Super! You have been accepted into the masters degree you applied for. The future of your career certainly looks promising. Now the question is, what will it take to complete the degree on time and with little stress? Let us look at this step-by-step. Returning to school is certainly a longterm commitment which requires months or years of sacrifice and good planning. The good news is that it is possible to take some actions that will make your time in the program more manageable.

Step 1 – Prepare your program of study as soon as you get in to the program. In many graduate programs, at least 36 credit hours are required for graduation. So be confirm this information with your department or program advisor. May graduate schools also have what they call a program of study. This is a form that you need to complete showing what courses you will take and when you will take them. Every semester you are in the program, make sure you enroll in the minimum number of required hours. If not advise the school you will be taking a semester of. Some programs require you to re-enroll if you are away from the program without notifying them.

Step 2 – Complete your course work. And plan your course load carefully! Don’t take on more than you think you can handle. Your advisor will be there to assist you in the course of the program. It is good practice to meet with your advisor at least once each term to examine your progress and to plan ahead.

Step 3 – Choose a committee if it your program requires a thesis, or a master’s research project. The committee will guide you in completing your program successfully.

Step 4 – Do research on the career you want. As you go through the program, learn about what it takes to succeed in that field. For example if you are a nursing student, learn more about the latest technologies being used in healthcare. This way when you join the field, you will already have a good idea on what is current. You can learn these skills through your coursework, internship, and also your own extra reading and Internet searches.

Step 5 – Prepare and defend your thesis. Work with your advisor or committee to develop a good product. While this can be challenging, it can be done and the rewards speak for themselves! Begin by outlining the topic you propose, the research methods you will use, the confounding theories and a the review of related literature. In some program you might be required to take a comprehensive exam or develop a portfolio instead. Find out what your alternatives are so that you decide on this early if you have a choice.

Step 6 – Begin researching for jobs that you might be interested in. Compile your professional resume including your resume, best artifacts, your reference list and other items that speak to your best work. Do not wait until the day before graduation to start looking for a job as others might also be doing the same thing. Be ahead of the crowd!

Step 7 – Apply for graduation. At some point during your program of study, apply for graduation. Be sure to check the deadlines. Some come up very early in the program, and you certainly do not want to miss that.

Some options to consider are accelerated and online programs options that are especially important for adults with families and jobs, non-traditional scheduling, possibility of transferring credits. Although completing your degree quickly may be important to you, be sure to check the quality of the school you are planning to attend. Be sure it is accredited. At the end of the journey, there soon will be a light at the end of the tunnel!