• How do I apply to the RPL Graduate Program?
• Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?
• Do you offer off-campus programs?
• Do I have to take the GRE?
• Do I have to write a thesis to get my degree?

How do I apply to the RPL Graduate Program? [ top]
Your first step is to follow the procedure outlined in the Admission Requirements. After you've been accepted into the program, the steps of your course of study are as follows:

1. After receiving Certificate of Admission, you must contact the RPL graduate coordinator and plan your program. You may register for classes anytime during the registration period.
2. Submit the completed Authorization of Graduate Degree Program to the Graduate Office by the end of the first semester.
3. Meet at least once per semester with graduate advisor to review program plan and discuss issues of concern to the student or advisor.
4. Select a scholarly option committee in consultation with the graduate advisor and complete appropriate form.
5. Plan and secure approval of proposed thesis, project, or internship through RPL graduate committee six weeks prior to expected enrollment. If necessary, file the form, "Thesis, Field Study, or Doctoral Dissertation Prospectus" with the College of Graduate Studies. Application for thesis proposal must be made one semester prior to expected enrollment.
6. Submit completed "Scholarly Option" form to RPL graduate committee.
7. Consult your committee chair concerning the Final Oral Examination (thesis option). A Final Oral Examination is required prior to end of semester of expected graduation.
8. Submit completed and signed thesis to College for Graduate Studies for approval.
9. Complete the "Self Audit" form from the Graduate Office . (Helpful but not required.)
10. Send a completed "Graduation Application" form to College of Graduate Studies approximately eight weeks before the end of the semester you are due to graduate. Deadlines are published in current CMU Graduate Bulletin.
11. You and the graduate advisor will receive an audit form, "Your Progress Toward Graduation," indicating requirements are satisfied or that you must fulfill specific requirements.
12. Be sure the Registrar's Office has the correct mailing address to ensure receipt of diploma or other CMU information.
13. Contact the Alumni Office to fill out forms.

Students must also comply with all regulations found in the Graduate Bulletin.

All forms are available from the graduate advisor. CMU, in conjunction with the federal and state governments and private and civic organizations, offers a variety of fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, grants, loans, and employment opportunities to assist graduate students in financing their education.

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships? [ top]
Questions regarding financial aid applications, loans, and university student employment should be directed to the CMU Office of Financial Aid. The RPL department also offers its own scholarships and graduate assistantships.

Do you offer off-campus programs? [ top]
We have offered off-campus programs in the past, and may do so in the future depending on interest. Though we are not currently offering an off-campus program, please contact Dr. Dean Pybus if an off-campus program is something you'd like us to consider for the future.

Do I have to take the GRE ? [ top]
Yes. It is one piece of information that helps us determine your potential as a graduate student.

Do I have to write a thesis to get my degree? [ top]
All Masters degrees require some form of scholary option in order to complete the degree. A thesis is just one of these options, also known as the Plan A. Students may also choose from completing a scholarly project (Plan B), or an internship (Plan B).