Source: Heather Spalding

Master's Plan A Students

This page and the academic progress flow chart may not apply to all MBIO students.
Current students are asked to refere to co-hort relevant resources on the MBIO intranet.

Academic Progress Flow Chart
  • Year 1

    Fall

    - Interim Committee Meeting

    - MBIO 603*

  • Year 1

    Spring

    - MBIO 604*

    - Finalize the membership of your 3-person thesis committee

    - Report your committee roster to MBGP
  • Year 2

    Fall

    - File the Annual Progress Report by Sept. 1

    - Submit Thesis Proposal and gain committeeʻs approval

    - Submit Masters Plan A Form 2 - Advance to Candidacy

  • Year 2

    Spring

    - Enroll in MBIO 700

    - Hold a Committee Meeting and submit report to MBGP

  • Year 3

    Fall

    - Submit Annual Progress report by Sept. 1

    - Enroll in MBIO 700

    - Write Thesis

    - Hold Committee Meeting and submit report to MBGP

    - Make a public presentation sometime this academic year

  • Year 3

    Semester of Graduation

    - Enroll in MBIO 700

    - Announce date of defense to all MBGP faculty and students.

    - Defend thesis in presentation open to the public

    - Submit Masters Plan A Form 3 - Thesis Evaluation

    - Finalize thesis with committee

    - Submit Masters Plan A Form 4 - Thesis Submission

    - Upload thesis

    - Complete MBGPʻs Exit Survey

    - Graduate!

Program Requirements

These are required of all MS students who are admitted into the Program.

  • Master's Plan A Form 1 - Pre-Candidacy Progress
    Form I is required of all new students and should be completed during the Interim Committee Meeting (above). This is in addition to the MBGP's form (above). (Fall 2021 cohort members: the MBGP office completed Form I for you).
  • *MBIO 603 & MBIO 604
    All students entering the program are required to enroll in and successfully complete the MBIO 603 and 604 core courses in their first year of study. (Fall 2021 cohort members took a combined 603-604 as part of the August course; they do not need to take 603 and 604 separately)
  • Other required courses: See the Student Handbook (link below) a list of courses that can satisfy the requirement for 2 Content courses, and the Statistics requirement.
  • Exit Interview: In their final semester, all students are required to submit a written exit survey with the option to meet with the Chairs. A link to the survey will be sent to students during their semester of graduation.
Important Deadlines

MS students should adhere to these dates & deadlines to ensure successful progress.

  • Form Thesis Committee
    This MBGP form is due by the end of the 2nd semester. At least 2 members must be Regular or Cooperating MBGP graduate faculty (i.e., not Affiliate Faculty).
  • Thesis Proposal
    MS candidates must present a written thesis proposal to their committee no later than the end of the 3rd semester.
  • Master's Plan A Form 2 - Advance to Candidacy
    Due by the end of the 3rd semester. Complete and submit as soon as your thesis proposal is accepted by your committee. This is required to register for MBIO 700 and advance to candidacy.
  • Register for MBIO 700
    After Masters Plan A Form 2- Advance to Candidacy is approved by Graduate Division, a student becomes eligible to register for MBIO 700 credits. All MS students MUST register for at least one credit of MBIO 700 during the final semester of their graduate study (6 total credits of MBIO 700 are needed for graduation).
  • Master's Plan A Form 3 - Thesis Evaluation
    Complete the online form after a successful thesis defense
  • Master's Plan A Form 4 - Thesis Submission
    Complete the online form before uploading your final, approved thesis.
Annual Requirements

All MS students must meet the following requirements each year.

  • Annual Progress Report
    Progress reports are due every year by September 1. Email your report to your committee and the program coordinator.
  • Committee Meeting and Report
    Students must meet with their committee at least once every academic year. Submit a signed summary report of your meeting to the program coordinator as soon as possible after each meeting (but no later than May 15)
  • Graduate Seminar
    A minimum of one graduate seminar in the student’s graduate program (i.e., MBIO ###) or in a related program is required. (Starting with the Fall 2020 cohort, a seminar must be taken at least once every academic year)
  • Continuous Enrollment: Students must be continuously enrolled in at least 1 credit per semester (excluding summer). International students must be enrolled full-time in order to maintain visa status. GAs require at least 6 credits during each semester that the award is effective. Some financial aid awards require a minimum of 8 credits per semester of award.
  • Research Presentation: After the 4th semester, all students are required to make an annual public presentation on their thesis or dissertation research. See the Handbook (below) for suggestions on suitable venues for presentations.

Additional Links and Forms

MBGP Resources

UH Manoa Resources

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