School of Graduate Studies: St. Cloud State University

Culminating Project

Deadlines for submission of the culminating project:

Spring 2009: May 8
Summer 2009: August 14
Fall 2009: December 18
Spring 2010: May 7

If you have questions on your degree completion status, please call (320) 308-2113.

Culminating Project Manuals

Thesis (pdf: 201k/47pgs)
Starred Paper (pdf: 196k/43pgs)
Creative Work (pdf: 185k/30pgs)

As you prepare to graduate, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to synthesize the experience through a culminating project. The following pages are available to help you successfully complete the requirements for a project that will better prepare you for further studies or employment after graduation.

2009-10 Workshops

Statistics and Survey Design
Monday, October 19, 2009, 3:00pm-4:50pm in MC 207

Reading and Interpreting Statistical Research
Coming Spring 2010

How to Write a Literature Review
Monday, November 2, 2009, 4:00-4:50pm in the Atwood Theatre
Wednesday, November. 4, 12:00 – 12:50 in the B51 Building, Room 118.

Professional and Personal Portfolio Preparation
Monday, November 16: Session 1—4-4:50pm, Miller Center 206
Thursday, November 19: Session 2—4-4:50pm, Miller Center 206
Monday, November 23: Session 3—4-4:50pm, Miller Center 206

2008-09 Workshops

Getting started and staying motivated: notes
Statistics and the Thesis: notes | outline
Institutional Review Board presenting for Graduate Studies: notes | ppt
APA Workshop: ppt
Writing the Literature Review: notes | ppt

Culminating project options by program and more information is available in the Graduate Catalog.

Project Checklist

Please download (pdf), print and keep this checklist to assist you in your countdown to graduation!

The School of Graduate Studies must certify that all requirements for graduation have been satisfied before your degree can be officially awarded. It is your responsibility to determine that all requirements for the degree have been met.

Please review the following list to determine that the requirements pertaining to your program have been fulfilled.

Checklist for All Graduate Students

Be sure that all the courses on your Approved Program Form were completed within the seven-year time limit for completion of the program.
Print your transcript online. Check your transcript to determine that all completed course work is included. If transfer credits do not appear on your transcript and they have been approved as a part of your official program, contact the School of Graduate Studies at once.
Complete all courses on your Approved Program Form. ALL COURSE CHANGES MUST BE APPROVED BY PETITION: verbal approval by your adviser is not sufficient. Forms are available online on the student forms page or in the School of Graduate Studies, room AS-121
All incompletes must be completed and grades submitted by the instructor. Remind your professor to submit a grade change for all incompletes or IP grades. This includes field studies, theses, creative works, and starred papers. Check your transcript to determine if the necessary changes have been made.
A 3.0 grade point average in the major, the total program, and overall graduate courses attempted must be recorded on your transcript. A 3.25 grade point average is required for the Specialist degree in Education Administration. Students who have not achieved the required grade point average are not eligible to take either the oral or written final examinations.
A grade of C- or lower or a grade of “U” cannot be used toward a graduate program.
Fulfill the residence requirement. Candidates for the specialist degree and master’s degree must earn a minimum of 20 semester hours in on-campus classes (day and night combined).
- Courses offered at graduate study centers or through cohort groups established by the University are considered on-campus credit.
- Established ITV and web-based programs are also considered on-campus credit.
- Individual departments may establish residence policies requiring a period of full-time study. Students should consult with their adviser to determine specific departmental requirements
Some departments require a final written comprehensive examination for Plans A, B, or C. Check with your adviser.

Additional Checklist for Plan A: Field Study and Thesis

It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the Final Oral Examination with committee members selected prior to the preliminary conference. The final oral cannot be held in the same semester as the preliminary conference. Final orals generally are not scheduled during the final examination week. Once scheduled, the student or her/his adviser must notify the School of Graduate Studies to allow the paperwork for the conference to be prepared.
One complete copy of your work must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies for format review prior to submission for binding. This is not a final copy.
After approval by your committee and the format reviewer, submit a minimum of three final copies or your field study or thesis by the appropriate deadline (see below).
- Signatures of committee members are required on each approval page.
- The thesis or field study is then registered in the School of Graduate Studies for binding and fee payment.
- If the student desires a bound copy of the field study or thesis, one additional copy must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies.
- Two additional signed copies of the abstract are required for further distribution by the School of Graduate Studies.
- An abstract IS required for field study and thesis.
All final copies must be submitted on 100% cotton paper for binding.
The student is responsible for the binding fee of $10 per copy plus a one-time $10 microfilm fee. Please make check payable to St. Cloud State University. Submit payment to the School of Graduate Studies. If you wish to use a credit card you must contact Ann E. Anderson at 320.308.2114 or aeanderson@stcloudstate.edu to enter charges before payment can be made.
Remind you adviser to submit a grade/change of grade for the field study/thesis. A mark of “S” is recorded for an approved field study or theses.

Additional Checklist for Plan A: Creative Work

It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the Final Oral Examination with committee members selected prior to the preliminary conference. The final oral cannot be held in the same semester as the preliminary conference. Final orals generally are not scheduled during the final examination week. Once scheduled, the student or her/his adviser must notify the School of Graduate Studies to allow the paperwork for the conference to be prepared.
After your final oral, submit a minimum of three final copies of your creative work by the appropriate deadline (see below).
- Signatures of committee members are required on each approval page.
- The creative work is then registered in the School of Graduate Studies for binding and fee paid. If the student desires a bound copy of the creative work, one additional copy must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies.
- No abstract is required.
All final copies must be submitted on 100% cotton paper for binding.
The student is responsible for the binding fee of $10 per copy plus a one-time $10 microfilm fee. Please make checks payable to St. Cloud State University. Submit payment to the School of Graduate Studies. If you wish to use a credit card you must contact Ann E. Anderson at 320.308.2114 or aeanderson@stcloudstate.edu to enter charges before payment can be made.
Remind your adviser to submit a grade/change of grade for the creative work. A mark of “S is recorded for an approved creative work.

Additional Checklist for Plan B: Starred Paper

It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the Final Oral Examination with the committee members selected prior to the preliminary conference. The final oral cannot be held in the same semester as the preliminary conference. Final orals generally are not scheduled during the final examination week. Once scheduled, the student or her/his adviser must notify the School of Graduate Studies to allow the paperwork for the conference to be prepared.
After your final oral, submit a minimum of three final copies of your starred paper by the appropriate deadline (see below).
- Signatures of committee members are required on each approval page.
- The starred paper is then registered in the School of Graduate Studies.
- If the student desires a bound copy of the starred paper, one additional copy must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies.
- No abstract is required.
All final copies must be submitted on 100% cotton paper for binding.
The student is responsible for the binding fee of $10 per copy plus a one-time $10 microfilm fee. Please make checks payable to St. Cloud State University. Submit payment to the School of Graduate Studies. If you wish to use a credit card you must contact Ann E. Anderson at 320.308.2114 or aeanderson@stcloudstate.edu to enter charges before payment can be made.

Additional Checklist for Plan B: Written Comprehensive Examination

During the first week of the semester you plan to graduate, arrange with your adviser to complete the final written comprehensive examination. The adviser will notify the School of Graduate Studies whether you pass or fail and will submit your examination to the School of Graduate Studies.

Additional Checklist for Plan C: Professional Project/Portfolio

Candidates are required to successfully complete a final oral and/or written examination covering the material developed for inclusion in the professional project/portfolio.
It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the Final Oral Examination with committee members selected prior to the preliminary conference. The final oral cannot be held in the same semester as the preliminary conference. Final orals generally are not scheduled during the final examination week. Once scheduled, the student or her/his adviser must notify the School of Graduate Studies to allow the paperwork for the conference to be prepared.
The final portfolio should be submitted to the department a minimum of two weeks prior to the date set for the final oral.

	A-Z Index \| News \| Library \| Technology \| Support St. Cloud State \| St. Cloud State University Home Admissions Academics Student Life About SCSU Athletics Alumni & Friends Prospective Students Current Students New Students Culminating Project Financial Support Commencement and Graduation Academic Policies Graduate Student Life Getting Involved Graduate School Awards Student Forms Distance Students Doctoral Studies Graduate Faculty Graduate Assistants and Supervisors Graduate Catalog Graduate Programs Graduate Studies Overview Twin Cities Graduate Center Contact Us Culminating Project Deadlines for submission of the culminating project: Spring 2009: May 8 Summer 2009: August 14 Fall 2009: December 18 Spring 2010: May 7 If you have questions on your degree completion status, please call (320) 308-2113. Culminating Project Manuals Thesis (pdf: 201k/47pgs) Starred Paper (pdf: 196k/43pgs) Creative Work (pdf: 185k/30pgs) As you prepare to graduate, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to synthesize the experience through a culminating project. The following pages are available to help you successfully complete the requirements for a project that will better prepare you for further studies or employment after graduation. Planning a culminating project Forming your committee Thesis award information 2009-10 Workshops Statistics and Survey Design Monday, October 19, 2009, 3:00pm-4:50pm in MC 207 Reading and Interpreting Statistical Research Coming Spring 2010 How to Write a Literature Review Monday, November 2, 2009, 4:00-4:50pm in the Atwood Theatre Wednesday, November. 4, 12:00 – 12:50 in the B51 Building, Room 118. Professional and Personal Portfolio Preparation Monday, November 16: Session 1—4-4:50pm, Miller Center 206 Thursday, November 19: Session 2—4-4:50pm, Miller Center 206 Monday, November 23: Session 3—4-4:50pm, Miller Center 206 2008-09 Workshops Getting started and staying motivated: notes Statistics and the Thesis: notes \| outline Institutional Review Board presenting for Graduate Studies: notes \| ppt APA Workshop: ppt Writing the Literature Review: notes \| ppt Culminating project options by program and more information is available in the Graduate Catalog. Project Checklist *Please download (pdf), print and keep this checklist to assist you in your countdown to graduation!* The School of Graduate Studies must certify that all requirements for graduation have been satisfied before your degree can be officially awarded. It is your responsibility to determine that all requirements for the degree have been met. Please review the following list to determine that the requirements pertaining to your program have been fulfilled. Checklist for All Graduate Students Be sure that all the courses on your Approved Program Form were completed within the seven-year time limit for completion of the program. Print your transcript online. Check your transcript to determine that all completed course work is included. If transfer credits do not appear on your transcript and they have been approved as a part of your official program, contact the School of Graduate Studies at once. Complete all courses on your Approved Program Form. ALL COURSE CHANGES MUST BE APPROVED BY PETITION: verbal approval by your adviser is not sufficient. Forms are available online on the student forms page or in the School of Graduate Studies, room AS-121 All incompletes must be completed and grades submitted by the instructor. Remind your professor to submit a grade change for all incompletes or IP grades. This includes field studies, theses, creative works, and starred papers. Check your transcript to determine if the necessary changes have been made. A 3.0 grade point average in the major, the total program, and overall graduate courses attempted must be recorded on your transcript. A 3.25 grade point average is required for the Specialist degree in Education Administration. Students who have not achieved the required grade point average are not eligible to take either the oral or written final examinations. A grade of C- or lower or a grade of “U” cannot be used toward a graduate program. Fulfill the residence requirement. Candidates for the specialist degree and master’s degree must earn a minimum of 20 semester hours in on-campus classes (day and night combined). Courses offered at graduate study centers or through cohort groups established by the University are considered on-campus credit. Established ITV and web-based programs are also considered on-campus credit. Individual departments may establish residence policies requiring a period of full-time study. Students should consult with their adviser to determine specific departmental requirements Some departments require a final written comprehensive examination for Plans A, B, or C. Check with your adviser. Additional Checklist for Plan A: Field Study and Thesis It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the Final Oral Examination with committee members selected prior to the preliminary conference. The final oral cannot be held in the same semester as the preliminary conference. Final orals generally are not scheduled during the final examination week. Once scheduled, the student or her/his adviser must notify the School of Graduate Studies to allow the paperwork for the conference to be prepared. One complete copy of your work must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies for format review prior to submission for binding. This is not a final copy. After approval by your committee and the format reviewer, submit a minimum of three final copies or your field study or thesis by the appropriate deadline (see below). Signatures of committee members are required on each approval page. The thesis or field study is then registered in the School of Graduate Studies for binding and fee payment. If the student desires a bound copy of the field study or thesis, one additional copy must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies. Two additional signed copies of the abstract are required for further distribution by the School of Graduate Studies. An abstract IS required for field study and thesis. All final copies must be submitted on 100% cotton paper for binding. The student is responsible for the binding fee of $10 per copy plus a one-time $10 microfilm fee. Please make check payable to St. Cloud State University. Submit payment to the School of Graduate Studies. If you wish to use a credit card you must contact Ann E. Anderson at 320.308.2114 or aeanderson@stcloudstate.edu to enter charges before payment can be made. Remind you adviser to submit a grade/change of grade for the field study/thesis. A mark of “S” is recorded for an approved field study or theses. Additional Checklist for Plan A: Creative Work It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the Final Oral Examination with committee members selected prior to the preliminary conference. The final oral cannot be held in the same semester as the preliminary conference. Final orals generally are not scheduled during the final examination week. Once scheduled, the student or her/his adviser must notify the School of Graduate Studies to allow the paperwork for the conference to be prepared. After your final oral, submit a minimum of three final copies of your creative work by the appropriate deadline (see below). Signatures of committee members are required on each approval page. The creative work is then registered in the School of Graduate Studies for binding and fee paid. If the student desires a bound copy of the creative work, one additional copy must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies. No abstract is required. All final copies must be submitted on 100% cotton paper for binding. The student is responsible for the binding fee of $10 per copy plus a one-time $10 microfilm fee. Please make checks payable to St. Cloud State University. Submit payment to the School of Graduate Studies. If you wish to use a credit card you must contact Ann E. Anderson at 320.308.2114 or aeanderson@stcloudstate.edu to enter charges before payment can be made. Remind your adviser to submit a grade/change of grade for the creative work. A mark of “S is recorded for an approved creative work. Additional Checklist for Plan B: Starred Paper It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the Final Oral Examination with the committee members selected prior to the preliminary conference. The final oral cannot be held in the same semester as the preliminary conference. Final orals generally are not scheduled during the final examination week. Once scheduled, the student or her/his adviser must notify the School of Graduate Studies to allow the paperwork for the conference to be prepared. After your final oral, submit a minimum of three final copies of your starred paper by the appropriate deadline (see below). Signatures of committee members are required on each approval page. The starred paper is then registered in the School of Graduate Studies. If the student desires a bound copy of the starred paper, one additional copy must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies. No abstract is required. All final copies must be submitted on 100% cotton paper for binding. The student is responsible for the binding fee of $10 per copy plus a one-time $10 microfilm fee. Please make checks payable to St. Cloud State University. Submit payment to the School of Graduate Studies. If you wish to use a credit card you must contact Ann E. Anderson at 320.308.2114 or aeanderson@stcloudstate.edu to enter charges before payment can be made. Additional Checklist for Plan B: Written Comprehensive Examination During the first week of the semester you plan to graduate, arrange with your adviser to complete the final written comprehensive examination. The adviser will notify the School of Graduate Studies whether you pass or fail and will submit your examination to the School of Graduate Studies. Additional Checklist for Plan C: Professional Project/Portfolio Candidates are required to successfully complete a final oral and/or written examination covering the material developed for inclusion in the professional project/portfolio. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the Final Oral Examination with committee members selected prior to the preliminary conference. The final oral cannot be held in the same semester as the preliminary conference. Final orals generally are not scheduled during the final examination week. Once scheduled, the student or her/his adviser must notify the School of Graduate Studies to allow the paperwork for the conference to be prepared. The final portfolio should be submitted to the department a minimum of two weeks prior to the date set for the final oral. School of Graduate Studies (contact information) 720 4th Avenue South - St. Cloud, Minnesota 56301-4498 Page Revised: 10/27/2009 Phone: (320) 308-2113 © 2009 St. Cloud State University Site Map \| Map & Directions \| Contact SCSU \| Accreditations St. Cloud State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer. 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