MS Degree
MS Degree Checklist
Please note the general UIC Graduate College requirements for the MS Degree listed below. Specific requirements are listed on our Degree Programs page.
- At least 32 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree
- At least 24 hours, or one-half of the minimum number of semester hours of graduate work required for the degree, whichever is greater, must be earned as a degree candidate at UIC. At least 9 hours must be at the 500 level, excluding research seminars (595), project (597), thesis (598), and independent study courses.
- Only 400- and 500-level courses can be applied to a graduate degree. Credit toward a graduate degree is only given for courses in which a student received a grade of A, B, C, P, or S. Graduate programs may establish higher standards.
- Master’s students who have completed all course credit requirements but have not yet completed a graduation requirement (e.g., thesis, or project, or comprehensive examination) are not required to register unless they hold a fellowship, assistantship or tuition and service-fee waiver.
- Comprehensive Examination or Master's Thesis
Graduating Semester Checklist
- Complete the Petition to Graduate in your myUIC account by the end of Week 3 (Week 2 in summer).
- Review your MS degree requirements.
- Based on the degree requirements listed above, email dgs-mscs@uic.edu with the courses you intend to use to complete the degree for approval.
- Complete the Transfer Credit Petition as needed, to transfer courses completed before admitted to the MS degree program.
- Review UIC Commencement details.
MS Thesis Checklist Heading link
3.Complete the Committee Recommendation form 30 days in advance and send to dgs-mscs@uic.edu with your Committee Chair (thesis advisor) signature. This will then get sent to the Graduate College and an Examination Report will be sent to the Committee Chair.
MS Enroute to the PhD or PhD Students Graduating with the MS Degree Heading link
Students enrolled in the PhD program can obtain an MS degree obtaining DGS approval on the following two forms and and filing the Intent to Graduate.
1. Request for Change of Graduate Program:
- Select concurrent enrollment in Section I.
- The Current Program Code is 20FS 0439 and degree sought is PhD.
- In section II. note the Program Code 2oFS 0439 MS.
- International Students will also need approval from OIS.
2. Graduate Petition for Transfer Credit Toward an Advanced Degree:
- Refer to the MS Degree Program Requirements to complete this form. Please consult with the DGS for any course substitutions.
3. Apply for graduation by completing the Intent to Graduate. in your MyUIC website. Click on the “Student” tab then the “Declare Your Intent to Graduate” portlet.
The Intent to Graduate must be submitted for the term you intend to graduate. The online form is available from the time when registration for that term begins through the Friday of the third week of fall and spring semesters, or through the second week of the summer (eight-week) session. If you complete an Intent to Graduate for one term and do not graduate that term, you must complete another Intent to Graduate for the new term in which you are attempting to graduate.