Current Graduate Students
Information you need to complete your program
Staying on top of your deadlines and requirements is a key component of completing your graduate degree. We’ve outlined exactly what you need to do in order to be successful and graduate on time.
Key Info
Important Information for All Graduate Students
Degree Deadlines
Degree deadlines are the cut-off dates for a degree in each term, and it is important to keep abreast of these dates when planning to graduate.
Individual Development Plan
Individual Development Plans are required at UW–Madison. Learn how to create and execute your IDP.
Library Resources
The UW-Madison Libraries give you access to millions of books, research articles, newspapers, and other materials you will need for research and assignments.
Handbook
For general information about the Food Science Department Graduate Program
Masters
Masters
Months 1-3
Form Your Graduate Program Academic Committee (GPAC)
Every Grad Student in the Food Science Graduate Program must have a GPAC (Graduate Program Academic Committee). This committee will be assembled in consultation with your advisor, who is one of the GPAC members.
They will advise the student on their classes, research, and provide suggestions, guidance and monitors overall student progress.
Details about who may be a GPAC member are in the GPAC Requirements document.
Months 3-6
First GPAC Meeting
Every Graduate Student in the Food Science Graduate Program must have their first GPAC meeting within six months of matriculation into the program. The student should first meet with their advisor, complete the Course Certification form, and have it signed by their advisor.
Then the student should meet with their GPAC to have the form approved and signed. The completed and signed form should be submitted to the Graduate Coordinator.
Yearly
Annual GPAC MEETING
Every year, all Food Science Graduate Students must meet with their GPAC to discuss the progress in the program.
Any changes to the course certification form and research shall be approved by the GPAC during the meeting. Students will need to submit their progress form and an updated course certification form if any changes were made to the Grad Coordinator. The changes should be initialed by the GPAC.
Final Semester
Master Degree Defense
When students are in their last semester before they graduate from the Master’s Degree Program, they will need to submit a Master’s Degree warrant request at least 3 weeks before their defense. They will also need to give their thesis to their GPAC at least 10 business days before the defense. Detailed instructions and forms are in the Master’s Instructions and Forms document.
PhD
PhD Students
Annual GPAC MEETING
GPAC
Every year, all Food Science Graduate Students must meet with their GPAC to discuss the progress in the program.
Any changes to the course certification form and research shall be approved by the GPAC during the meeting. Students will need to submit their progress form and an updated course certification form if any changes were made to the Grad Coordinator. The changes should be initialed by the GPAC.
Course Requirements Met
Preliminary Exams
PhD students will take their preliminary exam when all course requirements are met (or the same term that the course requirements will be met). A Preliminary warrant must be requested at least 3 weeks before the preliminary. Detailed instructions and forms are in the Preliminary Instructions and Forms document.
Preliminary Passed
Dissertator
Once all classes are taken (except Food Science 990 and the final graded seminar (FS900), and the student has passed their preliminary, a student will qualify as a dissertator and be expected to take 3 credits a semester of FS990 until they Defend. (When they take their final graded FS900, they should take 2 credits of FS 990 and one credit of FS900. Three credits will be considered full-time for a dissertator. More information about being a dissertator can be found at:
PhD Defense
Final Defense
PhD students need to request a PhD warrant request at least 3 weeks before their final defense. They must also submit their dissertation to their GPAC at least 10 business days before their final defense. Detailed instructions and forms are located in the PhD Defense Instructions and Forms document.
Questions about your degree process and progress?
Contact our graduate program coordinator.
E-mail: foodsci_grad_program@mailplus.wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 263-6388