Degree Completion
Final Examination and Graduation Requirements
Each program administers a final comprehensive examination, which may be oral, written, or both. A minimum of two individuals must serve on the Master's exam committee, two of whom, including the chair, must be members of the Northwestern University Graduate Faculty.
In order to receive the master’s degree, the student must:
- Complete the Application for a Degree form via TGS Forms in CAESAR by the date specified in the Academic Calendar.
- Complete the Masters Degree Completion form via TGS Forms in CAESAR and receive program approval of the form by the date specified in the Academic Calendar. Students in a combined bachelors/masters degree program who have difficulty accessing TGS Forms should contact Student Services for assistance.
- Have at least a B average and no X or Y grades. All grades must be entered and Change of Grade forms submitted by the grade deadline specified by the Office of the Registrar.
Thesis or Final Project
A program may require the preparation of a thesis or, in the case of a Master of Fine Arts degree, a final project, as a part of the program of study for a master's degree. Programs will determine the nature of the thesis or project and, with the approval of The Graduate School, the number of units of credit, if any, to be allowed for the thesis. The master's thesis or project is submitted to the program.
