College of Graduate Studies

The following checklist is offered as a general guide to students seeking an Education Specialist degree. It is recommended that you check with your major advisor for program specific requirements.

1. Review the requirements for your degree program as specified in the University Catalog. Familiarize yourself with the College of Graduate Studies web page – http://cogs.georgiasouthern.edu.
2. Activate your GSU E-Mail account. Each graduate student is assigned a GSU E-Mail account that you can access via MyGeorgiaSouthern account.
3. Obtain a copy of program handbook from department or other documents outlining specific program requirements from the graduate program director and review these documents.
4. Complete prerequisite/deficiency requirements early in the program. If applicable, request the advisor to submit a letter to the College of Graduate Studies stating the prerequisite deficiency requirements noted on the admission letter have been completed.
5. Prepare a Program of Study.Review “Preparing an Education Specialist’s Program of Study on the College of Graduate Studies web site.Submit the Program of Study with the required signatures to the College of Graduate Studies for final approval not later than the end of the semester prior to the expected graduation term. If changes need to be made to the Program of Study, submit an Amended Program of Study Form to the College of Graduate Studies for approval.
6. Apply for graduation. To apply, submit a completed application for Graduation (application form available for the GSU Registrar’s web site at http://students.georgiasouthern.edu/registrar/GradGradApp.htm. The application deadline is the last day of the semester/term prior to the semester/term in which graduation is expected. You are encouraged to apply early.
7. Pay the graduation application fee to the Business Office in Deal Hall. You are not required to re-submit the application fee if you did not graduate at the end of semester initially projected.
8. Check with you Graduate Program Director, advisor, or department to determine if a comprehensive/final/exit examination is required. If required, be sure to schedule the examination in consultation with your department and advisor by the deadline date (Schedule for Comprehensive/Exit or Terminal Examination) on the College of Graduate Studies web site.
9. The Comprehensive Examination and Thesis Defense Report, signed by the department chair or program director, must be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies by the report submission deadline for the semester as listed at the College of Graduate Studies website.
10. Complete the College of Graduate Studies Exit Survey.