Master's w/ Project
Master's Project Degree Roadmap
Project-based master's degrees combine coursework with a substantial applied, creative, or professional project. Students work with their graduate committee to complete a project that demonstrates their knowledge and skills while addressing a real-world problem, producing a professional product, or creating significant creative works. At UAF, these options are central to applied sciences, engineering, natural resources, education, and creative disciplines where practical application and/or creativity takes precedence over original theoretical research.
Use the Snapshot POV timeline below for a quick high-level overview of your project milestones, or explore the In-Depth POV tabs to access required forms, safety/regulatory guidelines, and specific non-thesis project policies.
Snapshot POV
First Year
Foundation
Intermediate Phase
Project Execution
Final Semester
Presentation & Graduation
In-Depth POV
First Year: Setting Your Academic & Capstone Foundation
Your primary objective during your first two semesters is selecting your advisory committee, mapping your scope of work, and formalizing your coursework trajectory.
What Form Can a Master's Project Take?
Unlike a traditional thesis focused on original theoretical discovery, a master's project centers on synthesis and practical application. Depending on your department, your final product will match one of these accepted academic structures:
- Applied Research Studies: Solving local or industry-specific operational issues using established methodologies.
- Technical Reports: Advanced data modeling, engineering reviews, or scientific assessments compiled for public agencies or corporate sponsors.
- Curriculum Development: Designing, implementing, and assessing advanced instructional systems for educational frameworks.
- Software or Engineering Designs: Developing physical components, architectural blueprints, programs, or technical applications.
- Creative Works & Portfolios: Substantial artistic productions, literary collections, exhibits, or digital media portfolios.
- Community-Based Projects: Partnering with regional entities or Indigenous stakeholders to co-create actionable programs or assessments.
Early Definition
Use your first semester to clearly define your project deliverables with your advisor. This ensures your graduate coursework directly aligns with the technical demands of your project development phase.
Role of Your Project Advisors
Your graduate advisory committee will guide your professional capstone development and track enrollment metrics. Core operational expectations include:
- Collaborating to finalize your dynamic Graduate Study Plan (GSP) by your second semester.
- Monitoring project progress and evaluating safety, permit, or regulatory protocols.
- Completing annual progress evaluations for Graduate School compliance.
- Administering the comprehensive review and evaluating your final project presentation.
When you are ready to appoint your committee you must fill out the Appointment of Committee Form
Go to Appointment of Committee FormCommittee Size Standards
For standard Master's Project programs, the committee requires a **minimum of 3 UAF-approved members** (including a UAF faculty chair) holding an appropriate degree level or professional standing approved by your dean.
Milestone Planning Contract
Your GSP establishes the intended semester-by-semester sequencing for your core coursework and project credits. It acts as a planning document that feeds into your DegreeWorks tracking engine.
Regulatory & Safety Checks
Work with your chair early to determine if your project requires university compliance clearances (e.g., IRB human subjects, IACUC animal handling, biohazards, or agency public land permits). All relevant safety and compliance training must be finalized before active project work starts.
698 Project Credit Rules
Students completing a non-thesis project must enroll in **698 Non-Thesis Research/Project credits** whenever actively working on their capstone.
- A **maximum of 6 credits** of 698 may be applied toward your degree requirements.
- 698 credits are graded Pass/Fail and cannot satisfy core coursework minimums.
- You must be registered for **at least 3 graduate credits** during the semester of your project defense.
Submission Timeline
Master's students must file an approved GSP **by the end of their second semester** to ensure all planned credits satisfy institutional requirements.
Annual Requirement
Each year, students, advisors, and committee members participate in an annual review to assess progress toward degree completion. As part of this process, students are required to submit a brief 2–5 page evaluation highlighting research or project milestones, academic achievements, challenges encountered, and goals for the coming year. You can use our , pdf template, or create your own self-eval template.
Go to Annual Progress Report FormStrict March 15th Deadline
The AAPR is due **every year by March 15**. Neglecting this mandatory document is the single most common reason Ph.D. candidates are placed on sudden academic probation.
Intermediate Phase: Project Execution & Candidacy
This phase centers on fulfilling advanced coursework expectations, finalizing project deliverables, and establishing your binding graduation contract.
Annual Requirement
Each year, students, advisors, and committee members participate in an annual review to assess progress toward degree completion. As part of this process, students are required to submit a brief 2–5 page evaluation highlighting research or project milestones, academic achievements, challenges encountered, and goals for the coming year. You can use our , pdf template, or create your own self-eval template.
Go to Annual Progress Report FormStrict March 15th Deadline
The AAPR is due **every year by March 15**. Neglecting this mandatory document is the single most common reason Ph.D. candidates are placed on sudden academic probation.
Evaluating Synthesis of Fields
Master's project candidates must successfully pass a comprehensive examination designed to ensure integration of core programmatic principles. The structure (written formats, oral presentations, or synthesis reviews) is set by your home department guidelines.
Integrated Options: Many professional project tracks incorporate the comprehensive exam directly into the final project presentation or defense review. Check with your chair to determine your specific format.
Go to Report on Comprehensive ExamProcessing Rules
Your committee chair must route the comprehensive exam results form within **10 days** of your examination. If you receive a conditional pass, the exact remedies and deadlines must be specified on the tracking report.
Your Binding Graduation Audit Contract
Advancing to Candidacy moves you from planning into final graduation processing. This form replaces your tentative GSP and establishes the definitive, binding checklist used by Degree Services to clear your master's degree.
You qualify for project candidacy once you have an approved committee on file, have completed or registered for at least **9 graduate credits**, and cleared your comprehensive exam parameters (if required by your program prior to defense).
One-Semester Deadline
The Advancement to Candidacy form must be submitted and fully approved **at minimum one semester prior** to the semester you intend to graduate.
Final Semester: Project Presentation & Degree Clearance
The final phase includes filing your graduation applications, presenting your capstone project, and securing final committee sign-offs.
Annual Requirement
Each year, students, advisors, and committee members participate in an annual review to assess progress toward degree completion. As part of this process, students are required to submit a brief 2–5 page evaluation highlighting research or project milestones, academic achievements, challenges encountered, and goals for the coming year. You can use our , pdf template, or create your own self-eval template.
Go to Annual Progress Report FormStrict March 15th Deadline
The AAPR is due **every year by March 15**. Neglecting this mandatory document is the single most common reason Ph.D. candidates are placed on sudden academic probation.
Declaring Graduation Intent
File your active graduation application directly within the during the opening weeks of your final term.
Coordinate directly with your advisory committee to schedule your formal project presentation and ensure all public department-level notification requests are fulfilled.
Course Credit Restraints
Age Limits: All coursework on your Advancement must be completed within **7 years** unless extended via an approved Graduate Student Petition.
Grade Baselines: 600-level courses accept a minimum grade of "C" (C- is not accepted), provided a cumulative **3.0 GPA** is maintained.
Final Project Sign-Off Workflow
Upon finishing your capstone project presentation or defense review, your full advisory committee must document the outcomes on the formal Report on Defense within **2 weeks**.
Unlike traditional thesis lines, final written Master's Project deliverables are reviewed and approved locally by your advisory chair, department head, and dean. They **do not** require archival formatting or upload through the ProQuest ETD platform.
Final Tracking
Ensure your dynamic 698 pass/fail grades have been fully cleared and converted by your chair through the regular grade registry terminal before graduation clearance deadlines hit.
Celebrating Your Capstone Success
All Master's Project graduates are warmly invited to walk in the university commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center. Remember to submit your formal ceremony RSVP via the student terminal, coordinate your regalia timeline early, and obtain your official cap, gown, and master's hoods directly from the university bookstore locations.
Cap & Gown Notes
Master's candidates enter the stadium layout carrying their academic hoods draped neatly over their arm, ready to be formally donned as part of the operational ceremony.