First Semester: Confusion reigns

New to grad school, new to the country perhaps - for most people, the first semester is usually confusing and presents new challenges (and opportunities).

If you have deficiencies you must get rid of them in the first semester. Register for between six to nine credits (two - three courses). Most students register for two 600 level courses or one 600 and one 700 level course.

Whether you are going with the thesis option, the professional paper option, or are undecided, it is a good idea to start slow and only take two courses during your first semester. International students, however, must take at least 9 credits (three courses) unless they have a teaching assistantship in which case they can take 6 credits (two courses). The level of competition in grad school is usually higher, expectations are more, and you may not find it as easy to do well.

What courses should I register for?

Gather information. Read course descriptions from the catalog, talk to instructors, talk with students who have already taken candidate courses. Once you have information then talk to your advisor. He will tell you what you HAVE to take, why it is a good idea to take it now, and what other options you have. Some courses are required for everyone, some courses may be required just for you, and some may be offered once in a blue moon. Your advisor will advise you on these issues once she or he has determined your background and interests.

Our grad students come from a variety of backgrounds and have different interests and expectations. The constraints imposed by our university and department standards are also quite complex. Your advisor is the most important person in charting a course through this academic and administrative morass for you while taking into account your interests and background. Choose your thesis/professional paper advisor as soon as you are able. By the end of your first semester you should know enough about departmental faculty to do so. In any case, you must have a thesis/professional paper advisor after two semesters or 15 credit hours of graduate course work.