidance from OGS advisors and communications, the graduate catalog, and department/faculty advisement, please reference this guide as you progress through your program.
The graduate journey strives to enhance the Georgia State graduate experience and connect students and faculty to university and community resources. Georgia State is a university for all; thus, the information listed includes actions that may or may not apply to every student. No matter your program or degree level, we encourage you to tailor these steps to best support your individual needs. Students can instill the principles and take steps to support academic and professional goals beyond their achievements at Georgia State University. The Office of Graduate Services looks forward to joining you on your journey.
Don’t forget to bookmark this tab for quick reference.
Click through each tab for detailed information and links to various resources.
Jump to: Pre-Admission | Before You Begin | First Years | Middle Years | Final Semesters
PRE-ADMISSION
Jump to: Before You Begin | Before You Begin | Middle Years | Final Semesters
Georgia State University's College of Arts & Sciences offers a plethora of graduate programs for degree-seeking and non-degree-seeking students.
Use our easy-to-navigate search tool to find the right program for you.
The Graduate School Cost Calculator can help you get an idea of the costs associated with attending GSU to obtain your graduate degree. Figures generated are estimates only and tuition rates and fees are subject to change without notice.
For a more comprehensive breakdown, visit Student Financial Services.
For additional details about student fees, visit the Student Fee Allocation page on the Dean of Students website.
Apply for financial aid at fafsa.gov.
Need help? Map out your financial journey with Student Financial Services, using their easy-to-follow online guide.
Prospective students are encouraged to request information or start the application process to learn about fellowships or other funding opportunities that are available upon acceptance.
The Office of Graduate Services hosts online information sessions for prospective domestic and international students, applicants, as well as newly admitted students in the College of Arts & Sciences.
Advisors representing all departments are available to answer your questions about the application process, admission requirements, the rigors of graduate school, living in Atlanta, and any other graduate school query you may have.
Applying from overseas? Check out International Student & Scholar Service's International Admissions FAQs.
Familiarize yourself with program-specific application requirements and deadlines, so you can ensure a complete and timely application. Apply to one or more programs here.
Need to request letters of recommendation to complete your application? Use this guide to determine who you should ask and how you should approach them.
Not sure what to include in your personal statement? Check out these helpful tips from our graduate directors.
Officially accept your offer of admission through your application portal.
Search for scholarships offered through Georgia State University and external scholarship websites using Georgia State University's scholarship search tool.
In addition to the search tool, The Graduate School has curated a website specifically for graduate students with information regarding scholarships and fellowships.
Graduate students are also encouraged to reach out to their department and inquire about industry-specific funding resources.
The Office of Graduate Services, among other university departments, provides resources for new graduate students, including:
- One-on-one virtual appointments with your college advisor
- A relocation guide to assist you if you're moving to Georgia (or if you're a local who wants to see some of the things we think Atlanta has to offer)
Visit our next steps for newly admitted students page for more information about advisement, financial aid, health insurance, and more.
If you are an international student, you will receive an email from the International Admissions Coordinator about using an online system called iStart to provide financial documentation and other information needed to process immigration documentation. Visit International Student & Scholar Services for resources and step-by-step information from acceptance to arrival.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Jump to: Pre-Admission | Before You Begin | Middle Years | Final Semesters
- Activate your Campus ID
- Explore and/or apply for assistantships and fellowships
- Review program requirements
- Develop a plan of study
- Learn how to register for courses using PAWS
- Register for courses
- Activate or waive student health insurance
- Pay your tuition and fees
- Attend applicable orientations
- Become familiar with academic and wellness resources
- Become acquainted with DegreeWorks
- Connect with like-minded communities and build your network
Your CampusID is the account name you will use to sign in to the majority of technology systems at Georgia State, including campus email, the iCollege learning management system, and others. Your CampusID is also the first part of your official university email address.
Activating Your CampusID Password
All new students receive a CampusID. In order to log into university systems, you must first activate your CampusID. Here's how:
- Sign in to the CampusID Password Management system.
- Set up your security questions and answers profile.
- Sep up an initial password that you will use to log in to campus systems.
- Optionally, you can also set up an alternate email or SMS recovery for your account to reset your CampusID using your phone or a personal email.
Duo Multifactor Authentication
After activating your CampusID, you'll need to set up Duo Multifactor Authentication. Duo verifies it's really you accessing your accounts. You need a mobile device or telephone number to use with Duo.
Handshake is a resource that many Georgia State offices use to post open assistantship positions. Use this platform to search for available assistantships outside of your department.
Applying for competitive funding such as national fellowships or scholarships is a viable option for funding your graduate experience and provides recognition that can boost your career. The Graduate School can help you apply for assistantships or fellowships.
Use The Graduate School's Opportunity Finder to narrow down scholarships and fellowships that meet your interests and determine your eligibility. Look beyond this local database as there are many other databases for you to expand your research for the right funding opportunity.
Once you have found a fellowship that aligns with you, feel free to contact Katrina Helz, Fellowships Adviser for the Graduate School for support with the application process.
We understand that researching and applying for funding opportunities can be overwhelming, please check out this resources and tips section curated by The Graduate School for helpful information.
Familiarize yourself with your program requirements in the course catalog and department handbook. To find your handbook, check your department's website or ask your graduate director.
If you are an international student, review this handbook from International Student & Scholar Services.
Meet with your graduate director and/or chosen faculty advisor at least twice this semester to outline expectations and set a communication plan for future meetings (frequency of meetings, whether in-person or virtually).
It’s good practice to follow up after each meeting with a written outline of your discussion.
Watch this video to learn how to use PAWS. Topics in this video include how to view a schedule of classes, view registration holds, and add and drop courses.
For one-on-one help, you may schedule a virtual appointment with your college advisor to learn how to navigate the online course registration using PAWS.
Register for courses through your PAWS account. For one-on-one support, you may schedule a virtual appointment with your college advisor to discuss your first-semester registration.
For registration how-to videos, visit the Office of the Registrar's Registration Guide.
Please note, registration periods differ for GSU-62 and TAP students. View the semester calendar to determine when you should register for classes.
International students must register for classes in compliance with SEVP requirements. For additional information, please contact ISSS.
Georgia State University’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is underwritten by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company and is administered by UnitedHealthcare Student Resources. The plan is compliant with all current reform requirements mandated by the Affordable Care Act and meets the requirements of the individual mandate that individuals must have health insurance.
Find out if you're required to enroll in SHIP. Required students are automatically enrolled and charged for the plan on their student account with the option to waive out of the plan by providing proof of comparable coverage.
If you are required to enroll in SHIP, you must activate your insurance or waive coverage by the waiver deadline. For accurate and up-to-date instructions and deadlines, please visit the SHIP webpage.
Ensure your tuition and fees are paid or that you have made appropriate payment arrangements by the tuition due date. Paying your student account balance online via PantherPay is the fastest payment method.
Online Payments using PantherPay via PAWS: Electronic check or credit/debit card payments are accepted. Georgia State accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express credit/debit cards for student account payments. There is a 2.85% (or $3.00 minimum) convenience fee for paying with a credit/debit card. There is no fee for paying with an electronic check.
Georgia State Payment Plan: The Georgia State Payment Plan allows a student to defer payment of the current term’s tuition and mandatory fees. The deferred balance is calculated after all estimated financial aid is applied to the student account. Under the payment plan terms, the first installment is due approximately 10 days after classes begin. Click here to learn more.
Graduate Assistant Payment Plan: Georgia State University offers a payment plan to assist graduate students who hold full-time graduate assistantships. Students who are registered for 9 or more credit hours and employed by the university as graduate assistants are eligible to use the payment plan to pay mandatory fees and discounted tuition. Click here to learn more.
For more information, including sponsored billing and veterans benefits, please visit Student Financial Services How to Pay webpage.
Join other new graduate students at the university’s virtual graduate student orientation.
Your department will send details of your program orientation to your student email address. Make sure you are checking this email regularly. Login to PantherMail here.
If you’re an international student, plan to attend the university’s International Student Orientation.
The Office of Graduate Services and the Counseling Center offer a range of resources and events aimed to support your overall well-being.
View a current semester schedule of Graduate Services events or watch recordings of past wellness events.
The Counseling Center offers events at each GSU campus as well as a wide range of counseling, testing, psychiatric, and holistic health services to students as they work to reach their educational goals.
All enrolled students have access to both Georgia State Counseling Center services and the services offered by the University System of Georgia.
DegreeWorks is a web-based advising tool that enables you to monitor your progress toward degree completion. It shows you which course and non-course milestone requirements you have fulfilled during your academic journey. Visit this resource for helpful videos about DegreeWorks.
Watch the video below to learn how to read your DegreeWorks evaluation.
Search for student organizations here.
Consider becoming involved with your department's Graduate Student Association or Alliance. With this organization, you can network, learn about additional resources, build relevant skills, and implement initiatives that matter to you as a graduate student.
To learn more about GSA organizations on campus, use the Panther Involvement Network (PIN) for additional information.
Build relationships with faculty. Search for mentorship beyond your department, not just from your Faculty Advisor or Primary Investigator.
FIRST YEARS
Jump to: Pre-Admission | Before You Begin | Middle Years | Final Semesters
- Maintain F-1 Status
- Review DegreeWorks frequently, substitute courses as needed
- Select Thesis or Non-thesis
- Invest in yourself and stay healthy
- Determine when and how you will fulfill your language requirement
- Begin exploring your research interests
- Develop your Individual Development Plan (IDP)
- Attend required Graduate Assistantship pedagogy training
- Complete responsible conduct research training
- Focus on your professional development and explore career interests
- Prepare for comprehensive, general, and/or qualifying exams
International students have certain responsibilities, benefits, and restrictions that must be kept in mind to safeguard their status. If an international student loses their status because they fail to abide by immigration rules, then they will lose their F-1 student benefits including on-campus employment and work authorizations.
In order to enjoy your stay in the United States and have a great experience as an international student, take the time to learn about your immigration status and closely follow immigration regulations. Learn about international student responsibilities, benefits, and restrictions here.
Make sure your classes are falling into the correct course blocks. If you notice anything that is not pulling in correctly, contact your college advisor or fill out the course substitution form.
Click on the video below to watch a tutorial about our course substitution form.
Applies only to Master’s students
Depending upon your program, you have the option of completing an original thesis directed by your chosen faculty committee; or, you may choose non-thesis route, which culminates in a final capstone project or paper.
Notify the Office of Graduate Services of your decision by filling out the status selection form.
At times your graduate journey will feel overwhelming. Invest in yourself by staying healthy and taking advantage of the resources available to you.
Did you know that as a student, you are entitled to 15 free sessions per year at the Counseling Center?
If interested in professional help, please contact the GSU Counseling Center. Whether seeking individual counseling or group sessions with other graduate students, counseling professionals can provide tools and resources to empower and support you.
For same-day appointments, call 404-413-1640 to speak with a counselor. If in crisis after business hours, call 404-413-1640 and you’ll receive prompts to be connected with an after-hours therapist.
Some departments in the College of Arts and Sciences require students to demonstrate proficiency in either one or two world languages, in an alternative research skill, or in a combination of the two. An alternative research skill is a proficiency obtained in an adjunct area that is ordinarily not a degree requirement in the
student’s degree program.
Students should consult their individual directors of graduate studies for specific departmental requirements. Read the World Language or Equivalent Research Skill Requirement policy.
Once you have fulfilled the requirement, use this form to report the completion of this milestone. Forms should be submitted to the Office of Graduates Services immediately upon completion.
Now is the time to think about your dissertation, thesis, or capstone project topic; discuss it with your Graduate Director or Faculty Advisor.
Continue to meet regularly with your Graduate Director or Faculty Advisor. Determine if the frequency and mode of these meetings are meeting your needs. Revise this if necessary.
Remember to follow up after each meeting with a written outline of your discussion.
Applies only to PhD
The IDP helps you advance your scholarly research and your career development agenda. Discussing your IDP with your Faculty Advisor, supervisor, and/or trusted mentors helps you organize and reach your goals. Ideally, you will review, revise, and update your IDP annually.
Review The Graduate School's IDP information, where you will find frequently asked questions and a step-by-step guide for development and assessment.
- For the Humanities:
https://www.imaginephd.com/ - For the Natural and Social Sciences:
http://myidp.sciencecareers.org/
All graduate assistants must be familiar with FERPA and Title IX regulations. Attend a workshop through the Office of Graduate Services.
View a current semester schedule of Graduate Services events.
Post-docs and graduate students involved in empirical research are required to undertake Responsible Conduct in Research (RCR) education and training as part of their requirements for graduation or employment.
Considered part of your academic growth, this training outlines your responsibilities as an ethical researcher.
As you navigate your way to and through graduate school, professional development will be a key part of your experience. The Graduate School offers a variety of resources and programs to assist graduate students and postdoctoral trainees in realizing their professional goals.
Learn more about your career opportunities by speaking to faculty and attending workshops offered by the Office of Graduate Services and the Graduate School.
You may also choose to build relevant skills through your department's Graduate Student Association or Alliance. You may choose to get involved with a GSA organization at any point during your tenure at Georgia State.
Even if you feel like you are “too busy” to be involved, try to find a semester that allows you to attend a few meetings and discover what you can contribute or learn about the organization, and in turn how the organization can aid in your professionalization.
Applies to certain Master’s and PhD Programs
Exams vary depending upon your program. Refer to your graduate handbook and catalog for requirements.
MIDDLE YEARS
Jump to: Pre-Admission | Before You Begin | First Years | Final Semesters
- Explore and/or apply for fellowships
- Take comprehensive, general, and/or qualifying exams and report your results
- Form your thesis or dissertation committee
- Invest in yourself and stay healthy
- Present a proposal for dissertation/thesis and submit your results
- Begin formatting your thesis/dissertation
- Attend and present your research at conferences
- Prepare for the job market
Apply for assistantships within your department or other departments and university offices.
Use the Graduate School as a resource for finding fellowships. Acquiring an assistantship can help you gain practical field experience, deepen academic understanding, and network with leaders and students in your field.
Applies to certain Master’s and PhD Programs
Schedule your comprehensive exam through your department.
Use this form to report the results of your comprehensive or qualifying exams. Forms should be submitted to the Office of Graduates Services immediately upon completion.
Applies only to Master’s Thesis and PhD
Ask faculty within your research field to be on your committee. The timing of forming your committee and committee composition will vary by department, so consult your department handbook or graduate director for specific instructions. Take a look at these tips for forming your thesis or dissertation committee.
After you have formed your Doctoral Dissertation or Master's Thesis Committee, fill out this web-form to alert the Office of Graduate Services.
The Department of Recreational Services wants you to stay healthy and physically active by engaging with us every day. The CDC recommends taking care of your body, taking deep breaths, exercising daily, and stretching to stay healthy and happy.
Students enrolled in the current semester who have paid their mandatory fees are automatically members and are eligible to register for programs or fitness classes on any campus for free.
Visit Rec Services' Engage Every Day page or follow @gsurecreation on social media for our daily updates, workouts, and more.
Applies only to Master’s Thesis and PhD
Successfully present your proposal or prospectus for your dissertation or thesis research to your committee.
After you have successfully presented your proposal to your committee, submit the required form. Once your department approves your submission, the Office of Graduate Services will process your milestone and it will be reflected in your DegreeWorks academic evaluation.
Applies only to Master’s Thesis and PhD
Your master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation must be formatted according to the College of Arts and Sciences guidelines.
Use of one of the approved templates is a mandatory requirement for all thesis and dissertation submissions. Each template is pre-formatted according to the College formatting guidelines and has comments explaining each required section.
The Office of Graduate Services offers formatting workshops and open formatting labs to guide you and answer any questions you may have.
Learn more about your career opportunities by speaking to faculty and attending workshops offered by the Office of Graduate Services and the Graduate School.
Visit GSU's Career Center to ask quick questions and have your resume reviewed during their drop-in hours, Monday – Friday, 11 AM – 3 PM.
Students can also schedule a 30 or 60 minute appointment via Handshake to discuss:
- Choosing a Major
- Career Planning
- Resume/Cover Letter Help
- Job Search Strategies
- Co-ops/Internships
- Mock Interviews
- Graduate School Planning
FINAL SEMESTERS
Jump to: Pre-Admission | Before You Begin | First Years | Middle Years
- Apply to graduate
- Submit non-course milestones
- Submit your thesis/dissertation for format approval
- Register for your commencement ceremony
- Submit an embargo request, if necessary
- Successfully defend your thesis/dissertation and submit your final approval form
- Upload your thesis/dissertation
- Submit surveys
- Graduate
- Attend commencement
The university requires you to apply for graduation at least two semesters in advance. Degree candidates will be invited to apply for graduation once the Office of Graduation Review and the College of Arts & Sciences have deemed them eligible.
Eligibility is based on program completion percentage, earned hours within the program, and institutional grade point average. Students who are deemed eligible to apply will receive an email requesting they apply. Submit your graduation application with a one-time fee of $50.00 via your PAWS account by the appropriate deadline.
If you are graduating with a graduate certificate in addition to a graduate degree, you must submit a second graduation application specifically for the certificate. There is no fee associated with a second graduation application.
Please note that applying to graduate and registering for commencement are two separate steps.
If you determine that you will not graduate the semester for which you have applied but will graduate a subsequent semester, complete the Change of Graduation Date form.
There are certain requirements for you to complete as you finish your program. Your DegreeWorks Academic Evaluation reflects the completion of these requirements, also known as non-course milestones. Once you have completed those requirements, report them to the Office of Graduate Services.
Review your DegreeWorks academic evaluation to ensure the appropriate non-course milestone information has been received and processed by the Office of Graduate Services.
Use the video below as a guide to submitting your non-course milestones.
Applies only to Master’s Thesis and PhD
Your master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation must be formatted according to the College of Arts and Sciences guidelines and submitted for approval by the posted deadlines.
Use of one of the approved templates is a mandatory requirement for all thesis and dissertation submissions. Each template is pre-formatted according to the College formatting guidelines and has comments explaining each required section.
The Office of Graduate Services offers formatting workshops and open formatting labs to guide you and answer any questions you may have.
Register for and find information about your commencement ceremony here.
Visit the Commencement Office website for cap & gown ordering information and deadlines, up-to-date ceremony details, and downloadable swag!
Find answers to frequently asked questions about commencement here.
You may request to restrict access to your thesis or dissertation using our embargo request form.
Submit an embargo request form prior to uploading your thesis or dissertation to the ScholarWorks ETD.
The Office of Graduate Services will ensure that the request has the support of your program’s graduate director as well as the college’s Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs. Please contact your college advisor for more information.
You’re almost done! Schedule and successfully defend your thesis/dissertation with your committee by the recommended deadline.
For Master’s Non-thesis
For Master’s Non-thesis students, research competence is demonstrated on the basis of a research paper or creative project. After the successful completion of your non-thesis or capstone project, submit your final approval form to the Office of Graduate Services.
For Master’s Thesis and PhD
There are two options for submitting your thesis/dissertation approval. Find options and detailed submission instructions here.
Applies only to Master’s Thesis and PhD
Once your final approval is processed and you have obtained format approval, you will receive instructions on how to upload your thesis/dissertation into ScholarWorks ETD from your college advisor.
Upload by the appropriate deadline.
All master’s and doctoral students must complete graduation exit surveys. Share your graduate experience with us by submitting your exit survey.
Doctoral students must also complete the Survey of Earned Doctorates.
Congratulations on completing your degree!
Questions about degree conferral or your diploma? Check out the Graduation Office's website containing answers to frequently asked questions.
Find your commencement date and location here.
If you would like to suggest a resource to be included, or an update to be made to this journey, please send your suggestions to [email protected].